EU Delegation to Korea hosts "Women in STEM" event to mark International Women's Day together with Sookmyung Women’s University and WISET

Seoul, 9 March 2026 - On 6 March 2026, the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Korea, in collaboration with Sookmyung Women's University and the Korea Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology (WISET), hosted a successful International Women's Day event focused on women in STEM. Held in Seoul, DDP, the event brought together students, professionals and academia to highlight women's contributions to science and technology and explore ways to foster greater inclusion in these fields.

Women remain underrepresented in STEM fields globally. In Europe, women account for only one in three STEM graduates and one in five ICT specialists (European Commission, 2025). In the Republic of Korea, only about 23.9 % of STEM doctoral graduates are women — one of the lowest shares among OECD countries, underscoring persistent gender disparities in advanced scientific training (KOFWST, 2026). Addressing these disparities is a matter of fairness but also a strategic imperative for sustainable growth and technological leadership.

Spotlighting Women Leading in STEM

The event kicked off with "Stories from the Frontlines", where four women from academia, industry, and research shared their personal and professional journeys. Their stories underscored both the challenges and success of women in STEM, offering inspiration and practical insights for the next generation. Following the talks, a panel discussion explored current trends, barriers, and solutions for increasing women's participation in STEM fields.

Commenting on the event, H.E. Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Korea, mentioned, “Promoting women's participation in STEM is a matter of fairness and justice, about correcting a long-standing imbalance — but it is also about unlocking Europe's and Korea's full innovative potential. When women and men contribute equally to science and technology, research becomes stronger, solutions more inclusive, and societies more resilient. Through initiatives such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, the European Union is committed to embedding gender equality in research and innovation systems. On this International Women's Day, we reaffirm our partnership with Korea in encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers and in building an ecosystem where talent can thrive without barriers."

Sookmyung Women’s University President Moon Si Yeun stated, “Women in science and technology should not be mere participants but should establish themselves as agents who design and lead change.” She added, “Sookmyung Women’s University will nurture ‘out-thinkers’—talents who go beyond conventional thinking and solve problems in new ways—thereby contributing to expanding women’s leadership in science and technology.”

Moon Aree, President of the Center for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (WISET), added, “Innovation in science and technology can truly be achieved only when talents with diverse perspectives participate throughout the entire research process. As Korea’s participation in Horizon Europe as an associated country makes Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) a standard in global research collaboration, it is important to create an environment in which women scientists and engineers can demonstrate their capabilities in international joint research and pass on their experience to the next generation.”

“WISET will take the lead in identifying outstanding women scientists and engineers as role models in the field and actively disseminating their achievements, thereby creating a virtuous cycle in which success stories from the field inspire the next generation to pursue even greater challenges.”

Building a More Inclusive Future 

The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between the EU and Korea in promoting gender equality in STEM. By sharing personal stories, discussing policy solutions, and connecting participants with opportunities, the event aimed to inspire action and foster a more inclusive STEM community. The event concluded with an overview of EU programmes such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, which offer funding and mobility opportunities for Korean students and researchers. 

The Republic of Korea became the first country in Asia to associate to Horizon Europe, with its participation effective from 1 January 2025. As a result, Korean researchers can apply for and coordinate projects under Horizon Europe calls on the same terms as EU Member States and associated countries. Korean researchers can also benefit from the opportunities offered by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships (European Commission, 2026), funded under Horizon Europe, which support outstanding researchers worldwide through international mobility and advanced research opportunities in Europe and beyond. Research cooperation through Horizon Europe will strengthen global research networks and further deepen EU–Korea scientific ties.

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