South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Foundation for Women in Science and Technology (WISET) said on Sunday they will create a new "research support position (Staff Scientist)" category under an existing programme to help women scientists return to research. They will recruit participating universities and hires.

The ministry said it prepared the research support position category for the first time this year to help women scientists maintain their careers and return to research after leaving due to childbirth and childcare.

The programme targets research organisations, including university institutes, research centres and shared experimental and practical training facilities. Hiring targets are women scientists with career experience who hold at least a master's degree in science or engineering and have at least 3 years of research experience. Selected organisations will receive support for up to 3 years, and whether support continues will be decided each year through an annual evaluation.

The application period runs from Sunday through 6 p.m. on Aug. 21. Applications can be submitted on the women scientists life-cycle support platform, W Bridge.

Lee Jun-bae (이준배), director general for future talent policy at the ministry, said it was important to build a foundation so the experience and expertise of women scientists with career experience can continue. He said the research support position system would diversify career paths for women scientists and help strengthen research capabilities in the field.