Applications open until October 27, inviting distinguished scholars in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced materials

Gyeongsangbuk-do announced that it is holding a public recruitment campaign for the "2026 Gyeongsangbuk-do K-Scientists" targeting senior current and former science and technology professionals from September 28 to October 27. The province will select around 11 distinguished scholars in fields including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, advanced materials (semiconductors and secondary batteries), and medical & biotechnology.

The K-Scientists initiative is a "brain-attraction project" designed to have science and technology professionals with rich research and academic exchange experience settle in Gyeongbuk to support the cultivation of regional strategic industries and enhance technological competitiveness.

Gyeongsangbuk-do first appointed nine K-Scientists in July 2025. Through the "K-Scientists Are Here to Help" program, they successfully secured 1 billion won in national funds for the expansion project of the Chilgok-gun children's science experience space. They also provided consultations on strengthening regional medical infrastructure, fostering next-generation small modular reactor (SMR) technology, and establishing policies for the Gyeongsangbuk-do Great Transformation Committee, while delivering over 50 science lectures targeting provincial residents, public officials, and students.

To expand these achievements, Gyeongbuk has broadened the target pool from retired (or retiring) scientists to include active-duty scientists. By surveying the demands of local cities, counties, and 115 companies within the province, the province has also established a foundation for collaboration between demand-side organizations and science and technology professionals.

K-Scientists will be appointed as research fellows at the Gyeongbuk Institute for Research (GIR) to support corporate research and development, manufacturing process advancement, technology commercialization, attraction of national projects, convergence research, and the popularization of science. Serving as a bridge connecting industrial sites with policy, research, and education, they will enhance the region's science and technology capabilities.

Applicants can download the application form from the Gyeongsangbuk-do official website and submit it via email (yjkim@gdi.re.kr) by October 27. Gyeongbuk will finalize selections in December following reviews by a deliberation committee. Selected candidates will move into the K-Scientists Village and begin their activities starting in the first half of 2027.

Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo stated, "The K-Scientists Village is a bold national experiment to transform the experience and wisdom of top scholars into the future growth engine of Gyeongbuk's industrial sector," adding, "Together with these distinguished scholars, we will firmly establish Gyeongbuk as the capital of science and technology leading the local era."

The K-Scientists Village is being constructed near Hominji Lake in Gagok-ri, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong-si, with completion scheduled for the end of 2026. It will be established as the nation's first complex residential settlement for senior science and technology professionals, featuring 38 residential buildings (45 units) and 9 shared-use facilities.