January 2020

Ministry of Science and ICT

National Research Foundation of Korea

Table of Contents

Ⅰ. Overview······················································································································1
1. Goals························································································································1
 2. Outline·····················································································································1
3. Eligibility of Invited Scientist···················································································1
4. Target projects and Fields······················································································2
5. Host Institution········································································································2
6. Utilizing Brain Pool Program··················································································3
7. Period of Brain Pool Program·················································································3
8. Selection Evaluation································································································9

Ⅱ. Management ··········································································································12
1. Procedures of BP program···················································································12
2. Major details··········································································································12
3. Roles and Responsibilities of Each Party·····························································14
4. Management, etc. of BP Fellows··········································································15
5. Matters to be Observed for the BP Program······················································16
6. Follow up Management of Research Outcomes·················································17

Ⅲ. Program Application·····························································································18
1. How to apply·········································································································18
2. Required documents·····························································································18
3. Qualifications·········································································································19
4. Contact Information······························································································20
5. Schedule for the 2020 Brain Pool recruitment····················································20
Ⅰ. Overview of Brain Pool Program

1 Goals

ㅇ To enhance the R&D level of Korea by attracting outstanding overseas scientists

through various joint research activities in R&D fields in Korea, and to establish a long
term international cooperation network.
ㅇ Balancing the scientific and technical standards in the field of national research
institutes, universities, and industries by focusing on compensating for the insufficient
number of outstanding researchers.

2 Outline

ㅇ Building an international cooperative network with leading international scientists

ㅇ Improvement of the level of science technology in the industry, academia, and
institute by focusing on compensating for the insufficient number of outstanding
researchers.
ㅇ Creating synergetic effects by interacting with Korean and overseas high-level
scientists, creating an open research environment for improving the level of
globalization.

3 Eligibility of Invited Scientist (Bran Pool Fellow)

ㅇ Foreign or overseas Korean scientists* living abroad and holding a doctoral degree
with 5-years or more of R&D experience outside of Korea or (In the case that a
corporate research institute is the host organization) having five-years or more of
onsite R&D experience in an overseas industry may apply regardless of his/her
possession of a doctoral degree
※ Korean nationals - limited to those who are residing overseas when the Brain Pool program
application period has closed. (excluding for reapplication).
※ In the case that a corporate research institute is the host organization, Brain Pool candidates who have
five-years or more of on-site R&D experience in the overseas industry may apply regardless of his/her
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 possession of a doctoral degree
※ Possibility of re-applying with the same project (same PI, Brain Pool fellow)
※ Possibility of re-applying within 3 years after completing the Brain Pool program for up to a
maximum of 3 times, a maximum of 5 years (including Type 1,Type 2).
※ Post KRF fellows who have completed the KRF (Korea Research Fellowship) program successfully
and received a higher rank(S or A Rank) for the final evaluation, are eligible as a Brain Pool candidate
up to the next direct following year.

4 Target projects and Fields

ㅇ Target Projects: Those which need outstanding scientists and engineers from
overseas and are strategically necessary for Korea to advance its science and
technology.
ㅇ Fields of Research: All fields in science and technology with the necessity of joint
research with overseas high end scientists.
- Preference fields: New industry fields such as 8 leading industry technology fields, 3
strategic investment fields and 13 key innovation growth engines
* (3 Key Strategic Investment Industries) ① Data Economy (Big Date/Block Chain/Sharing Economy), ②
Artificial Intelligence (AI), ③ Hydrogen Economy
* (8 Key Lead Industries) ① Smart Factory, ② Smart Farm, ③ Smart City, ④ Fin-tech, ⑤ New Energy
Industry, ⑥ Drone, ⑦ Future Automobile, ⑧ Bio-health
*(13 Key innovation growth engines) ① Big Data, ② Next Generation Communications, ③ Artificial
Intelligence, ④ Autonomous (Driving)Vehicles,⑤ Drone,⑥ Customized Healthcare, ⑦ Smart City, ⑧
Virtual and Augmented Reality, ⑨ Intelligent Robot, ⑩ Intelligent Semiconductor, ⑪ Advanced Materials,
⑫ Innovative New Drugs, ⑬ New and Renewable Energy

5 Host Institution

ㅇ Government-supported research institutes, national and public research institutes,

universities and university-affiliated research institutes, corporate research institutes* ,
and nonprofit research institutes.

