We Need More Scientists
Photo credit to WCUIC
"We need idol stars, but what we need more are scientists." This is a famous quote from a recent Korean commercial. In this commercial, the need for more scientists is publicly presented to the viewers. Scientists are experts in the field of fundamental science. Lately, however, young people have shown a preference for majors such as business administration, medical science, and public administration—majors showing utilitarian characteristics. The Education, Science and Technology Committee revealed that the majority of International Science Olympiad winners chose to attend medical school. According to the Dong-A Daily News and staffing agency Incruit Corporation, thrice as many companies gave special preference to business administration and economics majors this year as compared to 2010. These majors are obviously preferred by society and individuals. As the interest for certain kinds of majors are on the rise, interest in other majors has been waning. The majors that are less popular are in the field of fundamental studies.
There are many types of fundamental studies. World Class University (WCU) is an organization that focuses on the fundamental sciences. WCU focuses on research studies and invites elite foreign researchers and scientists to Korea. The 2012 World Class University International Conference was held on September 14. The primary purpose of this conference is for international scholars to share their research developments. The secondary purpose is to support the dreams of young students who wish to grow in the research field. During this year’s conference, 200 middle and high school students had the opportunity to meet Nobel Prize laureates and receive educational advice from them. To learn more about students’ aspirations to become contributors to the international community, the following is an interview with Dr. SeongYong Ahn from the Research University Promotion Team at the National Research Foundation of Korea.
Dr. SeongYong Ahn
Q. What is the main goal of the WCU International Conference?
A. The WCU International Conference (IC) is an international academic event that is hosted in conjunction with the World Class University Project, run by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST). This project is an opportunity for Korean and foreign scholars to share their research findings. WCU IC’s main purpose is the same as the reason for its founding. The WCU Project’s main goal is to raise the level of Korean universities so that Korea can bring in the research culture of scientifically advanced nations and furthermore gain recognition on an international level. WCU wishes to form an infrastructure for Korean universities to reach international standards.
Q. “Junior Session” is an opportunity for selected middle and high school students to present their topics and listen to various opinions and suggestions from Nobel Prize laureates. This shows a promising future in the sciences for Korean youths. In order for Korean students to have a promising future, what kinds of support structures do we need?
A. First, the basic perception on pursuing one’s career in the sciences and engineering needs to change. Currently, students are still stuck in an education system that focuses only on college entrance via cramming-based teaching methods. Therefore the social perception of well-performing students is that they neglect science and engineering. Those who do pursue careers in science and engineering often consider medical school their ultimate goal. In order for science improvement to happen, many top students need to make an effort to be interested in the fundamental sciences. Competitions such as the Science Olympiads cannot have much meaning if their only purpose is to enter a better university. Youths should cultivate personal interest in the sciences and schools and government programs should support and provide programs that will help draw students’ attentions to this field. Korea needs a social system that can grow out of cramming-based teaching methods and grow into an environment where science prodigies can grow.
Q. In order for there to be a first Korean Nobel Prize laureate in the sciences, what kind of changes are needed for Korea’s education?
A. Nobel Prize laureates are not decided by education. Even if there are academic prodigies, it will be impossible for them to earn Nobel Prizes until Korea changes scientists’ research environments and culture. First, government supported policies need to change in order to support scientists to pursue creative research. If research results are demanded in such a short period of time, as in the present reality, they will lose the opportunity to be recognized internationally by the Nobel Foundation as well as other international organizations. For example, Japan continues to provide research funding as an investment for the future. Even if the results are not visible right away, they provide funding continuously for more than ten years. Through this kind of system and research culture, they have been able to rise to a global level in the field of fundamental science and as a result have turned out many Nobel Prize laureates.
Q. What kind of improvements can Korea’s education gain by inviting distinguished foreign scholars to this country?
A. By inviting distinguished foreign scholars to Korea, the biggest outcome Korea can gain is a mutual exchange in advanced education. This also creates international networks for Korean scientists. International scholars, including graduate students, can share and debate each other’s research topics. Through such networking and active communication, Korean scientists can develop an international perspective toward their science research. Distinguished foreign scholars coming into Korea have worked as a bridge for our scientists to increase their international awareness. Therefore Korean scientists can have more opportunities to continue their education in leading foreign universities or conduct research in conjunction with foreign scholars.
*These opinions are the personal opinions of Dr. SeongYeong Ahn, not the opinions of WCUIC.
The 2012 World Class University International Conference emphasized the importance of the fundamental sciences. By sharing their knowledge and experiences with scientifically advanced nations, Korea hopes to learn the importance of fundamental sciences and research. Not only should people concentrate on the fundamental sciences, but they should also emphasize basic studies such as the humanities. It is welcoming news that WCU is trying to reinforce the importance of the fundamental sciences through such events. The future of Korea’s fundamental science development is in the hands of the next generation. Who knows? Perhaps one of the student participants may end up becoming the first Korean Nobel Prize laureate in the sciences.
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