Ku Hyuk-chae (구혁채), first vice minister at the Ministry of Science and ICT, held a meeting with researchers at Chung-Ang University on April 15 to discuss measures to rationalise on-the-ground research and development (R&D) regulations.

The visit was the 14th step in “Project Empathy 118” to implement field-focused policy. Ku chaired the meeting to hear views on unreasonable R&D rules that hinder researchers from focusing on their work.

The meeting began with a presentation on “on-the-ground R&D regulations as felt by researchers”. Participants discussed a range of difficulties in carrying out research, including administrative forms, the use and settlement of research funds, fund disbursement and software subscriptions.

Ahead of the meeting, Ku visited the laboratory of Professor Jae-min Seo (서재민). Seo, who has served as a physics professor since 2022, has continued to produce results, including being selected for the 2025 list of 100 outstanding national R&D achievements, based on artificial intelligence (AI)-based control research aimed at stabilising next-generation nuclear fusion energy.

“As we enter the AI era and the AI transformation of research sites accelerates, our R&D system and management methods also need innovation,” Ku said. “We will create an environment where researchers can focus only on research,” he added.