KIRD to study working conditions for scientists with disabilities

KIRD President Bae Tae-min

The Korea Institute of Human Resources Development in Science and Technology (KIRD) plans to study the working conditions for scientific researchers with disabilities, according to its President Bae Tae-min.

“Many disabled scientists and tech experts have excellent skills,” Bae said, in a recent interview with Maeil Business Newspaper. “Having physical disabilities should not stop promising science talents from pursuing their goals and aspirations.”

KIRD plans to conduct an extensive study on the working environment of experts with disabilities. It will recruit about 40 disabled college students majoring in science and engineering and figure out what causes them difficulties during their research and what improvements can be made.

The study is part of the KIRD’s efforts to attract more skillful researchers in science and engineering.

The country’s record low birth rates raise concerns about a possible lack of scientists and engineers, one of the critical talents driving growth and innovation.

A recent analysis predicted that the number of those with master’s and Ph.D. degrees in science and engineering would be halved by 2050 compared to this year’s level if the current pace continues.

“Given that science and technology have not been popular among students, the labor shortage is expected to be particularly pronounced,” Bae said. “If we do not give immediate attention to the challenge of securing science and technology talent, the decline in Korea’s capabilities in these fields is inevitable.”

Bae emphasized that the primary focus should be on tackling the information asymmetry prevalent in the STEM job market.

“Most job seekers in these fields find it challenging to access accurate information about jobs, having to rely on specific websites or their personal connections, which explains why offering them proper information is an urgent task,” Bae said.

Bae added that he would establish a platform to offer information on salaries and research fields for job applicants until the end of his term at the KIRD.