Gyeongbuk to Recruit 11 Leading Scholars in Advanced Science Fields for Residency in Andong 'Scientist Village'

AI, Robotics, Semiconductors, and Biotechnology Experts
Responsible for Lectures, Research, and Securing National Projects

The Gyeongbuk Provincial Government Office will publicly recruit candidates for the "2026 Gyeongsangbuk-do K-Scientist" program until October 27. The program aims to select approximately 11 distinguished experts in various fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, advanced materials (including semiconductors and secondary batteries), and medical and biotechnology.

The K-Scientist initiative is a "brain recruitment project," where scientists and engineers with research and academic exchange experience reside in Gyeongbuk, supporting the development of local strategic industries and enhancing technological competitiveness.

Gyeongbuk Provincial Government Office

In July 2025, the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government Office appointed its first group of nine K-Scientists. Through the "K-Scientists Are Here to Help" project, these scholars played a pivotal role in securing 1 billion won in national funding for the expansion of children's science experience spaces in Chilgok-gun. They also provided advisory support for reinforcing regional medical infrastructure, fostering the next-generation small modular reactor (SMR) technology, and establishing policies for the Gyeongbuk Provincial Grand Transformation Committee. Additionally, they have given more than 50 science lectures targeting local residents, public officials, and students.

To further amplify its achievements, the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government Office has expanded eligibility for the program from retired (or soon-to-retire) scientists to include active scientists. The office has identified demands from municipal governments and 115 companies within the province, thereby laying the groundwork for collaborations between these institutions and scientific professionals.

K-Scientists are appointed as distinguished research fellows at the Gyeongbuk Research Institute, where they support corporate research and development, advancement of manufacturing processes, technology commercialization, national projects, convergence research, and the popularization of science. They play a key role in bridging the gap between the industrial field and policymaking, research, and education, thereby boosting the region's scientific and technological capabilities.

Applicants must download and complete an application form from the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government Office website and submit it via email by October 27. After a review by a selection committee, the final candidates will be chosen in December. Selected K-Scientists will move into the K-Scientist Village and begin their activities in the first half of 2027.

Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of North Gyeongsang Province, stated, "K-Scientist Village is an ambitious national experiment that aims to channel the experience and wisdom of top scholars into the future growth engines of Gyeongbuk's industrial sector," adding, "Together with leading scholars, we will establish Gyeongbuk as the science and technology capital at the forefront of Korea's regional era."

The K-Scientist Village will be established on the north side of Hominji, in Gagok-ri, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong-si, and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. It is set to become the country's first dedicated residential complex for senior scientists and technology experts, featuring 38 residential buildings (45 housing units) and 9 shared facilities.

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