EduAsiaNews, Seoul – The South Korean government has set an ambitious goal: to turn the country into a new magnet for world-class scientists. Through the 2026 Brain Pool (BP/BP+) Program, the government will select five domestic research institutions and allocate up to 3 billion won, or approximately Rp 39 billion (about US$2 million), per year to each institution. The scheme is designed to enable universities and research institutes to independently recruit leading scientists from around the world.
The policy was announced by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the nation’s global research competitiveness. The Brain Pool Program, first launched in 1994, aims to internationalize Korea’s research ecosystem. Amid intensifying global technological competition, the government has increased the program’s budget by about 40 percent, from 38.8 billion won in 2025 to 54.6 billion won this year, equivalent to roughly Rp 700 billion.
Under the updated design, there are two main funding tracks. The new BP+ Institution-led track grants greater autonomy to universities, research institutes, and government-affiliated organizations to recruit overseas research teams or individual scholars. Five selected institutions will receive block funding of around 3 billion won annually for up to five years, structured as an initial two-year term extendable by an additional three years. The funding covers salaries, recruitment costs, and research expenses.
Meanwhile, the BP Individual-led track will continue with a target of approximately 80 research projects. Each researcher may receive up to 350 million won for a maximum of three years, including living allowances and research costs. Applications are submitted through the National Research Foundation of Korea’s integrated R&D system, with separate deadlines for each track in April.
This initiative aligns with a joint action plan announced late last year to propel Korea toward becoming a global science and technology powerhouse by 2030. During a national policy briefing titled “Korea Dreaming Again of Becoming a Nation of Scientists and Engineers,” the government emphasized that innovation-driven growth is the answer to economic slowdown and fierce competition in fields such as artificial intelligence. The ultimate aim is to create a virtuous cycle in which top talent gathers, produces world-class discoveries, and in turn attracts even more outstanding scientists. (Source : vnexpress.net*)
