대한여성과학기술인회

2023 Smart Sister Program

Small Group Activity Announcement

The Association of Korean Woman Scientists and Engineers (KWSE) has organized Smart Sister Program since 2013 to promote a human network among female students and scholars in science and technology, as well as support foreign women scientists and engineers who are working or studying in Korea. For young women scientists and engineers in Korea who are interested in participating in research and cultural exchange activities, this could be a valuable opportunity to gain experience, develop new skills, and expand their network. SSP can provide young women scientists and engineers with a platform to collaborate with like-minded individuals, share their knowledge and experiences, and build relationships that can help advance their careers.

1. Small Group Activity

• The Small Group Activity of SSP is designed to provide female students in S&T with the opportunity to take the lead in planning and operating various activities. The program's emphasis is on academic and cultural exchanges that can help participants develop a broader perspective and understanding of different cultures and ways of thinking. Moreover, by engaging in activities together, the program can contribute to vitalizing human exchange among group members, and building lasting relationships and networks that can support participants in their future endeavors.

2. Eligibility

• All students pursuing master's or doctoral programs in science and engineering are eligible to participate in this program.
• Leadership roles are strictly limited to female students. Male students can only participate as group members.
• All members are required to reside in Korea while participating in the program.

3. Group Requirements

• A group must consist of members from at least two countries, and the number of people should be between five to ten.
• Korean members must be included but they cannot exceed 50% of all members.
• If male students participate, their percentage in the group cannot exceed 30% of all members.

※ It is NOT mandatory to include male students in the group.

• Each participant can only engage in one group.
• All participants are required to attend the 2023 International Young Woman Scientist Camp (YWS Camp). A group leader or members should present their group activities at the Camp.
  ※ 2023 YWS Camp: Wednesday, September 20, 2023, Daejeon

4. Topics for Small Group Activity

• The academic topic should be related to the majors, research fields, or areas of interest of all group members.
• The Small Group Activity should also include international cultural exchanges which can provide opportunities for members to experience culture from not only Korea but also other countries.

5. Procedures

• A group should have at least two meetings during the activity period and attendance of 70% or more of members is required.
• Within 10 days of a group activity, related documents should be submitted. After review, meeting expenses will be reimbursed to the bank account of the student representative (proposer).

※ Online meetings are not eligible for expense reimbursement.

• A final report must be submitted and presented at the 2023 YWS Camp.
• At the end of activity, each member should write short reviews regarding this program.

6. Period of activity and benefits

• A total of six groups will be selected. 
• The period of activity is from Monday, April 17, 2023 – Thursday, August 31, 2023
• Funding for each group will be up to KRW 900,000. The amount given may change depending on the evaluation of the proposal.
• Activity expenses can be used for meeting expenses, honoraria for invited lectures, cultural experience fees, etc.
• The representative student (proposer) is required to use her credit card for all expenses. Cash usage is allowed. The relevant expenses will be reimbursed according to the budget policy.

• A recognition will be given to one group for their outstanding activities.
• All groups are advised to present their activity results during the 2023 YWS Camp. Based on the judge’s evaluation, one group with exceptional performances will be awarded.

7. Proposal Submission

• Deadline for Submission: Monday, April 10, 2023
• Required Documents for Submission: Proposal for 2023 Small Group Activity and List of Participants
• Application Method: Please email the required documents to yjmin@kwse.or.kr.
• For Inquiries: Please contact KWSE Secretariat (yjmin@kwse.or.kr)