The official acceptance of nominations for the 2027 Government Awards for Contributions to Science and Technology Advancement has begun. The Ministry of Science and ICT announced this plan to identify and honor the unsung heroes who have made significant contributions to the development of science and technology in the Republic of Korea. The occasion holds particular significance as it commemorates the upcoming 60th Science Day. If you know of any researchers or field experts who have diligently dedicated themselves to research and technology development, please begin preparing your nomination now. The submission period lasts for exactly one month from today, so be careful not to miss the deadline. In this article, we will detail the essential information and preparation procedures required for nominating award candidates.
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Guide to Nominations and Schedule for the 2027 Government Awards for Contributions to Science and Technology Advancement
1. Award Overview and the Significance of the 60th Science Day
The Ministry of Science and ICT has officially announced the plan for the 2027 Government Awards for Contributions to Science and Technology Advancement through Notice No. 2026-0961. This award is one of the most prestigious national events, designed to honor those who have enhanced the standing of Korean science and technology and strengthened national competitiveness. As this award is presented in conjunction with the 60th Science Day, it serves as a significant opportunity to reflect on the scientific and technological achievements the Republic of Korea has accomplished over the past half-century. It is a valuable opportunity to greatly encourage the scientists and engineers who dedicate themselves tirelessly in the field every year. Therefore, this announcement holds great significance not only as an award ceremony but also in boosting the morale of researchers who are preparing the future industries of the Republic of Korea. Being recognized for contributions to national development is a great honor not only for the individual researcher but also for their affiliated institution and entire research lab. Everyone is eligible, from veteran scientists who have produced original research results in environments that were once barren, to young researchers leading next-generation innovative technologies. The Ministry of Science and ICT is committed to rigorously selecting those who have truly contributed to the nation through a fair and transparent review process. As this award system becomes more active, it fosters an environment where field researchers can devote themselves to their work with greater pride. Therefore, professionals in the science and technology sector need to pay close attention to this award plan.
A government award plan has been announced to identify contributors to the development of science and technology in the Republic of Korea, coinciding with the 60th Science Day.
2. Nomination Targets and Eligibility Requirements
The primary target of this government award is any individual who has made a distinct contribution to the advancement and development of science and technology in the Republic of Korea. Regardless of the field, anyone working in science and technology who has left an outstanding record—such as university professors, senior researchers at institutes, or corporate technology development leaders—can be a candidate. For example, typical candidates include those who developed world-first fundamental technologies contributing to national economic growth, or those who have dedicated years to talent cultivation, broadening the base of the science and technology sector. The review does not simply count the number of papers or registered patents; rather, it comprehensively evaluates the ripple effects of the technology on actual industries and society. Individual nominations are not permitted; generally, candidates must be nominated by the head of a relevant institution or organization, or by a specified number of qualified recommenders. Therefore, organizations or colleagues hoping to nominate a candidate must meticulously prepare materials that objectively substantiate the candidate’s achievements. When preparing the record of achievements, it is advantageous to detail not only the originality and practicality of the research and development but also the social contributions. If the candidate has no history of receiving a government award of the same level in the past, this opportunity can be an excellent challenge. To ensure no hidden contributors are overlooked, various institutions and universities are increasingly forming internal selection committees to actively identify candidates.
Any researcher or expert who has made a distinct contribution to the development of science and technology is eligible for nomination.
3. Submission Period and Schedule Guide
The nomination submission period for the 2027 Government Awards for Contributions to Science and Technology Advancement runs for exactly 30 days, starting from September 21, 2026, and ending at 6:00 PM on October 21, 2026. If the deadline of 6:00 PM is exceeded by even one minute, document submission becomes impossible, so it is essential to complete the submission with ample time to spare. On the submission deadline day for administrative agencies, confusion may arise due to server overload or incomplete documents, so it is wise to review documents a few days in advance. Although a one-month period may seem long, it can feel insufficient once you account for obtaining various supporting documents and refining the details of the achievements. From today, when the schedule begins, there are not many actual working days available for preparation after excluding weekends and public holidays. Considering the process of securing recommenders, drafting the record of achievements, and obtaining internal approvals, it is safe to start moving immediately. The Ministry of Science and ICT and related agencies plan to strictly follow the review procedures according to the set schedule. Therefore, special care must be taken to avoid the regrettable situation of missing the submission deadline and losing the opportunity to have achievements accumulated over several years evaluated. It is required to mark the deadline in red on your calendar and check the progress daily with thoroughness.
The nomination period lasts for exactly 30 days, from September 21, 2026, to 6:00 PM on October 21, 2026.
4. Required Documents and Writing Guidelines
To nominate a candidate for the government award, a vast amount of documentation, including the record of achievements, resume, and supporting evidence, must be perfectly prepared. In particular, the record of achievements serves as the most important criterion for review committees to evaluate the candidate’s accomplishments, so it must be written objectively and persuasively. It is essential to record research results or economic ripple effects that can be proven by numbers based on clear statistical data. Additionally, a consent form for checking disqualifying reasons, such as verifying the candidate’s past award history or any social controversies, must also be submitted. Downloading the provided template and filling it out without omission, adhering to the specified format and font, is the most basic requirement. Occasionally, regrettable cases occur where candidates are eliminated at the document review stage due to arbitrarily modifying the template or omitting mandatory fields. Therefore, all documents must be verified against the originals and submitted to the responsible department via offline methods or the designated computer network, along with the official submission letter. In the case of joint research, objective evidence clearly proving the extent of one’s contribution must be attached to receive a fair evaluation. If any questions arise during the document preparation process, it is best to contact the responsible department of the Ministry of Science and ICT immediately to prevent mistakes in advance.
Preparing the record of achievements and supporting materials without omission, in accordance with the prescribed format, is the shortcut to success.
5. Review Process and Award Date Outlook
After the submission deadline, strict and rigorous verification procedures, including document review, achievement review, and public verification, will be conducted sequentially. Recently, the public verification system has been strengthened to thoroughly check candidates’ past conduct and social reputation, aiming to enhance the fairness and reliability of government awards. The final recipients who successfully pass all these review stages will receive the honorary award at the 60th Science Day commemorative ceremony, scheduled to be held around April 2027. During the months-long review period, the candidates’ achievements are verified both domestically and internationally, and the final grade of the order or medal is determined. The scale and grade of the awards are divided into orders, medals, Presidential Commendations, and Prime Ministerial Commendations, and are awarded differentially based on the magnitude of the achievements and contribution to the nation. On the day of the ceremony, top scientists and engineers gathered from all over the country will congratulate one another, reaffirming the resilience of Korean science and technology. Researchers who receive the honor will establish a foundation to receive high evaluations in future national R&D project selections and institutional assessments. Therefore, this award challenge can serve as a very powerful springboard not only for personal honor but also for their future research careers.
Final recipients selected through the strict review process will receive their awards at the Science Day commemorative ceremony in April 2027.
6. Tips for Successful Nominations and Future Outlook
To successfully complete a government award nomination, thorough prior preparation and adherence to the deadline are the most important factors. The ability to uncover the hidden contributions of candidates based on the active cooperation of colleagues and institutions, and to describe them movingly, determines success or failure. One must not simply list achievements but explain with specific examples how the technology has changed the quality of life in our society. The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to continue identifying hidden workers who have contributed to national development to enhance the authority of the award system. With this 2027 award plan as a starting point, we hope that the Korean science and technology sector will be revitalized and that more innovative research will be born. Please think of the excellent researchers around you right now and begin preparing the nomination documents.
Thorough prior preparation and specific documentation of achievements are key elements for a successful nomination.
Frequently Asked Questions
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