* Corporate research institutes are those established as SMEs and venture businesses under Article 14 (1)
of the Basic Research Promotion and Technology Development Support Act and Article 16 (1) of the
Enforcement Decree of the same Act

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 6 Utilizing Brain Pool Program

ㅇ Host institutions search for Brain Pool candidates and apply for the Brain Pool
program
- Host institutions are required to verify the necessity of hosting Brain Pool candidates,
the capabilities of the candidates, and the likelihood of their further development
- Host institutions are required to manage the support system for the Brain Pool fellows
(e.g., support for research, living in Korea, administration duties)
<Procedures>

Announcement of Securing the Brain Pool candidate

the Brain Pool Submit Application
program by host institution

Fill out BP application form and

Announcement of Seek out overseas outstanding researchers in ➡ submit on ERND
➡
eligibility and relevant field and self-screening of the
- Further discussion regarding
conditions of the BP candidates by own institutions based on the
research plan with the
program excellence of his/her work.
BP candidate

MSIT/NRF Host Institution Host Institution

7 Program Period of Brain Pool Program

ㅇ Program period: (Type 1) 6 to 12 months * (Type 2) 3 years (2 +1) **

*
For industries, the program period can be from 3 to 12 months
**
For Type 2, it will be decided whether to be continued or not for the last year (3rd) based on the
research achievement evaluation for the first 2 years.
※ The possibility of being awarded a Brain Pool Program up to 3 times in a row, a maximum of 5 years
including Type 1‧2
※ BP fellow is required to enter into Korea within 4 months of selection notification. However, in the
case of unforeseen circumstances, the fellow shall enter into Korea by Dec. 2020
- (Program Period for Type 1)
Month Program Period Remark

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 6 months 2020.5.1.∼2020.10.31.

7 months 2020.5.1.∼2020.11.30. Enter into Korea within 4 months of

selection notification
⋮ ⋮

12 months 2020.6.1.∼2021.5.31.

- (Program period for Type 2)

Year Program Period Remark

First Year 2020.3.1.~2020.12.31. (Max. 10 Months) Enter into Korea within 4 months of
the selection notification

Second Year 2021.1.1.~2021.12.31. (12 months) Progress Evaluation

(second half of the year)

Third Year 2022.1.1.~2022.12.31. (12 months) Additional funding year based on

the result of the evaluation

ㅇ Level of Funding: Personnel costs of the Brain Pool fellow and Invitation
expenses
- In accordance with the calculation standards stated in the following
< Level of Funding >
Program
Type Personnel Costs Invitation Expenses
Duration
6∼12 months Based on the level of annual Airfare, moving expenses,
【Type 1】
※ for industrial salary to his/her original affiliate insurance premiums,
Short Term of the Brain Pool fellow business travel
bodies: possible
Support Min. KRW 5~ Max. KRW 25 expenses(domestic/overseas
for 3-12 months
million per month ), child education subsidies
3 years (2+1)
※ For corporate research (nuri course, etc.), subsidies
※ The possibility of
institutes, only 70% of personnel for assigned staff
being awarded a
costs to his/her original affiliate ※For type 2, housing
【Type 2】 Brain Pool Program
will be supported. allowances can be
Long Term extension up to 3
※ In the case of full time supported based on the
Support times in a row, a
(permanent employees), this can be actual expenses (Max.
maximum of 5 years
used other than “personnel costs” KRW 12 mil./year/fellow)
including Type
such as subsidies for research from 2nd year
1,Type 2
activities, etc.

