Lee: "No one should have to stop research for lack of funds"...Vows sweeping support after two years of silence

[Financial News] President Lee Jae-myung attended the commencement ceremony at KAIST on the 20th and pledged stronger government support for science and engineering talent and research sites, saying, "Our government will be your reliable partner and sponsor so that no hardship can break your courage." By directly addressing the restoration of a research ecosystem shaken by R&D budget cuts, support for early-career researchers, and expanded investment in basic research, President Lee underscored his message of pursuing "challenges backed by the government."
In his congratulatory address at the 2026 commencement ceremony held that afternoon at the Sports Complex at KAIST’s main campus in Daejeon, President Lee said, "We will boldly overhaul the research system so that every drop of sweat you shed in the course of your research is recognized as a valuable asset for success." He went on to stress, "Above all, we will build a robust safety net for science and engineering so that no one will ever have to stop their research simply because they run out of money."
A total of 3,334 graduates attended the event with their families, including 725 bachelor’s, 1,792 master’s, and 817 doctoral degree recipients.
President Lee said, "From the artificial intelligence revolution to the great transition in energy, we are all standing at a monumental civilizational turning point unlike anything we have experienced before." He added, "In the face of fierce global competition where science and technology determine a nation’s fate, it is no exaggeration to say that the destiny of the Republic of Korea rests on the hopes and ambitions of each and every one of you."
He continued, "With this firm conviction, our government is also putting its full effort into restoring the research ecosystem that was undermined by R&D budget cuts." He added, "In particular, we take great pride in the fact that one of our government’s greatest achievements is boldly increasing the basic research budget by more than 17% so that early-career researchers like you can devote yourselves fully to your work." His remarks also signaled an intention to ease regulatory and administrative burdens that researchers feel in the field.
He also highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting AI. President Lee said, "The newly established AI College at KAIST will be an important foundation for realizing our vision of becoming one of the world’s top three AI powers," adding, "We will spare no national support to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared widely across society."
While urging graduates to take on new challenges, President Lee again emphasized that the state would share the "cost of failure." He said, "So whether it is a start-up spun out of your laboratory or an as-yet-unimagined theory about the unknown, it does not matter. Trust the government and pursue your challenges to the fullest. We will invest generously in the brilliant future and possibilities you are about to create."
west@fnnews.com Seong Seok-woo Reporter