The Association of Korean Woman Scientists and Engineers (KWSE) was founded in 1993, as the first association of women scientists and engineers in Korea. KWSE aims to empower women by developing their scientific capacity and by advancing the status of women in academia, research institutes, and industry.
Mission and Vision
Expanding the social infrastructure for women scientists and engineers
Encouraging R&D activities by facilitating information exchange
Enhancing the social status and rights of women scientists and engineers
Strengthening relationships among women scientists and engineers
History
16 Aug. 1993
Inaugural Meeting of KWSE
20 Sep. 1993
KWSE founded
20 Sep. 1993
Registered as a non-profit public organization at the Ministry of Science & Technology
27 Jun. 1997
Joined the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies
29 Jul. 2002
Joined the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES)
21 Feb. 2003
Established the Busan-Gyeongnam Regional Branch
29 May. 2003
Established the Gwangju-Jeonnam Regional Branch
29 Jul. 2004
Established the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Branch
04 Apr. 2013
20th Anniversary of KWSE
09 Aug. 2022
Inaurutation of the 14th President KWSE current membership status - 1,975 members (634 life members)
Major Activities & Achievements
Science & Technology Policy
Participating in national policy development for science and technology
Proposing policies and conducting fundamental research for support of women in science and technology
Participating in the enactment of the Act on fostering and supporting women scientists and technicians
Leading the establishment of child-care centers in the Daedeok Science Complex
Conducting policy research projects to expand the roles of women scientists and engineers and promote the welfare of females in S&T
Constructing database of women experts in STEM for national evaluation committee
Hosting policy forums to exchange opinions on support policies for women scientists and engineers
Conducting international collaborative research and publishing analysis reports
Research Capacity
Exchanging academic achievements and scientific information
Enhancing leadership and interdisciplinary capabilities
Strengthening networks of women scientists and engineers
Hosting BIEN, an international interdisciplinary academic conference, for women scientists and engineers
Organizing academic exchange program for domestic and international female scientists and engineers
Conducting programs for interdisciplinary research, regional networking, and global capability building
Organizing educational programs for women scientists and engineers
Hosting academic exchange conferences for Korean and oversea women in STEM
International cooperation
Collaboration with international organizations for women in STEM
Active hub of women in STEM networks in the Asia- Pacific region
Offering opportunities to build global networks for next-generation women scientists and engineers
Participating in the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES)
Leading roles in the Asia & Pacific Nation Network (APNN)
Hosting the International Young Woman Scientist Camp (YWS Camp)ㆍOrganizing the Smart Sister Program for international women scientists and engineers in Korea
Providing an online networking platform for international exchange
Science-Friendly Culture
Establishment of application foundation for the science popularization
Capability-building activities on science education for women scientists and engineers
Offering science classes by Korean women scientists and engineers
Publishing scientific books and developing digital content on science education
Hosting the Science Book Mentoring Program with book donation
Publications
English-Korea translation of Bring Out the Best in People (single-volume book)ㆍTwenty Years of KWSE (1993 ~ 2013)
Science Stories Told by Women Scientists
Role Model Casebook of Women in R&D
Twenty Years of International Cooperation: KWSE, Connect the World