Women scientists in marine and fisheries fields across Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang come together: “First step toward a regional network”

[Financial News] Women scientists in marine and fisheries fields from Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang, a region drawing attention as a hub for marine and fisheries research and education, have come together.
Professor Kim Bo-yeon of National Pukyong National University (majoring in Applied Aquaculture and Life Sciences) said on the 11th that she had invited Oh Nam Kwon, president of the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (KOFST), and held a discussion titled “Busan–Ulsan–South Gyeongsang Marine and Fisheries Women Scientists Network” during the international conference of the Korean Federation of Fisheries Science Societies, held at BEXCO in Busan on the 6th.
A total of 15 people attended the discussion: eight women scientists, including National Pukyong National University professors Kang Gyeong-mi, Kim Bo-yeon, Ryu Bo-mi and Park Eun-jung; Kim Hyun-young, a section chief at the National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS); Jeong Yeo-jin, an associate research fellow at the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI); and research specialists Kim Ji-yun and Jeong Se-mi; as well as seven graduate students.
Kim Young-mok, a professor of food engineering at National Pukyong National University and president of the Korean Society of Fisheries Science, and Professor Choi Jeong-hwa of the university’s Institute for International Cooperation in Marine and Fisheries Development supported the event.
Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang are home to major universities and research institutions, including National Pukyong National University, which has led marine and fisheries education and research, Korea Maritime & Ocean University, Gyeongsang National University, NIFS and KMI.
Building on this foundation, attendees agreed on the need for a network where women researchers can connect and collaborate across institutions and academic disciplines.
Oh Nam Kwon, president of KOFST, is a mathematics education scholar who took office as its 22nd president this March and is the second woman to lead the organization in its history.
Kwon, a Seoul National University professor and former president of the Korean Federation of Women’s Science and Technology Associations, introduced KOFST’s programs supporting academic activities, its role in gathering views from the science and technology community, and its approach to supporting science and technology professionals in regional areas. She encouraged attendees, saying, “Everyone is afraid at first, but let’s move forward together with passion.”
Discussions followed on the topics “A Network for Women Scientists in Marine and Fisheries Fields: Where Should We Start?” and “Graduate Students Ask, Senior Researchers Answer.”
Attendees agreed to develop the network into a hub for exchanging information among researchers and a channel for bringing together the voices of women scientists in the region.
Graduate students asked about challenges involving research expertise, broadening research topics, and balancing research with life, and heard about senior researchers’ experiences and advice.
“Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang have a concentration of marine and fisheries research institutions and universities, but women researchers have had few opportunities to connect beyond their own institutions,” Professor Kim Bo-yeon said. “Starting with this gathering, we will grow the network to connect graduate students with senior researchers who can discuss career paths with them, and researchers with colleagues they can collaborate with.”
The network plans to settle on an official name, expand the participating institutions and hold regular meetings.

[email protected] Byun Ok-hwan Reporter