KAERI Researcher Wins Education Minister Award for Science Outreach

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) announced Wednesday that Dr. Chu Yeon-seok from the Multipurpose Small Research Reactor System Development Division received the Minister of Education Award at the 14th Korea Education Donation Awards 2025.

This marks the first time a KAERI researcher has won the award in the individual category. Dr. Chu was recognized for his continued efforts in spreading scientific culture and providing nuclear energy education nationwide.

Over the past six years, Dr. Chu has delivered lectures and career experience programs to more than 2,000 participants at 33 schools and institutions across the country, including Daejeon, Busan, South Jeolla Province, Gyeonggi Province, and Seoul, to communicate the role of nuclear energy in the era of climate change at a level accessible to young students.

His lectures covered topics including the value of nuclear power as a carbon-free energy source in the climate change era, future technology fields utilizing nuclear energy such as maritime, space, and health applications, rational and logical decision-making based on science and technology, and career exploration in science and technology fields including the path to becoming a researcher and job characteristics.

These activities were featured as an "outstanding education donation case" on the official YouTube channel "Education Donation" operated by the Ministry of Education and Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity.

"This award recognizes both Dr. Chu's steady education donation activities and the institute's efforts to spread scientific culture," KAERI President Joo Han-gyu said. "We will continue to communicate closely with the public and share the value of science and technology."