The Korea Food Research Institute (KFRI) is Korea’s leading national institute for food science and nutrition technology. Established in 1987, it is dedicated to developing safe, healthy, and sustainable foods. Through its research, KFRI strengthens Korea’s food security, drives the creation of innovative food products, and provides solutions to global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity.
The South Korea Mobility Program offers data science talents the opportunity to spend up to three months at KFRI in Wanju. Participants work in an interdisciplinary setting where food science, biotechnology, nutrition, and data science converge.
They gain access to state-of-the-art laboratories, pilot-scale food production facilities, and comprehensive databases to advance novel approaches in food and nutrition research.
About NST
National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST)
The National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST) currently brings together 23 leading research institutes active in a wide range of fields – from materials science, biotechnology, and energy to space exploration, robotics, and information and communication technologies. It coordinates their strategic direction, fosters synergies among the institutes, and supports the government in shaping research and innovation strategies.
In doing so, NST plays a key role in advancing scientific excellence in areas of societal relevance and in transferring technological innovations to industry and society. In addition, it strengthens the international networks of Korean research and enables joint projects with leading research organizations worldwide.
KFRI’s research activities range from developing new food processing technologies to analyzing health-promoting ingredients and designing innovative nutritional solutions for practical application. The institute advances new technologies for food safety, personalized nutrition, sustainable packaging, and bio-based food production.
Through close collaboration with industry, agriculture, and international partners, KFRI ensures that innovations in food research are rapidly translated into practice, enhancing the competitiveness of Korea’s food industry.
Research priorities:
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Food safety and quality – advanced methods to detect contaminants, allergens, and pathogens.
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Health-promoting foods – identification and utilization of bioactive compounds for functional and medical nutrition.
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Sustainable food production – technologies for eco-friendly processing, resource-efficient methods, and alternative protein sources.
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Personalized nutrition – integrating nutritional medicine, genomics, and data science to develop individualized dietary strategies.
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Packaging and shelf-life technologies – innovative solutions to extend food preservation and reduce waste.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Contact a research group at one of the NST member institutions to discuss the possibility of a three-month research stay.
- Step 2: Submit your application through HIDA
- Step 3: Applications are reviewed by a selection committee, and you will be notified shortly thereafter.
You can find more details about the application process under following link!
Contact
If you have any questions about the South Korea Mobility Program or our other research stay offerings, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.
Stefanie Gruber-Sliva
Networks & Mobility Program Manager
Contact