ㅇ Brain Pool Grants

- Providing Brain Pool grants: Following the conclusion of the agreement between the

4
 host institution and NRF (Host institution shall submit fellow’ entry certificate with
copy of his/her passport to NRF after fellow’s entry into Korea), the Brain Pool funds
will be deposited into the host institutions’ account and the program will then start
accordingly.
- Execution of Brain Pool grants: The host institution pays the fellow’s salary at a flat
rate every month after completing the employment contract between the fellow and the
host institution, and invitation expenses shall be paid based on the actual expenses, in
accordance with the Brain Pool guidelines.

① Personnel costs : KRW 5~25 Million per Month

- To be set consistent with the level of personnel costs for BP fellows with his/her level
of salary reflected on the calculation criteria below

< Criteria for Calculating the Personnel Costs>

- KRW 5~25 Million per Month based on the level of annual salary of the BP fellow’s original
affiliate when invited.
※ Max. KRW 300 Million a year, including four major insurances (individual (fellow)
and institutional (host) contributions), withholding tax, severance pay, and other
statutory contributions.
※ Documents related to the annual salary submitted (in Korean or English) are considered to
include the fellow’s monthly salary, four major insurances (Host/ fellow contributions)
withholding tax, severance pay, and other statutory contributions. Submitted proof of
monthly salary from original affiliate x Research period of the relevant year (number of
months of research period) = Personnel costs for the relevant year
(* When calculating personnel costs, the applicable exchange rate is as of 2019.12.31.00 (USD
1 = KRW 1,157.80) posted by Seoul Money Brokerage Services)
※ The paystub for the entire recent year  is a mandatory document for the calculation of
the personnel costs when selected as a Brain Pool fellow, so the failure of the paystub
submission can possibly lead to the cancellation of the selection.
※ For corporate research institutes, only 70% of personnel costs(from original affiliate
overseas), Max. KRW 300 Million a year, will be supported.
※ In case of inviting the brain pool fellow as a full time (permanent) employee, “

5
 appropriation in cash for the personnel costs of the fulltime employee” shall be allowed
- “Appropriation in cash for the personnel costs of the full-time employee” according to [Appendix 3]
personnel costs subparagraphs 4-E of [Act on National Research and Development Projects in the
fields of Science and Technology by Ministry of Science and ICT]
- In the case of full time (permanent employees), this can be used other than “personnel costs” such
as subsidies for research activities(direct expenses), etc.

② Invitation Expenses (Airfare, private insurance premiums, moving expenses, business

travel expenses(domestic/overseas), child education
subsidies(Nuri course, etc.), allowance for assigned staff, etc. )
※ Airfare, insurance premiums, moving expenses, etc. can be paid within the scope of the each
criteria, and any portions which go over the limit shall be paid by the host institution.

- Airfare and insurance premiums: To be paid for actual expenses upon the proof of
payment within the scope of the following criteria
(Unit: KRW 1,000)

Airfare + Insurance Premiums

3–5 Months 6–9 Months 10–12 Months
Japan, China, Taiwan 3,400 5,300 6,200
Southeast Asia 3,600 5,700 6,600
India, West Asia, Middle East 4,100 6,700 7,600
North America (western region), Australia,
5,100 8,700 9,600
Europe, Russia
North America (middle and eastern
5,600 9,700 10,600
regions, Canada)
Latin America, Africa 6,600 11,700 12,600

※ Airfare: Shortest direct round-trip airfare (including transportation expenses from

airport to fellow’s place in Korea) shall be paid for the Brain Pool fellow, and will be
reimbursed upon proof of payment and provided once.
(If the grant duration is 12 months or more, the round-trip airfare for one accompanying
family member can be paid once.)
※ Injury/disease compensation insurance: Insurance premiums for accidents and
illnesses shall be paid based on the actual premiums that local insurers are charging for
an insurance product that offers coverage for accidents, death, aftereffect disabilities,
and illness treatments (Actual expenses).
6
- Moving expense (Relocation Expenses): To be paid for actual expenses upon the
proof of payment within the scope of the following criteria
(Unit: KRW 1,000)

