Year in Review: 2025
APEC Scientist Fellowship Program - R&D Performance Report

By offering demand-driven programs for Korean public research institutes and universities,
we are fostering scientific exchange among APEC economies and building a robust foundation for global R&D cooperation

Program Overview

∙ Under 90 Days Training Program: Supports the generation of joint research outcomes and the establishment of collaborative networks through hands-on research conducted in partnership with government-funded research institutes and university laboratories

∙ 10-Day Capacity Building Program: Facilitates knowledge and information exchange through customized, field-specific training, team-based projects, and expert mentoring, thereby supporting the identification of innovative research topics

Summary of Key Achievements

Achieved collaborative outcomes in basic science education and training through the participation of:
98 fellows from 6 countries, 160 experts, and 45 institutions

98Fellows

Fellows

Training: 63
Fellowship (Research): 35

160Experts

Experts

Training: 91
Fellowship (Research): 69

45Institutions

Participating Institutions

Universities: 26
Government-funded Research Institutes: 15
Academic Societies: 4

2Programs

Program Tracks

Training Track: 3 sessions
Fellowship Track: 1 session

  • 42

    Malaysia

    Malaysia
  • 24

    Thailand

    Thailand
  • 14

    Peru

    Peru
  • 12

    Indonesia

    Indonesia
  • 5

    Philippines

    Philippines
  • 1

    Vietnam

    Vietnam

〈Fellows by Country〉

  • Chemistry 39

  • Physics 28

  • Life Sciences 20

  • Earth Sciences 11

〈Fellows by Field of Study〉

A total of 11 institutions, 21 research groups and centers,
and 29 principal investigators from government-funded research institutes and universities
participated, conducting joint research with fellows.

KIST
양자과학 화학
Research Group/Center

Center for Quantum Technology, Extreme Materials Research Center, Advanced Analysis and Data Center

Research Fields

Quantum computing · Quantum communication · Quantum sensing, Catalytic materials · Functional optical materials · 2D materials, Electron microscopy · Surface & structure analysis · Ion beam applications

IBS
양자과학
Research Group/Center

Center for Quantum Nanoscience (QNS)

Research Fields

Quantum nanoscience · Scanning tunneling microscopy · Atomic-scale qubits

KRIBB
생명과학
Research Group/Center

Biological Resource Center (KCTC), Genome Editing Research Center, Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center

Research Fields

Microbial resource collection · Preservation & distribution · Microbial taxonomy, Genome editing (CRISPR) · Protein & enzyme engineering · Biosensors, Genomics · Precision medicine · Disease biomarkers

KRICT
화학
Research Group/Center

Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Digital Chemistry Research Center

Research Fields

Bio-based chemicals · Biodegradable plastics · Biorefinery, Data-driven chemistry platform · AI materials & drug discovery

KIGAM
지구과학
Research Group/Center

Mineral Processing & Metallurgy Research Center, Groundwater Environment Research Center, Resource Exploration and Development Research Division

Research Fields

Mineral processing · Extractive metallurgy · Rare metal recovery, Groundwater quality & isotopes · Contaminant remediation · Climate impacts, Critical mineral exploration · Petroleum & low-carbon resources · Marine geophysics

KBSI
화학
Research Group/Center

Center for Protein Structure and Drug Mechanism Research, Digital Omics Research Division

Research Fields

Structure-based drug discovery · Protein structure (NMR, synchrotron), Proteomics · Multi-omics analysis · Bioinformatics & disease targets

KIER
화학
Research Group/Center

Ulsan Advanced Energy Technology R&D Center, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Laboratory

Research Fields

Next-generation secondary batteries · Energy conversion & storage materials, Fuel cell materials & components · Electrode catalysts · Performance evaluation

KRISS
양자과학
Research Group/Center

Material Property Metrology Group, Division of Chemical and Material Metrology

Research Fields

AI-based materials discovery · First-principles property prediction · Low-temp STM/AFM metrology

KITECH
화학
Research Group/Center

Research Institute of Sustainable Development Technology

Research Fields

Carbon-neutral manufacturing · Zero-emission & green transition · Alternative fuels

KAIST
화학 생명과학
Research Group/Center

Graduate School of Global Digital Innovation (GDI)

Research Fields

Digital technology innovation · ICT leadership · Global digital transformation

제주대학교
생명과학
Research Group/Center

Research Institute for Basic Sciences

Research Fields

Molecular genetics · Microbial ecology & genomics · Biodiversity & taxonomy

Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy for Scientist Invitation Program to Korea 2026
INITHiNK (the “Company”) collects and uses applicants’ personal information solely for the purpose of operating the Scientist Invitation Program to Korea 2026. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data responsibly.

1. What We Collect
Through the application and activity plan forms, we collect the following information:
- Name, nationality, date of birth
- Affiliation, position, contact information (email, mobile)
- Emergency contact information
- Education background
- Research area, Research experience, publications and personal statement
We do not collect sensitive personal information (e.g., health status, race, religion). If such data is required, we will obtain your explicit consent and ensure strict confidentiality and protection

2. Why We Collect It
Your information is used :
- To manage participation and communication
- To organize logistics and schedules
- To report to relevant supporting institutions when necessary
- To evaluate and improve the quality of the program
By collecting and using this information, we aim to provide a seamless and efficient operation for all participants while meeting the program’s operational, legal, and logistical requirements.

3. Data Storage and Retention
We keep your data only as long as needed for program purposes, up to 3 years after the program ends. After this period, all data will be deleted through a secure method,
such as complete deletion or anonymization, to ensure that your information is permanently and securely removed from our systems.

4. Sharing with Others
We do not share your information with third parties for marketing or commercial purposes.
If necessary, we may share minimal data (e.g., name, contact information) with official partners involved in running the program. These partners are contractually bound to protect your data and will only use it for program-related purposes.

5. Your Rights
You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including but not limited to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant local data protection laws.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below. Please note that failure to provide essential information may prevent your participation in the program.

6. Contact Us
For questions about your data, please contact:
Email: sciexchangeinfo@inithink.co.kr