Korea Foundation for Women i n Science, Engineering and Technology

• Empowering female talent in STEM is a key driver for innovation and competitiveness.
• WISET and EU Delegation strengthen ties to foster the next generation of women in STEM.

Group photo of key officials and panelists at the forum.

(Fifth from left: WISET President Aree Moon, sixth from left: Sookmyung Women's University President Si-yeon Moon)

To celebrate the 2026 International Women's Day, the Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (WISET, President Aree Moon) co-hosted a 'Women in STEM' forum on March 6 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul. The event was held in close partnership with the European Union (EU) Delegation to the Republic of Korea and Sookmyung Women's University.

The forum brought together students, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and foreign diplomats. Attendees discussed how expanding women's participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) goes beyond simply advancing gender equality. It is a vital step toward sparking innovation, boosting industrial competitiveness, and building strong research networks in both Korea and Europe.

Currently, women account for only one in three STEM graduates and one in five ICT professionals in Europe. In South Korea, the share of female PhD graduates in STEM sits at approximately 23.9%, ranking among the lowest in OECD countries. These figures highlight a persistent gender gap in the tech talent pipeline. Bridging this divide is essential for ensuring sustainable growth and global tech leadership.

The event kicked off with opening remarks by Roland Honekamp, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Korea. Welcoming speeches followed from Sookmyung Women's University President Si-yeon Moon and WISET President Aree Moon, along with congratulatory remarks from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.

Panelists answering questions from the audience.

A lively panel discussion featured four female STEM leaders, including Professor Soo-rin Hong of CHA University (2025 Women in Science and Technology Award winner) and Dr. So-hyun Chung of Samsung Electronics (WISET Policy Advisor). They shared practical ideas for empowering women in STEM and discussed how to build more supportive policy frameworks.

The forum also highlighted two major EU research and education programs:

• Horizon Europe: The EU's largest research and innovation funding program, with a budget of approximately €95.5 billion. With South Korea recently joining as an associated country, local researchers now have greater opportunities to participate in joint European projects.
• Erasmus+: The EU's flagship program for education, training, and youth, which supports student exchanges, joint degrees, and global cooperation.

"WISET has always focused on bringing more female talent into the science and tech sectors," said WISET President Aree Moon. "Moving forward, by working closely with the EU Delegation, we want to build an environment where our female scientists can lead global collaborative research."

EU Ambassador to Korea Ugo Astuto shared this vision. "Expanding women's participation in STEM is essential to fully realize the scientific and technological potential of both Europe and Korea," he stated. "We will strengthen our cooperation with Korea to encourage young women to pursue STEM careers and build a world where all talent can thrive without barriers."

Sookmyung Women's University President Si-yeon Moon emphasized the need for a shift in perspective. "Women must be recognized not just as participants, but as key architects of change in the science and technology sectors," she noted. "Sookmyung will continue to raise 'Out-thinkers'—innovative problem-solvers who break stereotypes—to help expand female leadership in STEM."

By bringing together voices from youth, academia, the private sector, and government, the 'Women in STEM' forum provided a clear vision for the next generation of female talent. It also marked a major step forward in the WISET-EU partnership, aimed at empowering women in research and innovation.