Region Support Amount

Japan, China, Taiwan 500

Southeast Asia 600

India, West Asia, Middle East 800

North America(western region), Australia,
1,100
Europe, Russia
North America (middle and eastern regions) 1,300

Latin America, Africa 1,600

※ Moving expenses shall be reimbursed for fellows whose program duration is

12 months or more when moving into Korea and moving out of Korea; For fellows
residing in Korea who are selected from reapplication, moving out expenses will be
reimbursed upon proof of the payment within the scope of the criteria (Actual
expenses).
- Child education subsidies (Nuri Course, etc.) & allowance for assigned staff
(including indirect expenses): Support within max. KRW 5 mil per year.
※ Priority for fellow’s children's tuition fees is first. Allowance for assigned staff and
indirect expenses can then be used with the remaining balance.
※ If BP fellows’ immediate child(s) is/ are under Nuri course at kindergarten or
daycare, part of the tuition fees of kindergarten children aged 3–5 or the subsidies of
daycare center children aged 3–5 can be covered, if applicable
※ Support child education fees for elementary to high school course (Foreign (private)
School: Enrollment fees (Registration fees), Annual Tuition Fees)

- Housing Allowances: For type 2, housing allowances can be supported based on the
actual expenses (Max. KRW 12 mil./year/fellow) from 2nd year. For type 1, essentially,
host institution needs to provide accommodation for the fellow
※ Support monthly rent which is under the name of the Fellow on the rent contract

7
 (actual rent amount, excluding utilities, management fees, etc.)
※ In addition, a maximum of KRW 12 million per year for the fellow’s interest
payment of Jeonse/ residential mortgage (Actual expenses).

- Expenses for domestic/overseas travel and for attending academic conferences

or seminars can be set for business travel and for attending academic conferences
expenses with remaining balances from airfare, moving expenses, insurance
premiums, child education subsidies.
※ For multi-year projects, KRW 5 Mil. can be supported for domestic overseas
business travel expenses (including conference fees) among invitation expenses.

8
8 Selection Evaluation

A. Procedures

Reviewing Evaluation by Expert Comprehensive

Final selection
requirements committee Evaluation
Project evaluation +
Screening Candidate evaluation
qualifications
(Document evaluation
(review of submitted
by panel)
documents)
Confirmed by MSIT
➡ ※Scheduled to select ➡ Selecting projects for ➡ →Notify to the host
※Excluding screening Brain pool grants
qualifications for projects with an institution
reapplication, average score of 80
- Submit research or higher for
achievement report of comprehensive
the previous BP project. review

NRF Evaluation Committee Steering Committee NRF

- Reviewing Requirements: Screening qualifications of host institutions, host researchers,

and invited scientists
- Evaluation by Expert Committee: Selecting the recommended projects for
comprehensive review with an average score of 80 or higher through
discussion/evaluation by a panel of experts in each field(absolute grading)
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Selecting the final projects supported with consideration to
policies through comprehensive review by the steering committee of global researcher
invitation programs
.※ For inviting diverse nationalities from around the world, more than 20% of total
selection quota for one national (except for Korean national) can be limited
※ Minimum selection quota (30%) for ethnic Koreans or Korean nationals residing
overseas in order to strengthen the invitation and build a better global Korean research
network.
※ For reapplication(BP), extra scores will be added up to the direct following year for the
applicants and candidates (host researchers/ Brain Pool fellows) who have received
“S(Superior) rank” on evaluation results
※ The details of the selection evaluation shall be developed and implemented separately.

