Rep. Hwang Jeong-ah points out the need for comprehensive measures to improve conditions
(SEOUL=Yonhap News) Reporter Jo Seung-han = It has been revealed that the proportion of young researchers in their 30s or younger voluntarily leaving government-funded research institutions is increasing. According to the status of voluntary retirees from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, provided to Rep. Hwang Jeong-ah of the National Assembly’s Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, the number of retirees from 2020 to June 2024 was 1,253, of which 788 were in their 30s or younger, accounting for 62.9%.
The retirement rate of young researchers in their 30s or younger increased gradually from 61.9% in 2020 to 67.9% in 2023.
Especially last year, there were 27 retirees in their 30s or younger who left within a year of employment, indicating a lack of commitment to stay in research institutions for a long period.
Among voluntary retirees, 39.4% were found to transition to academia, with many moving on to become university faculty members.
Rep. Hwang Jeong-ah stated, “Continued departure of young talent from government-led research and development institutions is signaling a complete cut-off of the ladder for progress in STEM fields. Comprehensive measures need to be established to support young researchers in areas such as education, research, employment, and housing, and efforts should be made to improve the conditions of research institution workers to revive the roots of national R&D.”