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| Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Korea | |
|---|---|
| Name | Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Korea |
| Formation | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Seoul |
| Location | Seoul National University area |
| Membership | eminent scholars and scientists |
| Leader title | President |
Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Korea is an independent learned society that assembles leading scholars and researchers from across the Republic of Korea to advise on scientific policy, promote excellence in research, and recognize distinguished achievement. Founded in the 1990s amid debates on national research priorities, the Academy interacts with major Korean institutions and international bodies to influence policy, disseminate scholarship, and foster collaboration. Its activities connect prominent individuals and organizations across the Republic of Korea, the Asia-Pacific region, and global scientific networks.
The Academy emerged during a period of institutional reform linked to figures and institutions such as Kim Dae-jung, Roh Tae-woo, Park Chung-hee, Sejong National Research Council, and major Korean universities including Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, KAIST, and POSTECH. Early discussions involved policymakers from the Ministry of Science and Technology (South Korea), advisors from National Research Foundation of Korea, and senior academics formerly associated with the Korean Academy of Science and Technology. Its founding referenced international models including the Royal Society, National Academy of Sciences (United States), Académie des sciences, Max Planck Society, and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Milestones in the Academy's development included inaugural meetings with delegates from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the International Council for Science, and exchanges with the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Over successive administrations—interacting with administrations associated with Kim Young-sam, Roh Moo-hyun, Lee Myung-bak, Park Geun-hye, Moon Jae-in—the Academy expanded its remit to include public engagement, advisory reports to the National Assembly (South Korea), and partnerships with think tanks such as the Korea Development Institute.
The Academy is structured with an elected President, an executive board, and disciplinary sections mirroring models used by Academia Sinica, Royal Society of Canada, and the Indian National Science Academy. Its governance documents reference bylaws analogous to those in the Charter of the United Nations for procedural norms while aligning with national law such as statutes overseen by the Ministry of Education (South Korea). Administrative units coordinate relations with universities like Sogang University, research institutes like Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, and industry partners including Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Hyundai Motor Company. Advisory committees include representatives drawn from centers such as the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and policy groups like the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. The Academy's president has historically come from senior academics affiliated with institutions such as Pohang University of Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, and Inha University.
Membership comprises full members, foreign associates, and corresponding members elected for lifetime terms, following procedures similar to those at the National Academy of Sciences (United States), Royal Society, and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. Nominees have included scholars from Korea University Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital, leaders of research groups at Samsung Medical Center, and pioneers from laboratories at KAIST and POSTECH. Election involves peer nomination, review by sectional committees, and voting by the general membership; notable electees have been prominent figures affiliated with Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, and institutes like the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials. The Academy periodically recognizes foreign associates from institutions including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Cambridge, Max Planck Society, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The Academy sponsors interdisciplinary programs bridging life sciences, engineering, and social science research, modeled after programs at the Wellcome Trust and the European Molecular Biology Organization. Collaborative research initiatives have been coordinated with the Korean Foundation for Advanced Studies, the National Research Foundation of Korea, and international consortia that include partners such as World Health Organization, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank expert panels. Publications include monograph series, policy briefs, and peer-reviewed proceedings produced in partnership with university presses at Seoul National University Press and international publishers with ties to Cambridge University Press and Springer Nature. Journals and reports address themes relevant to institutions like Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, Korea Environment Institute, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute.
The Academy administers awards for scientific excellence and lifetime achievement, modeled after honors such as the Nobel Prize, the Lasker Award, and national medals like the Order of Civil Merit and the Order of Science and Technology Merit (South Korea). Prizes recognize outstanding work by researchers affiliated with Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, LG Sciencepark, Korea Institute of Energy Research, and leading university departments at Yonsei University and Seoul National University. Awardees have included members who later served in policy roles at the Ministry of Science and ICT (South Korea) and as advisors to presidents and legislative committees in the National Assembly (South Korea).
The Academy maintains exchange programs and memoranda with the Royal Society, National Academy of Sciences (United States), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Japan Science and Technology Agency, and regional bodies such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation science working groups. Collaborative agreements foster joint symposia with institutions such as Stanford University, Imperial College London, ETH Zurich, and Tsinghua University, and research missions with multinational organizations including UNESCO and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). These partnerships support mobility for scholars between institutions such as KAIST, POSTECH, Korea University, and leading overseas universities.
Facilities include meeting halls, a scholarly library connected to the National Library of Korea network, and offices co-located with research centers in the Gangnam District and near Seoul National University. Funding is derived from endowments, awards from public agencies like the Ministry of Science and ICT (South Korea) and the National Research Foundation of Korea, corporate sponsorships from firms such as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai, and grants from foundations including the Korea Foundation and private donors with ties to conglomerates like SK Group. The Academy administers research funds and fellowships that support scholars affiliated with universities and institutes such as Sungkyunkwan University, Chonnam National University, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, and Ewha Womans University.
Category:Learned societies of South Korea