B. (Type 1•2) Evaluation Items and Distribution of Points for a New Application
Allotted
Evaluation Item Evaluation Criteria
Score

9
 Excellence and ▪ Excellence and concreteness of research project
necessity for ▪ Necessity for government support and utilization of the 20
support Brain Pool candidate in the area and the research project
▪ Capabilities of the host institution(host researcher) to utilize the
Brain Pool candidate (e.g., research capabilities, network,
research budget, and others)
Evaluation Utilizing the
▪ The system of the host institution(host researcher) for
Of capabilities of the
supporting the Brain Pool candidate (e.g., support for research, 20
Host host researcher and
equipment, research expenses)living, and others)
Institution the support system
▪ ▪ The system of the host institution(host researcher) for
(50)
supporting life settlement of the Brain Pool
candidate(accommodation, living in Korea, Family support, etc.)
Level of utilization
and expected ▪ Possibility of a domestic/international linkage and cooperation
10
impact of the in a research project
research project

▪ Concreteness of the roles and the utilization plan of the Brain

Pool candidate
Evaluation ▪ Whether the Brain Pool candidate possesses technologies that
of Roles and are needed for the research project
the Brain Capabilities of the (Research career and achievements of academic activities made
40
Pool Brain Pool for the recent 5 years, excellence in commercialization
Candidate candidate achievements (Theses published in SCI-enlisted journals,
(50) patents, etc.))
▪ Validity and viability of the objectives and indicators of a joint
research

Expected impact ▪ Ripple effects as the results of joint R&D

and volition for job ▪ Activeness of the Brain Pool candidate’s motivation for 10
fulfillment applying to the BP program
Total 100

(Type 1) Evaluation Items and Distribution of Points for Re-application

Evaluation Allotted
Detailed Item Detailed Evaluation Criteria
Item Score
Research Level of ▪ Whether the objective of the research plan has been achieved 25
Performance achievement of ▪ Whether the research result and performance have been
of the objectives utilized
Previous BP with regard to
Project the research
(70) plan

10
 Details
▪ Excellence and ripple effects of research performance
of research
including theses, patents, and technical developments
implementation
▪ Adequacy of research method and budget spending
and level of 30
▪ Adequacy of the utilization of the Brain Pool candidate,
utilization of the
faithfulness of the Brain Pool candidate , level of
brain pool
utilization/cooperation, and others
candidate

Status of
▪ Status of the support provided by the host institution and the
support for the
host researcher for the Brain Pool candidate (e.g., support for 15
Brain Pool
research, living, and others)
candidate
Future research
▪ Plan for an extended research, details, and operating policy
plan and 15
▪ Linkage with the previous research details
operating policy
▪ Adequacy and concreteness of the objectives of the extended
Extended Research
research and the research methods for achieving the objectives
Research Plan objectives and 10
▪ Adequacy and other matters of budget compilation and
(30) methods
spending
Volition for
▪ Volition of the host institution, host researcher, and the Brain
research 5
Pool candidate for research fulfillment
fulfillment
Total 100

※ For reapplication of projects that have benefitted from the program, the evaluation
shall be conducted with a separate evaluation criteria apart from new application
projects
※ For reapplication, extra scores will be added up to the following year for the applicants
and candidates (host researchers/ Brain Pool fellows) who have received excellent
rank on evaluation results

Ⅱ. Management of Brain Pool Program

11
1 Procedures of the BP program

Notifying Fellows’ entry Annual Final

selected into South Commence Inspection • Evaluation
➜ ➜ ➜ ➜ (Completion
BP Korea and BP Research Interim
of the
fellows agreement Evaluation Program)

2 Major details
ㅇ Notification of selection results and discussion of invitation requirements: Once
selection results are notified, host institutions shall submit the results of the final
discussion to NRF regarding invitation conditions between the host institutions and
fellows (Host institutions →NRF)

ㅇ Submission of the necessary documents after selection:

- Paystub of Brain Pool fellow (invited scientist under BP program) for the entire recent
year.
- Latest degree certificate of Brain Pool fellow
- Invitation acceptance letter from Brain Pool fellow (for host institution)
※ Further information will be notified after the selection announcement.

