Korea was once a backwater of science and technology.
Science and technology was a prerequisite for the nation to achieve economic independence.
In order to meet this need, the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies was launched,
and has spearheaded the history of science and technology development in tune with Korea's
astonishing economic growth.
Science and technology for Korea's future!
KOFST is mobilizing the capacity of 5 million scientists and engineers to make Korea a happier place
for the people to live.
Gathering Opinions and Suggesting Policies to the Government
As one of Korea's leading organizations in the area of science and technology, KOFST has been
gathering opinions of scientists and engineers and spearheading the development
of the nation's science and technology policy.
The KOFST Policy Research Institute, a think tank of the nation's science and technology community,
has been hosting various policy debates; including the KOFST Forum and the Korea Conference on
Innovative Science and Technology.
It has also been addressing current science and technology issues through diverse measures such as
publishing issue papers and global briefs.
The Federation is also developing policy agendas that will serve as the foundation for Korea's science
and technology administration, and is proactively making policy recommendations to the government.
Fostering Organizations in S&T
Korea is one of the top ten countries in basic science in the world.
KOFST is supporting activities of academic societies and science and technology organizations, which
are the basis for the development of science and technology and acquisition of fundamental
technologies, and nurturing scientists and engineers of the future.
The Federation is systematically supporting academic conferences and publications, while focusing its
efforts to promote world-class academic publications.
Owing to KOFST's far-reaching support and academic societies' efforts, the number of Korean
research papers published in the SCI journals increased from three in 1997 to 90 in 2011. Korea
ranked 11th in the number of theses in the world, a testament to the nation's rapid strides in basic
science.
Encouraging Social Engagement of Scientists and Engineers
Science and technology takes the center stage in modern society!
Participation of scientists and engineers is required in every sector of our society, from politics and
economy to social affairs and culture.
Science and technology has taken the center stage of state administration, and there is a growing
need for scientists and engineers to engage in policy development and legislation process, which
requires a high level of professionalism.
KOFST has formed the Korea Science and Technology Alliance with 23 science and technology
organizations, and is expanding opportunities for scientists and engineers to participate in national
administration and legislation process. The Federation is also supporting the National Assembly by
forming a Science and Technology Advisory Committee.
By establishing the Sharing Community of Science and Technology, KOFST is enabling scientists and
engineers to use their expertise to serve the community and fulfill their responsibility as members of
our society.
Meanwhile, KOFST's 12 regional branches in major cities including Busan, Daejeon, Daegu and
Gwangju are strengthening their partnerships with local governments. They are contributing to the
development of policies needed for regional development and spreading of science to the public
through science and technology forums, science lectures, and informational sessions to help
students pursue science or engineering for their career.
International S&T Cooperation
We are broadening the horizon of Korea's science and technology to the world.
To efficiently utilize high-caliber science and technology human resources overseas and boost
exchange and cooperation with ethnic Korean scientists and engineers abroad, KOFST is supporting
16 associations of Korean scientists and engineers worldwide.
KOFST has established a global science and technology network for Korean scientists and engineers
overseas with the aim of globalizing the nation's science and technology.
Related initiatives include: the Brain Pool that invites outstanding scientists and engineers overseas to
Korean research institutions; the Young Generation Forum that engages the next generation of
Korean scientists and engineers overseas, including second- and third-generations of ethnic
Koreans abroad; Korea-US Academic Conference; Korea-EU Academic Conference; Korea-Canada
Academic Conference; and the Universal Linkage for Top Research Advisor program.
Improving the Morale of Scientists and Engineers
Our scientists and engineers are dedicated to their research and academic activities with pride!
KOFST is taking the lead to promote scientists and engineers with outstanding accomplishments to the
public, and to improve their morale to create an environment where they receive due respect through
diverse events and awards such as: the Science Day Ceremony; Awarding of prizes and order of merit
to scientists and engineers; Award for Most Outstanding Scientist; and Outstanding research paper
award
Commemorating 50 years of history
Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies!
KOFST is transforming from an institution focused on academic societies to a science and technology
organization that brings together technical organizations and scientists and engineers of all different
generations.
Now, KOFST is designing a happier Korea with science and technology, envisioning the next 100 years.
Science and technology is our future!
The Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies is creating a science-and
technology-oriented society with 5 million scientists and engineers.
It is generating a renaissance of science and technology in Korea.