Seoul: The science ministry announced on Thursday that it has selected approximately 4,600 individual science researchers as part of an initiative to reinvigorate basic science research activities. These efforts aim to address the significant reduction in such activities that occurred under the previous administration.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Science and ICT has chosen 4,628 researchers to engage in independent projects under a government funding program for the first half of 2026. This initiative represents a 25 percent increase in the number of supported researchers compared to the previous year. The ministry will allocate 643 billion won (US$435 million) to fund these new projects.

The pool of selected researchers includes 114 foreign nationals, a notable increase from just 36 the prior year. This change follows the ministry's decision to accept research proposals submitted in English, broadening the scope for international participation. The ministry emphasized its commitment to supporting exceptional foreign researchers, encouraging them to continue their studies in South Korea.

Notably, approximately 2,150 of the newly selected researchers, accounting for 47 percent, are located outside the greater Seoul area. This distribution aligns with the government's strategy to enhance research activities in regional areas, further decentralizing scientific research efforts across the country.