The Korea Institute of Human Resources Development in Science and Technology (KIRD) is recruiting leaders (group facilitators) for the 2026 International Researcher Networking Program, “Global R&D Carer Salon in Korea.”
This program aims to support carer development and research networking among international researchers working or studying in Korea. We encourage active participation from science and technology professionals interested in global R&D networking.

1. Program Overview
A. Purpose
ㅇ Promoting early adaptation to the Korean research environment and supporting the growth and long-term settlement of international researchers as independent research leaders through research networking programs.
B. Eligibility: Foreign researchers or graduate students who aim to develop their carers and expand their research networks in Korea
ㅇ Leaders (Faciltators) : Candidates with strong communication skils in both Korean and English and domestic R&D experience(open to all nationalities)
ㅇ Members : International researchers or graduate students currently working or studying in Korea
※ A maximum of two Korean nationals, including the team leader, may participate per team.
C. Scale
ㅇ Up to 10 networking groups will be selected
ㅇ Folowing the selection of group leaders, participants for each group will be recruited through a separate open cal (6–10 members per group).
D. Duration
ㅇ June – November 2026 (6 months)
E. Program Description
ㅇ Group Meetings operation

Category	Regular Meetings	Ad-hoc Meetings
Duration & Frequency	Once per month(minimum 2 hours), at least 5 sessions between Jun and Nov	Flexible (Between Jun.-Nov.)
Group Meetings Recognition Criteria	-Leaders must attend, at least 50% participation -Offline meetings are required	-Activities will be recognized if at least 30% of members participate -Online/offline meetings are allowed
Activities	-Self-directed collaborative learning (e.g., discussions, hands-on practice, lectures) and networking activities on selected topics in R&D and career development
	-(Required Activity) At least 2 expert seminars in the relevant research field -(Recommended Activities) Participation in related academic conferences, training or events *Additional points will be awarded in the selection evaluation, including recommended activities from the proposal	-Additional networking/learning activities -Meeting expenses cannot be used for real-time online meetings

ㅇ Topics
- Participants may freely chose topics related to R&D networking and collaborative learning, reflecting the characteristics of international researchers.
< Examples of Network Program Topics and Content >

Meeting topic (examples)	Detailed Meeting Content (examples)
Career development planning in Korea	- Developing a career growth roadmap in Korea - Understanding the work processes and research practices of government-funded research institutes(GRIs) in Korea
Understanding R&D System in Korea	-Understanding the full-cycle R&D process in Korea -Understanding Korea's research systems, regulations, and funding structure
Research Planning and Execution	-Exploring the latest technology and research trends in Korea -Planning collaborative research grants in the bio field and preparing proposals
R&D Commercialization and Technology Transfer	-Understanding the processes of technology commercialization and tech-based entrepreneurship in Korea -Case studies of transfer of technology in Korea

F. Program Benefits
ㅇ Group Activity Fund: up to KRW 3,000,000(Deposited into the group bank account)
- Expenses can only be used for offline regular and ad-hoc meetings
- Meeting expenses (up to KRW 50,00 per person per session), venue rental fees, conference and training participation fees, and other eligible expense items in accordance with KIRD’s operational guidelines
ㅇ Expert consulting fees per group (advisory fees): up to KRW 1,000,000 in total (up to KRW 300,000 per session)
ㅇ Leader (Group Facilitator) activity allowance: up to KRW 1,500,000 in total (KRW 30,00 per regular meting, up to 5 sessions)
   ※ Paid to the leaders upon completion of uploading the session activity report to the K-CLUB platform after each regular meeting
ㅇ Additional benefits include leader capacity-building training, promotion for member recruitment, and facilitation toolkits

2. Leader (Group Facilitators) Selection
A. Eligibility : Science and technology professionals who
ㅇ Open to all nationalities
ㅇ Have strong interest in multinational networking
ㅇ Are capable of managing diverse international groups
ㅇ Have both Korean and English communication skills
ㅇ Have experience in conducting and supporting domestic R&D projects
ㅇ Foreign applicants must hold a professional employment visa (e.g., E-1, E-3) or an F-series residence visa (e.g., for professionals working in science and technology fields).

B. Role of Leader :
ㅇ Plan and manage group activities
ㅇ Facilitate discussions
ㅇ Manage participation and budget
ㅇ Submit activity reports via K-CLUB platform and all related group activities

C. Application & Selection
ㅇ How to Apply: Submit the Leader Application Form (Appendix 2) via
email by April 23, 2026 (24:0)
- Application Submission Email Address: kclub@kird.re.kr
ㅇ Selection Process: Application-based document screening and a real-time online (Zoom) interview

Method	Category	Criteria	Score
Interview Evaluation (Real-time Online)	Mandatory Requirements	-Proficient in both Korean and English communication (a real-time online interview will be conducted to assess language proficiency) -Have experience in conducting or supporting R&D in Korea	Required
Expert Evaluation of Application (Document Review)	Topic	-Selection of research topics aligned with the latest research and technology trends -Appropriateness of the networking theme in the science and technology field -Potential for sustainability and scalability of the networking group	40
	Plan	-An interactive and collaborative operation plan suitable for a networking group -Feasibility of sustaining and ongoing group activities	30
	Expertise of leaders	-Relevant experience and expertise related to the proposed topic	30
	Bonus points	-One bonus point will be awarded for each recommended activity included in the operation plan (e.g., participation in topic related academic conferences)	up to 5
	Candidates scoring 80 points or higher will be selected in order of highest score

ㅇ Announcement of Results: posted on the website and notified individually via text message to selected applicants
- Schedule: Document screening and interviews (April 27–29th), final selection (May 6th), leader training (May 1–12th)
   ※ Selected leaders must attend the leader training(failure to attend will result in cancellation of selection)
- Additional Information: After leader selection and completion of training, member recruitment will be conducted publicly (scheduled for May)

3. Contact Information
A. Q&A Open Board: Submit your inquiries by posting comments for each program, and responses will be provided accordingly
- Padlet Q&A QR Code:
- Padlet Access URL: 2026년 외국인 연구자 네트워크 프로그램「Global R&D Career Salon in Korea」공개 Q&A
B. 042-820-4012, jmpark@kird.re.kr

Attachments
1. Official notification for Call for Leaders (Group Facilitators) Global R&D Career Salon in Korea (2026)
2. Application form and Agreement on use of personal information
3. Poster for Call for Leaders (Group Facilitators) Global R&D Career Salon in Korea (2026)