Photo of Director Ki-soon Han Receiving the Award

Director Ki-soon Han of the Center for Science and Culture in Incheon (Professor, Department of Creative Human Resource Development, Incheon National University) was selected as a recipient of the “2025 Merit Award for the Promotion of Science Culture” on the 22nd and received a commendation from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT.

From 2021 to the present, over the past five years, Director Han has contributed to the expansion of citizen-centered, community-based science culture by planning and operating participatory science culture programs such as science culture festivals, science camps for underprivileged groups, and regional science and technology culture professional training programs. In particular, science culture festivals such as “Merry Science Christmas” have received strong public response by creating an environment in which citizens can experience science easily and enjoyably in everyday life through tangible, citizen-oriented science culture initiatives.

In addition, she was highly recognized for strengthening inter-institutional cooperation networks with local governments, universities, research institutes, and community organizations, thereby promoting interdisciplinary linkage and collaboration and leading the expansion and advancement of science culture initiatives.

In her acceptance remarks, Director Han stated, “With this award as an opportunity, I will make even greater efforts to further expand science culture and to create an educational and cultural environment in which all citizens can enjoy science in their daily lives and fully realize their potential.”

The Center for Science and Culture in Incheon, operated by the Institute for Science Gifted Education at Incheon National University since 2021, has been implementing a variety of programs aimed at expanding science culture in the local community and reducing educational disparities. The Center is operated with funding from the Science and Technology Promotion Fund and the Lottery Fund, and with support from the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, providing opportunities for a wide range of citizens, including low-income and underprivileged groups, to enjoy science culture.

Photo of the Merry Science Christmas Festival