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 Career Salon in Korea.”
This program aims to support career 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 careers and expand their research networks in Korea
ㅇ Leaders (Facilitators) : Candidates with strong communication skills 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 Following the selection of group leaders, participants for each group will be recruited through a separate open call (6–10 members per group).
D. Duration
ㅇ June – November 2026 (6 months)
E. Program Description
ㅇ Group Meetings operation


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

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 50,000 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 300,000 per regular meeting, 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 (24:00)
- Application Submission Email Address: kclub@kird.re.kr
ㅇ Selection Process: Application-based document screening and a real-time online (Zoom) interview

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 11–12th)
※ 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

B. 042-820-4012, jmpark@kird.re.kr