South Korea launches $222 million global postdoctoral fellowship to recruit 400 AI and science researchers

South Korea Launches InnoCORE Fellowship to Attract 400 AI and Science Postdocs

South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT, together with four top national science and technology institutions, has introduced the InnoCORE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. This initiative seeks to recruit 400 postdoctoral researchers focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and science and technology.

The program targets early-career researchers and aims to boost South Korea’s competitiveness in key areas such as biomedicine, aerospace, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. It also addresses the challenge of brain drain by attracting global talent to contribute to the country’s innovation ecosystem.

Funding and Support

With a government investment of US$222 million over five years, fellows will receive an annual base salary of $66,000. Additional funding opportunities are available through research grants and industry collaborations. Participants gain access to state-of-the-art research facilities and receive mentorship from leading domestic and international experts.

A Ministry of Science and ICT official highlighted that postdoctoral researchers are vital assets in the global competition for AI expertise. The program is designed to build a world-class research environment and foster partnerships that enable early-career scientists to achieve significant breakthroughs.

Research Areas Covered

• AI-based drug discovery
• Smart manufacturing
• Large language models (LLMs)
• AI-transformed aerospace
• AI-nano convergence for detection of neurodegenerative diseases
• Bio-Embodied Physical AI
• AI-driven hydrogen technology
• AI-driven space solar technologies

Industry and Academic Partnerships

The fellowship benefits from collaborations with leading companies such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG. It also maintains ties with prestigious global institutions, including MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Oxford.

This program represents a significant opportunity for researchers aiming to contribute to AI and advanced science fields while working within a supportive, globally connected network.