National Research Foundation
of Korea

한국연구재단
English version logo of NRF
Headquarters in Daejeon
Abbreviation	NRF
Formation	June 26, 2009; 14 years ago (2009-06-26)
Merger of	Korea Science and Engineering Foundation(KOSEF) Korea Research Foundation(KRF) Korea Foundation for International Cooperation of Science and Technology(KICOS)
Type	Governmental organisation
Purpose	Research funding
Headquarters	Daejeon, South Korea
Locations	Seoul, South Korea
President	Lee Kwang-bok
Website	www.nrf.re.kr

The National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) was established in 2009 as a merger of Korea Science and Engineering Foundation (KOSEF), Korea Research Foundation (KRF), and Korea Foundation for International Cooperation of Science and Technology (KICOS).^[1] It provides support for research into new theories for the advancement of science, the arts, and the Korean culture in general. The foundation was first established in 1981.^[2] Its offices are located in 25 Heolleung-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul and 201 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon.

Budget

• Total: $6.427 million (US$1 = 1,100 KRW)
  • Basic Research in Science and Engineering ($1.864 million), Humanities & Social Sciences ($234 million), National Strategic R&D Programs ($2.032 million), Academic Research & University Funding ($2.071 million), International Cooperation ($67 million), Others Areas ($159 million)

Organization

• 7 directorates, 2 centers, 18 divisions, 20 offices, 46 Teams
• President
  • Board of Directors
  • Policy Advisory Committee
  • Research Ethics Committee
• Audit
  • Office of Audits and Inspections
• Directorate for Basic Research in Science and Engineering
  • Division of Natural Sciences
  • Division of Life Sciences
  • Division of Medical Sciences
  • Division of Engineering
  • Division of ICT and Convergence Research
  • Office of Basic Research Planning
  • Office of Basic Research Management
• Directorate for Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Division of Humanities
  • Division of Social Sciences
  • Division of Arts, Culture and Convergence
  • Office of Humanities & Social Sciences Planning
  • Office of Humanities & Social Sciences Management
• Directorate for National Strategic R&D Programs
  • Division of Drug Discovery and Development
  • Division of Next Generation Biotechnology
  • Division of Neuroscience and Advanced Medical Technology
  • Division of Nano-Semiconductor Technology
  • Division of Material-Part Technology
  • Division of ICT & Convergence Technology
  • Division of Energy and Environment Technology
  • Division of Space Technology
  • Division of Nuclear Technology
  • Division of Public Technology
  • Office of National Strategic R&D Planning
  • Office of Fundamental R&D Programs
  • Office of Big Science Programs
• Directorate for Academic Research
  • Office of Academic Research Affairs
  • Office of HR Development
  • Office of University Education Management
  • Office of University-Industry Cooperation
• Directorate for International Affairs
  • Office of International Cooperation Planning
  • Office of International Cooperation Framework
  • Office of International Networks
• Directorate for Digital Innovation
  • Office of R&D Policy and Strategy
  • Office of Data & Information
  • Information Security Task Force
• Directorate for Management and Operations
  • Office of Administration
  • Office of Financial Management
• Office of Research Ethics
• Office of Planning and Coordination
• Office of Public Relations

Main Activities

• Support for academic research and development activities
• Support for the cultivation and utilization of researchers in academic research and development
• Promotion of international cooperation for academic research and development activities
• Support for collecting, investigating, analyzing, assessing, managing and using the materials and information necessary for academic research and development and the formulation of related policies
• Support for research and operation of organizations related to academic research and development
• Support for exchange and cooperation among domestic and overseas organizations related to academic research and development
• Other matters necessary for academic research and development

Presidents

• Park Chan-Mo (June 26, 2009 – January 19, 2011)
• Oh Se-Jung (January 20, 2011 – January 5, 2012)
• Lee Seung-Jong (January 6, 2012 – January 2, 2014)
• Chung Min-Keun (January 3, 2014 – August 22, 2016)
• Cho Moo-je (August 23, 2016 – July 8, 2018)
• Roe Jung-hye (July 9, 2018 – September 26, 2021)
• Lee Kwang-bok (September 27, 2021–present)