ㅇ Submission of the agreement report and concluding agreement: Contract

between fellows and host institutions following the fellows’ entry into South Korea,
and concluding agreement with NRF.
※ Agreement Report- the contract between the fellows and host institutions, the fellows’
certificates of entry (passports, etc.) and pledge agreement of executing contract of
integrity must be attached at the time the agreement with NRF is concluded.

ㅇ BP funds and commencement of the BP Program : Following the conclusion of the

agreement, BP funds will be deposited into host institutions’ account, and the BP
program will start accordingly
※ Entry into South Korea and the initiation of the BP program must be commenced within
4 months(by December 2020) from the date selection results are notified (Delay of
initiation research over 4 months will lead to the withdraw of the program.).

ㅇ Conducting the BP program and managing & executing research expenses: The

12
 BP program will be conducted in accordance with program guidelines and research
plans.
※ Should any important changes in the plans occur, they must be reported to the NRF for
approval.

ㅇ Annual Inspection • Interim Evaluation : Reinforce responsibility of the host

institution for the utilization of the BP fellow by presenting research performances and
inspection details of BP fellow at the annual report each year, and taking the initiative
in checking fellow’s research performance by the host institution. (Type 2 projects)
※ Based on the results of the self-evaluation, an onsite inspection is conducted by NRF in order
to support the BP project and strengthen management.
※ If the actual program duration of the 1st year is less than 6 months, the annual inspection can
be omitted.
※ The interim (progress) evaluation is carried out (by NRF) one month before the end of the
agreement period via submitting the annual report prepared by host institution and host PI

ㅇ Adjustment of research expenses : The records of research expenditures used shall

be reported to NRF and adjust costs within 3 months after the BP agreement ends.
ㅇ Final evaluation : Host institutions and fellows will submit outcome reports within
one month after the BP program ends, and NRF will evaluate the outcomes.

13
3 Roles and Responsibilities of Each Party
ㅇ Each party is obligated to observe the following roles and responsibilities.
※ For BP fellow, research support (research space, research equipment, research expenses,
administrative support) and support for the life in Korea (residence, living, family, etc.) must
be provided by the host institution (host researcher).

Classification Roles and responsibilities

•Supervise overall affairs, including support for and achievements of fellows.
- Retrieve and return BP funds in the case of the BP Program renunciation or
agreement cancellation.

•Obligation to manage supporting fellows’ research and achievements under

Host institutions
BP Program
- Supporting fellow’s settlement by providing accommodation, living
supports, etc.

•Confidentiality of BP project and compliance of research ethics

•Manage the diligence, attendance, working attitude, progress, and
achievements of BP fellows.

•Manage research costs, and overall research performance.

Host Researchers
- Research space, research equipment, research expenses, administrative
support

•Support joint research systems with Korean researchers and enhance their
capabilities.

•Examine and manage the BP Program progress, PR activities, and support

Managing the BP Program policy.
Organization
-Conduct final evaluations and follow-up management of fellows and their
( NRF)
achievements.

14
4 Management, etc. of BP Fellows
ㅇ Work Conditions: Fellows are required to engage in full-time research at host
institutions during BP tenure.
ㅇ Lecture and Research Performance: Upon obtaining approval from the head of the
competent host institutions and host researchers, fellows may undertake a university
lecture (1 subject) or in another R&D project related to the research project under the
BP program (Up to 30 % of participation rate).
ㅇ Paid Leave: Up to 20 days per year (Based on the BP program period (12months) set
under the agreement)
※ The number of days for paid leave only includes business days (excluding national holidays
and host institutions’ holidays), and if the number of days used as paid leave exceeds the
allowable number, personnel costs corresponding to the amount exceeded, calculated on a
daily basis, must be returned.
※ If the BP program is withdrawn during the period of the BP program tenure, the number of
days for paid leave will be recalculated based on the actual period of the program.

