The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister: Sang-Im Yoo) announced on the 12th that it discussed plans to revitalize ‘AI+Science & Technology (S&T)’ at a meeting of ministers related to state affairs presided over by Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister for Economy, Sang-Mok Choi.
This plan aims to proactively adopt the rapidly changing AI-based research and development paradigm worldwide and innovate research capabilities to become a global technology powerhouse. Given that recent research using AI has led to awards such as the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, effectively applying AI across science and technology is the key objective.
Initially, AI models specialized in eight promising future technology fields will be developed to support research. Through this, research utilizing AI in areas such as new materials, new drug development, experimental automation, and large-scale data analysis will be activated. In addition, next-generation AI-based research will be pursued to create new knowledge, such as elucidating the principles of supercomputing.
Research infrastructure will also be greatly expanded. A 600 petaflops (PF) supercomputer supporting AI computation will be built this year and will begin full operation from next year. To increase researchers’ accessibility, additional 40PF small-scale computational resources will be provided.
The data utilization environment will be improved. A sharing system will be established to enable data generated during the research process to be analyzed in connection with AI models, and high-quality research data in fields such as biotechnology and materials will be expanded. Education programs to enhance researchers’ AI capabilities will be provided, and AI will be introduced into research management administration to reduce researchers’ workload.
Minister Yoo Sang-Im of the Ministry of Science and ICT said, “The transition to a research and development system using artificial intelligence is a golden opportunity to innovatively improve our country’s science and technology research capabilities by leveraging AI technology.” She added, “Based on this strategy, we will promote the internalization of AI on the research field and secure core technology competitiveness to lead future new industries.”
