Greetings,
This is Professor Wonho Jang, the 23rd president of the Korean Social Science Research Council.
The Korean Social Science Research Council was established in 1975 as a consortium of social science-related academic societies. Currently, it leads interdisciplinary research and education by collaborating with 15 academic associations in various social science fields, including sociology, political science, economics, public administration, business, social welfare, women’s studies, education, journalism, psychology, cultural anthropology, and geography. Furthermore, it organizes policy forums and international and domestic academic conferences related to contemporary issues in Korean society, presenting policy alternatives for a better society.
Internationally, the council represents the Korean social science community in organizations such as the Association of Asian Social Science Research Council (ASSREC), the International Social Science Council (ISSC), and the International Federation of Social Science Organizations (IFSSO).
Our society is entering an uncertain future characterized by the Fourth Industrial Revolution led by artificial intelligence, rapid aging, and the world’s lowest birthrate. While there are various predictions about the future of our society, most of them focus on scientific and technological changes. However, science and technology are products of society. It is the role of social science to explore how science and technology can bring happiness and peace to society. Therefore, the role and responsibility of social science are more significant than ever. Now is the time for Korean social science to embark on an academic journey beyond the convergence of humanities and social sciences, moving towards the convergence with natural sciences and engineering. The Korean Social Science Research Council, along with its 15 collaborative associations of social sciences, aims to actively take on the role of a coordinator for interdisciplinary research.
The council will faithfully fulfill its role as a cornerstone for research and policy for a better future in Korea.
We hope for your guidance and cooperation.
Thank you.
Wonho Jang
President of Korean Social Science Research Council