The Ministry of Science and ICT and academia, along with the media, are collaborating to establish a Korean-style Science Media Center (tentative name). This initiative aims to strengthen the consolidation between science and social issues, and to facilitate communication between researchers and the media. The plan is to build an independent and reliable institution tailored to Korea's media environment and the pace of scientific and technological development, referencing the models of science media centers currently operating in major developed countries, including the United Kingdom.
On the morning of the 13th, the Ministry of Science and ICT held a public hearing for the establishment of the Korean Science Media Center at the Korea Press Center in Seoul. The event was attended by Minister Yoo Sang-im and Hong Seong-wook, the chairperson of the Science Media Center Establishment Committee and professor at Seoul National University.
Chairperson Hong noted, "Although the importance of scientific information is increasing, there is a lack of reliable information outlets," emphasizing the need for a supportive agency that can serve as a bridge between researchers and journalists. He stated, "Only 15% of scientists have had any contact with the media, indicating a low participation rate in media communication. There is also a structural problem due to the lack of science journalists and the rotation of staff within news organizations, making it difficult to establish expertise."
The Science Media Center serves as an institution that connects researchers and the media and currently operates in six countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Germany, and Spain. The first such center was established in 2002 by the Royal Society of the UK to provide science-based information surrounding the controversy over genetically modified organisms (GMOs). When social issues arise, the center provides real-time comments from researchers to the media and also supports media training and workshops for researchers and journalists.
Chairperson Hong identified the center's operational principles as being proactive, timely, and maintaining independence. He explained, "The center plans to focus on proactive responses, considering fact-checking as a reactive measure," adding, "The core philosophy is to prevent the spread of misinformation by providing reliable information."
The center will be established as a non-profit foundation and will form governance that includes a board of directors, a center director, an advisory committee, and incubating institutions. Among these, the center director, who will oversee operations, will be selected through an open recruitment process, and candidates must have at least 10 years of experience in scientific and media communications.
The establishment procedure for the center will undergo a review of the comprehensive plan in March, followed by the selection of the board of directors, the holding of a founding general meeting, and stages such as applying for incorporation, the opening ceremony, and commencing operations. It will receive government support for the next three years and aims to establish an independent operational structure.
Experts who attended the public hearing discussion pointed out that the center's independence and sustainable operation are critical challenges. They noted that it is essential to establish an independent financial structure during the initial stage of government support and that an operational model free from political and economic interests should be established. Furthermore, they highlighted the importance of building a public-friendly information provision system to enhance accessibility to scientific information for various social strata and age groups.