The Republic of Korea Ocean Research & Development Institute (president: Kang, Jung-Keuk) will be relaunched next year as tentatively named 'KIOST(Republic of Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology)', an independent corporation affiliated with MLTM(Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs). The change will go into effect six months after the Republic of Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology Law passed by the National Assembly Plenary Session on last December 29th passes the Cabinet meeting this January.

The purpose of the bill, proposed last July 28th by National Assembly Chairman Park Hee-Tae, is to foster national marine science and technological development and bolster international competitiveness through systematic R&D and management of marine and marine resources and the training of professional manpower.

After its proposal, the bill was discussed in joint presentations of the Education and Homeland Departments (8.29), was subjected to revision (9.28), voted on by the Department of Homeland Subcommittee Committee (11.22), the Homeland Marine Committee (12.26), and the Judicial Council (12.28) before its final passage at the National Assembly plenary session on December 29th.

The establishment of KIOST will mean several major changes. First, KORDI will be expanded and reorganized as an independent corporation based on individual laws, and the competent departments will be moved to MLTM. Second, to strengthen marine science R&D, the government contribution will be increased from 39% to 75%, representing an enlarged proportion of budget alxss-location. Third, various incentive schemes will be introduced to focus on research excellence by distinguished research personnel, including those over retirement age. Fourth, there are plans to create a system to incorporate faculty between Korean Institute of Ocean Science and Technology and marine-related national universities in the Busan area.

The president Kang, Jung-Keuk says 'the recreating as KIOST will be a grand opportunity to create a new paradigm for marine science and technology research. Also it carry on the identity of KORDI with its more than 40 years of accumulated experience.' He believes the passing of the bill is highly significant because 'As an independent corporation, we will have opportunities to expand the scope of it's operations and realize dramatic development in the future.'