★ Call for Members: 2026 International Researcher Networking Program “Global R&D Career Salon in Korea” ★

The Korea Institute of Human Resources Development in Science and Technology (KIRD) is recruiting members for the 2026 International Researcher Networking Program, “Global R&D Career Salon in Korea.”

This program aims to support career development and research networking among international researchers working or studying in Korea.

We encourage science and technology professionals who are interested in building a global R&D network to apply and participate.

We look forward to your interest and applications.

1. Program Overview

A. Purpose

- Promoting early adaptation to the Korean research environment and supporting the growth and long-term settlement of international researchers as independent research leaders through research networking programs.

B. Eligibility : Foreign researchers or graduate students who aim to develop their careers and expand their research networks in Korea

- Members : International researchers or graduate students currently working or studying in Korea

- Leaders : The leaders for each group have already been selected.

※ Recruiting up to 10 members for each of the 10 networking groups.

※ Up to 10 members will be selected for each group after reviewing applicants’ profiles and statements of motivation. Selected applicants will be notified individually.

C. Scale

- Operation of 10 Networking Groups

D. Duration

- June – November 2026 (6 months)

E. Program Description

- Self-directed networking activities, including collaborative learning and discussions on topics selected by each group leader.

- Topics (Click to view details)

① Advanced Upcycling Technologies for Spent Li-ion Batteries

② Research on Industry-Specific Quantum Computing Use Cases and Exploration of Tech Startup Opportunities

③ K-Resilience R&D Salon

④ Global Convergence R&D Leadership Network

⑤ AI·Data Science Global Research Network in Korea

⑥ Top-Security

⑦ K-ResearChain: From Lab Culture to Career Paths

⑧ Building an R&D Career in Korea as an International Researcher

⑨ Global AI & Smartbot Network(GA & SN)

⑩ Exploring Trends in Advanced Regenerative Medicine and Biotechnology Research

F. Program Benefits

- Group Activity Fund: up to KRW 3,000,000(Deposited into the group bank account)

▶ Expenses can only be used for offline regular and ad-hoc meetings

▶ Meeting expenses (up to KRW 50,000 per person per session), venue rental fees, conference and training participation fees,

and other eligible expense items in accordance with KIRD’s operational guidelines

- Expert consulting fees per group (advisory fees): up to KRW 1,000,000 in total (up to KRW 300,000 per session)

- Additional benefits include capacity-building training, Opportunities to participate in networking events for international researchers and other related activities.

G. Group member Application & Selection

- Eligibility : International researchers or graduate students currently working or studying in Korea (open to all nationalities)

- Application Method : Complete the Application Form (Click Here)

- Application Period : June 4–26, 2026

※ After the application period closes, applicants’ profiles and statements of motivation will be reviewed. Final members will then be selected and notified individually. Each group will consist of up to 10 members, and no more than two Korean nationals may participate in a single group.

※ Free of Charge (No Application Fee Required)

H. Contact Information

- Q&A Open Board: Submit your inquiries by posting comments for each program, and responses will be provided accordingly

- jmpark@kird.re.kr