Daejeon, South Korea - The city of Daejeon, striving to solidify its reputation as a "Science Capital," is expanding its "Weekend Opening of Daedeok Innopolis Research Institutes" program for its third year. This initiative aims to broaden scientific culture and provide more opportunities for citizens to engage with science and technology.
Spearheaded by the Daejeon Metropolitan City, the program was first launched in 2023 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Daedeok Innopolis and has since garnered enthusiastic responses from the public. This year marks a significant expansion, with a total of 11 research institutions opening their doors, allowing even more citizens to experience scientific advancements firsthand and connect with the research community.
On March 24th, the city signed a business agreement with 11 organizations, including the National Research Council of Science & Technology and the following participating institutions: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE), Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corp. (KOMSCO), and Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. (Hankook Technodome). This agreement officially marks the beginning of the expanded weekend opening program for the Daedeok Innopolis research institutions.
The weekend openings will commence in April with the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) and will proceed in a relay format with the other participating institutions. This will provide citizens with the opportunity to witness the significant achievements and operational sites of the nation's leading research organizations.
Notably, this year's program includes the first-time participation of the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE), and the Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corp. (KOMSCO), institutions that have previously had limited public access due to security and other considerations. This new inclusion is generating considerable excitement.
Furthermore, Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd.'s "Hankook Technodome," which captivated visitors last year with its exceptional architectural design and cutting-edge technology, will once again be part of the program, offering another opportunity for public engagement.
The weekend opening programs will feature diverse content, including laboratory tours (guided by current researchers), science experience activities, and lectures, all designed to make science accessible and engaging for citizens of all ages.
The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), the first government-funded research institute in Daedeok Innopolis and a leading national institution responsible for national measurement standards, will be the first to open its doors in April. Visitors can expect to see demonstrations of cutting-edge equipment and technologies, including quantum computers. Additionally, KRISS will open its beautiful natural surroundings, including Newton's apple tree, a pond, and double cherry blossoms, promising a rich cultural and scientific experience.
Visits will be conducted through a pre-registration system, and interested citizens can apply through the Daejeon Science Tour website (dst.daejeon.go.kr).
Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo expressed his deep gratitude to the Daedeok Innopolis research institutions for their active participation in fostering communication with citizens. He stated, "Daejeon City will continue to work closely with research institutions to ensure that Daedeok Innopolis establishes itself as a world-renowned science cluster that is beloved by the nation."
He further emphasized, "Understanding science is preparing for the future," and added, "We will further strengthen the status of 'Science Capital Daejeon' through citizen-centered science policies."
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