Seoul: Women took up nearly 32 percent of new hires at South Korean research institutes in 2024, rising steadily over the past decade amid government-led efforts to foster female scientists, data showed Monday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, data compiled by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology revealed that women accounted for 6,616 of 20,739 new hires at 5,138 South Korean institutions in 2024. This figure marks a significant increase from 24.2 percent in 2015.
The report further highlighted that women accounted for 13.3 percent of lead scientists of research projects in 2024, a rise from 7.8 percent in 2015. The ministry emphasized the importance of fostering female scientists in light of the country's declining population, stating that experts in science and technology play a crucial role in maintaining the nation's competitiveness and innovation capacity.
In its release, the science ministry expressed its commitment to continue supporting female scientists, helping them to play active roles in various fields and generate significant achievements.