Identify outstanding applicants who exhibit superior creativity
 

•What is the purpose of the TJ Park Science Scholarship project?

[Choi] This project supports scientists based in Korea who dedicate themselves to scientific research with the goal of seeing them develop as world-renowned scientists. Tae-Joon Park, the honorary chairman of POSCO, founded POSCO and developed it into an internationally recognized company. He also established the Pohang University of Science and Technology. Korea-s first science and technology research-oriented university structured to foster talent in science and engineering. The Pohang University of Science and Technology has enabled Korea to develop a firm foothold as a country with advanced science infrastructure. Following in his footsteps, we have now designed a science-focused scholarship project.

•I heard that you offered a considerable amount of advice on this project. What's your opinion of this scholarship?

[Roe] As a member of the POSCO TJ Park Science Prize Committee, I have a close affinity with the Foundation. The members of the Foundation asked for my input as they were drawing up the plan for this scholarship project. They paid careful attention as I Shared my experiences. I was delighted to see the dedication and appreciation in their eyes. [Laugh]

It is important for the Foundation to carry out this project in a manner that is different from other similar scholarship protects. The distinguishing characteristic of this scholarship is that it supports studies and research conducted in Korea that are internationally recognized. In other words, it nurtures the growth of young Korea-based scientists as scientists of world-wide renown, which is the same aim of the POSCO TJ Park Science Prize.

 

•What i5 the background to support Korea-based scientists?

(Choi) While drawing up this plan, we sought advice from many experts and studied the cases of various prominent institutions. These included the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Junior Fellowship Program of Hayward University, and other leading foundations both in Korea and overseas. We also consulted past recipients of the POSCO TJ Park Science Prize and the members of the Prize Committee, the president and professors of POSTECH end recipients of the POSCO Scholarship Foundation (former POSCO TJ Park Foundation) who became professors as well as numerous scholars in the scientific sphere. Something that caught our attention was the fact that many other scholarships are already available for people studying abroad and the total amount of funding is substantial. We were advised that, if we had to start with limited funds, the impact would be negligible, 50 we should focus our support on scientists based in Korea.

[Roe] That's right. Recently science studies in Korean universities have grown significantly. Ho newer, I found that students who decided to continue to study in Korea worried considerably more- about their future compared to students who went abroad to study. This scholarship project i9 great in that it promotes pride among talented Korean scientists. They will certainly welcome this project with enthusiasm.

•Howare you going to decide who deserves the scholarship?

[Choi] The basic requirement for the scholarship is that applicants must he studying or have studied in a doctoral program. We presume that they have devoted their lives to their fields of study when they chose to pursue doctoral studies. Also in my opinion, creativity i5 one of the most important aspects in scientific study, so we wilt give special consideration to the applicant-5 creativity. Different criteria will be applied to the three different scholarship categories to identify the most qualified applicants.

[Roe] Based on my 20 plus years of teaching, high grades on a university transcript do not guarantee excellence in conducting research. As Mr. Choi said, creativity decides the success of a research project. Only those applicants with high levels of motivation and creativity, those who are willing to challenge the unknown, will be selected for the scholarship.

 

•What are your goals and expectations for this scholarship?

[Choi] We will strive to make this scholarship the target of the most outstanding scientists in Korea. To achieve this goal, we will be mindful of designing a distinct selection procedure and operation system while developing this scholarship a5 a mod el of all scholarships for scientific studies for both Korean and international foundations.

Also, I hope this project creates a social atmosphere that recognizes the importance of basic science and engenders respect for scientists. This will generate pride in the hearts of Korean scientists and allow them to concentrate on their re arch efforts. Who knows, one of our sponsors may even become a Nobel laureate?

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