ㅇ Overseas Business Trips: Up to 10% of the grant’s duration

- If the accumulated number of days spent for overseas business trips exceeds 10% of
the grant’s duration or if the number of days for one business trip exceeds 10 days, it
shall be approved in advance by the head of the host institution, which, in turn, shall
submit the details of the approval and the business trip plan to the NRF.
-

- A report on each business trip must be submitted to the head of the host institution
upon the end of the overseas business trip (within 7 days from the trip’s conclusion).
※ The duration of any overseas business trip that is not recognized as an official business trip will be
deducted from the number of days for paid leave: If the duration exceeds the maximum number of
days for paid leave, personnel costs corresponding to the excess will be retrieved.
ㅇ Research Performance: No gap should be created in research performance: should any
gap in research performance be created for one month or longer, the BP program will be
withdrawn and BP funds must be retrieved.
- In the event that the selection is abandoned after the notification of selection, penalties
can be applied such as a 3-year restriction for the future Brain Pool application by the
same applicant and candidate (host researcher & invited scientist).

15
5 Matters to be Observed for the BP Program
ㅇ The BP program may be withdrawn, or requests for the reimbursement of money
already paid if it judges any of the following circumstances to pertain:

- Where it is deemed to have caused an obvious disadvantage to national interest.

- Where any inconvenience is caused to the program progress, or where any grave
setbacks are caused intentionally.
- Where any false information is submitted in the application forms, the BP Program
plans, etc.
- Where the fellows do not enter Korea nor commence research within four months
from the date of the grant award notification.
- Where any host institutions or fellows cease performing the project.
- Where the fellows have been employed by the host institution or another institution
- Where any fellows have caused, or are likely to cause, a gap in research performance
from one month or longer, except for unavoidable circumstances such as sick leave or
maternity leave.
- Where any other reasons for a termination of the agreement (such as on-site
inspection results).

ㅇ When the BP program is withdrawn, the host institution is obligated to retrieve BP

funds.

※ When the BP program is withdrawn due to any grounds attributable to host institutions or
fellows, all or portions of the BP funds that were already paid must be retrieved, and sanctions
can be implemented where necessary.

16
6 Follow-up Management of Research Outcomes

ㅇ All tangible and intangible rights obtained from the program, such as intellectual
property rights, are owned by their respective host institutions, subject to the
institution’s regulations or mutual agreement.

ㅇ Any publication of research outcomes must indicate the following acknowledgement.

※ 국문표기 : 이 논문은 0000 년도 정부(과학기술정보통신부)의 재원으로

한국연구재단의 지원을 받아 수행된 해외고급과학자초빙(BP, Brain Pool)의 연구임
(No. 한국연구재단에서 부여한 과제 관리번호)

※ English: This work was supported by Brain Pool Program through the National
Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT
(grant number)

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III. Program Application

1 How to apply
ㅇ Host researchers seek out outstanding Brain Pool candidates and file an online
application via the NRF website (ernd.nrf.re.kr).

☞【Program Classification】 Training and Human Resources Development (H1)- Global

Researcher Invitation Programs(H1D3)-Brain Pool Program(H1D3A2)

※ For more details, please refer to the “[Appendix] ERND application manual (in
Korean)”

2 Required documents:
ㅇ List of Documents to be Submitted:
Necessary documents when applying
- Brain Pool application form - Brain Pool application form (choose one between
[Appendix 1-1] to [Appendix 1-2])
➀ Appendix 1-1 (for Type 1‧2 new application), ➁ Appendix 1-2 (for Type 1 re-application)
※ Please select appropriate application form based on whether it is a new application or re-
application for an existing project.
- Agreement to personal information utilization
- Pledge Agreement of Executing Contract of Integrity

Necessary documents after final selection (only for selected Brain Pool Projects)

