The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI, President Myeong-ho Myeong) and the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS, President Jeong-hwan Lee), government-funded research institutes under the Ministry of Science and ICT, have joined forces to spread a scientific safety culture in island villages.

On November 25, the Korea Materials Research Institute and the Korea Electric Power Research Institute visited Soan Elementary School in Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do and held the event, “Safety Carries Science.”

This visit was aimed at fostering scientific and safety awareness among students in island regions and creating social value.

In order to provide opportunities for scientific career exploration, officials from the Materials Research Institute and the Electrical Research Institute visited the school and conducted 'science experience' education such as △ lightning safety education △ (metal materials) education and experience on the principles of shape memory alloys △ (surface technology) education on the principles of plating and experience making silver-plated tags △ (energy) education on the principles of fuel cells and experience making a saltwater car, and a 'science lecture' on the topic of 'stories of materials hidden in the world' for all 91 students of Soan Elementary School.

In addition, both institutions will raise students' awareness of safety culture. To raise awareness and spread this awareness, we also provided CPR training and kit making experience, first aid and safety training, etc. to create an opportunity for students to gain new awareness of science and safety culture.

Director Lee Jeong-hwan of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) said, “As a government-funded research institute funded by taxpayer money, our institute has a responsibility and role in contributing to the spread of safety culture and popularization of science among the public.” He added, “Through this activity, the institute will continue to discover various programs to spread science and safety culture that can encompass even underprivileged regions that are easily neglected, and strive to fulfill its role.”

“Electricity makes our lives more convenient, but it can also be dangerous if misused, so it is very important to understand it and use it well,” said Yoo Cheong-jun, head of the Safety and Security Department at the Korea Electric Power Research Institute. “I hope that students who have had difficulty receiving education about science and safety in the past have had good memories through today’s event, and we will strive to create more opportunities like this in the future.”

Meanwhile, both organizations plan to conduct a survey of students and faculty after the event on scientific and safety awareness, and actively reflect the results in next year's public relations and scientific culture expansion plans, as well as safety management responsibility plans.