Annual Convention for Women in STEM began in 2009 to exchange and enhance the status of women's science and technology. Currently, the convention has become the most prestigious event for women's science and technology. At the end of each year, female scientists of all ages gather to celebrate their achievements and share encouragement and friendship.
The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Lee Jong-Ho, the Minister) held the 2023 Annual Convention for Women in STEM (hereinafter referred to as the “Women in STEM Convention”) on November 23, 2023 (Thursday) at 14:30 at the Korea Science and Technology Hall. The year 2023 is significant* for women in STEM-related organizations, and the events related to women in STEM, which had been held separately every, were held for the first time as a unified event. Women in STEM Convention was held to increase the status of women in STEM by declaring the future vision, rewarding excellent women in STEM or -related organizations, and sharing best practices.
* 10th anniversary of the Korea Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology, 20th anniversary of the Korea Federation of Women's Science & Technology Associations, and 30th anniversary of the Association of Korean Woman Scientists and Engineers.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Han Deok-soo, Cho Sung-kyung, First Vice Minister of Science and ICT, the Korea Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology, the Association of Korean Woman Scientists and Engineers, the Korea Federation of Women's Science & Technology Associations, the Korea Center for Gendered Innovations for Science and Technology Research, the Women in Science, Engineering and Technology in Korea, and more than 300 scientists and engineers from industry, academia, and research sectors. The event was held under the theme of ‘The Future of Korea Led by Women in STEM’ and looked back at the contributions women in STEM have made to science and technology development, and highlighted the role of women in STEM in science and technology and national development. Women in STEM Convention consisted of a ceremony to commemorate the founding of each institution, a ceremony to declare the vision of women in STEM, and awards for the Minister of Science and ICT Award and Commendation (18 points in total). In addition, various events such as keynote lectures, symposiums, debates, and job festivals were followed.
On November 23, 2022, WISET held the '2022 Annual Convention for Women in STEM’ on the 12th floor of the Korea Science and Technology Hall. The 2022 annual conference awarded prizes to organizations and individuals that have tried to improve the status of women in STEM and promoted solidarity and exchange among women in STEM by discovering and sharing best practices. The conference included 18 Minister of Science and ICT Awards, keynote lectures, and networking among women in STEM, and was attended by Vice Minister of Science and ICT Oh Tae-Seok, heads of women in STEM-related organizations, and more than 100 key figures.
The 2021 Annual Meet was held online non-face-to-face to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The event consisted of two parts, and in the first part, 14 awards and keynote lectures by the Minister of Science and ICT in five fields, including this year's Women's Science and Technology Awards, and in the second part, programs for fostering and supporting female scientists using Metabus were held.
Under the theme of "2045 Future Vision – Young Science, Better Future Talk Concert," we discussed the need and role of young female scientists and scientists for national science and technology development. In addition, 13 awards were given in five categories, including three women's science and technology awards this year.
We shared excellent cases with excellent institutions for fostering women in science and technology, fraud through discovery and reward of merit, and industry-academic-related institutions. The awards were given to a total of 37 awards, including 9 awards from the Minister of Science and ICT. In the following Women's Leader Lecture, we presented the role of data science and how to foster female talent under the theme of "The Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution - The Future of Data Change: The Way We Go."
In the digital era, with the keyword 'new color talent', we presented new values and work with digital technology and insights on new talent awards. In addition, through discussions on ways to revitalize youth startups and the qualities of future female talents, we sought future innovation measures in the future of Korea.
Based on the theme of "Inclusive Innovation-Valuable Innovation to Share Together," the social role of science and technology to achieve inclusive growth was enhanced by narrowing differences in all walks of life such as gender, region, and globalization.
Based on the theme of "The Future of Science and Technology in Harmony," we have established a strategy to look at female scientists and scientists who have become the cornerstone of the science and technology world and prepare for the new future era.
Based on the theme of "To a Science and Technology World Led by Training - Competency, Balance, Challenges, and Diversity," we shared the results and opinions of the 3rd Basic Plan for Fostering and Supporting Women's Science Engineers.
Under the theme of "Towards a Science and Technology Society without a career break," discussions were held to create an environment in the science and technology community where female scientists can fully demonstrate their capabilities without a career break. In particular, the opening ceremony of the Science and Technology Women's Talent Academy was held to strengthen the capabilities of female scientists and engineers.
Under the theme of "Women Science and Technology Workers Opening a New Era of National Happiness," we discussed how the science and technology industry ecosystem should be changed to create jobs based on science and technology, emphasizing that a mind set of innovation and convergence is essential for the organization's performance.
Based on the "Women Are Happy in Science and Engineering Universities" perspective, we had a forum for discussion of science and technology technologies that derive productive alternatives and present future visions through in-depth discussions on pending issues facing female students at science and engineering universities.
Women's scientists, National Assembly and government officials, science and technology experts, and prospective female scientists gathered to evaluate the support project for women's science and technology over the past 10 years and discuss the future direction.