Science Reporters Conference to Be Held on the 28th... Focus on the AI Transformation and Obesity Treatments

From AI Semiconductor Strategies to Evolving Roles for Researchers
Addressing the Obesity Treatment Boom and the Responsibility of the Media

The 2026 Science Reporters Conference, which will examine national strategies amid the era of the great artificial intelligence (AI) transformation as well as social controversy surrounding obesity treatments, will be held on July 28.

The Korea Science Reporters Association announced on July 24 that it will host the 2026 Science Reporters Conference at 1:00 p.m. on July 28 in the main conference room of the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

2026 Science Journalists Conference Poster. Courtesy of the Science Journalists Association.

Now in its ninth year, the Science Reporters Conference will consist of two sessions under the themes: "AI Transformation, Technology Hegemony and the Future of Society" and "Obesity Treatments, Bio-Innovation, and the Role of the Media." The event is designed to expand scientific communication with the public by bringing together experts and journalists to discuss important scientific and technological topics.

The first session will address the future direction of semiconductor technology in the AI era, changes in the roles of researchers, and strategies for scientific and technological innovation required for the AI transformation. Professor Choi Rino of Inha University and Yoo Yonggyun, Director of the National Science AI Research Center, will deliver presentations, followed by a panel discussion featuring experts from academia, industry, and research such as Yoon Jiwoong, President of the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI), and Baek Junho, CEO of FuriosaAI.

The second session will examine the current status and market outlook for obesity treatments, their medical value and misuse issues, and the role of the media. Presentations will be delivered by Choi Inyoung, Head of Future Growth at Hanmi Pharm, and Oh Sangwoo, Head of the Obesity Metabolic Nutrition Center at Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital. Medical and media professionals will discuss the social impact of obesity treatments and desirable reporting guidelines.

This year, 758 session topic ideas were submitted by 699 participants, a significant increase from last year’s 541 participants and 431 proposals. More than 500 questions were received in advance—over twice that of last year—reflecting heightened public interest in AI and obesity treatments.

Eunjeong Lee, President of the Korea Science Reporters Association, said, "Both the AI transformation and obesity treatments are issues with not only industrial value but also significant social impact," adding, "This conference will provide an opportunity for experts and journalists to discuss and explore policy alternatives and methods of communication the public can truly relate to."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.