- Paystub of Brain Pool fellow (invited scientist) for the entire recent year
(For reapplication, please submit a paystub of the BP fellow’s most recent
affiliate)
- Latest degree certificate of Brain Pool fellow
- Invitation acceptance letter (in English) from Brain Pool fellow

3 Qualifications

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 Classification Qualifications

Government-supported research institutes, national and public research

institutes, universities and university-affiliated research institutes, corporate
Host institutions research institutes* , and nonprofit research institutes.
* Corporate research institutes are those established as SMEs and venture businesses
under Article 14 (1) of the Basic Research Promotion and Technology Development
Support Act and Article 16 (1) of the Enforcement Decree of the same Act

Full-time employees of the respective host institutions who have the rank of at
least assistant professor, senior researcher, or chair of a research institute
(corporate research institute) and satisfy the following requirements:
individuals who have guaranteed employment for the program’s duration and
Host researchers are able to concentrate on performing the relevant project

(BP Applicants) ※ This BP program will be excluded from the projects subject to the restrictions
(the number of R&D projects that can be simultaneously conducted by a researcher
shall not exceed five, among which the number of R&D projects that can be
simultaneously conducted as a principal investigator shall not exceed three) referred
to in Article 32 of the Regulations on Management, etc. of National Research and
Development Projects.

Foreign or overseas Korean scientists* living abroad and holding a Doctoral

degree with 5-years or more of R&D experience outside of Korea.
* Brain Pool candidates with Korean nationality must be residing abroad when
the Brain Pool program application period has closed. (excluding for
reapplication).
※ In the case of that corporate research institute is the host organization, Brain
Invited Scientists Pool candidates who have five-years or more of on-site R&D experience in the
overseas industry may apply regardless of his/her possession of a doctoral
(BP Candidates) degree
※ Due to health concerns, brain pool candidates who are 75 years of age or
older* will be limited to extremely exceptional cases (such as in fields of
science which have not been introduced to Korea, areas where urgency to host
the BP candidate is recognized, or highly distinguished researchers in the field)

* Born on or before 1944.12.31

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4 Contact Information

[Contact]
International R&D Collaboration Team
National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)
Program Inquiry (For Korean) ☎ 02-3460-5624, 5629 / E-mail: [email protected]
(For English) ☎ 044-866-6381 / E-mail: [email protected]
※ If the line is continuously busy, please send us your inquiries via email

Inquiries for Research Advisory Center (Call Center)

Online National Research Foundation of Korea
Application ☎ 1544-6118

5 Schedule for the 2020 Brain Pool recruitment

Schedule Contents
January 20, 2020 (Mon.) Recruitment Announcement of 2020 (from January ~ August, 2020)
February 28 , 2020 (Fri.) 1st Call Application deadline for program plans (18:00)
Selection evaluation of the 1st call (requirements evaluation, evaluation
March, 2020
by experts, comprehensive evaluation) and Final selection
April, 24, 2020 (Fri.) 2nd Call Application deadline for program plans (18:00)
Selection evaluation of the 2nd call (requirements evaluation, evaluation
May,2020
by experts, comprehensive evaluation) and Final selection
June 26, 2020 (Fri.) 3rd Call Application deadline for program plans (18:00)
Selection evaluation of the 3rd call (requirements evaluation, evaluation
July, 2020
by experts, comprehensive evaluation) and Final selection
August 28, 2020(Fri.) 4th Call Application deadline for program plans (18:00)
Selection evaluation of the 4th call (requirements evaluation, evaluation
September 2020
by experts, comprehensive evaluation) and Final selection

※This guideline has been translated from original Korean documents with regards to Korean
research. Therefore, this translation has focused on providing the main contents and points to
brain pool overseas candidates for better understanding and subject to change without prior
notice. The actual details will follow the “Guidelines for the Management of the Brain
Pool(BP) Program” and “BP agreement”.

※In the event of any discrepancy between the Korean original and this English translation, the
Korean original shall prevail

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