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
1993
- Held the inaugural meeting of KWSE
- Founded KWSE
- Registered as a non-profit corporation under the Ministry of Science & Technology
1997
- Joined the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies
2002
- Become a member of the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES)
2003
- Established the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Regional Chapter
- Established the Gwangju-Jeonnam Regional Chapter
2004
- Established the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Branch
2010
- Received an award for Outstanding Implementation of NIS-WIST Support Projects
2011
- Awarded the Prime Minister’s Citation during the 16th Woman’s Week by the Ministry of Gender Equality & Family
2013
- Celebrated the 20th Anniversary of KWSE
- Awarded the Presidential Citation for the 40th Anniversary of Innopolis Daedeok
2017
- Received the Education Superintendent’s Citation from the Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education
2023
- Celebrated the 30th Anniversary of KWSE
2024
- Launched the 15th Presidency
- Established the Gangwon Regional Chapter
- Reorganized the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter into the Honam Chapter
KWSE works to
Support Research Activities
Hosting BIEN* in every four year years from 2003
* The International Conference of Women Scientists and Engineers on BT, IT, ET, and NT
Co-hosting Women Scientists Global Webinars (2020~)
Supporting international exchange programs (2020~)
Funding for conferences of various research fields (2016~)
Provide Opportunities for Networking and Benchmarking
Managing the database of WWST, a worldwide database of international women in STME (2021~)
Implementing Jumping-up training programs (2017~)
Hosting multidisciplinary academy for science convergence (2013~)
Organizing seminars for convergence and workshops regionally (2003~)
Promote International Cooperation and Collaboration
Implementing International Young Woman Scientist Webinar (2023~)
Formulating Smart Sister Program for Korean and international students residing in Korea
Hosting International Young Woman Scientist Camp (2012~)
Working in INWES* (2002~) and APNN** (2008~)
* The International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists
** Asia and Pacific Nation Network, a regional network of INWES
Implement Science Outreach Programs
Facilitating a mentoring program for science book writing (2016~)
Running classes for scientific exploration with women scientists and engineers (2004~)
Publishing science books and developing educational digital content (2000-2015)
Visiting alma maters and delivering science lectures to the general public (1994~2002)
Suggest Policies to the Government for Women Scientists and Engineers
Opening of SWiST, the Center for Senior Women in Science and Technology (2023~)
Conducting policy research and publishing reports for international cooperation
Contributing to the legislation of the "Act on Fostering and Supporting Women Scientists and Technicians" (2002)
Researching policies on women scientists and engineers (1999~) and organizing forums at the National Assembly (1995~)
Leading the establishment of daycare centers in Daedeok Research Complex (1994, 2004-2008)
