A Study on the Perception of Research Activities and Career Development of Korean Doctoral Students and Postdoctoral Researchers in Material Science and Engineering

As improving the importance of the professionals in the field of material science and engineering in industry and academia, it has been important how to manage and design the career as material scientists and engineers with serving the information to the next generations. Especially, in order to attract next generation more into material science, it is needed to investigate and consider for diversity of career the professionals with Ph.D.<br/>In this study, in order to figure out the issues for career steps of next generation of material scientists and researchers in Korea, the perception of their research activities and career development were surveyed from doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers in the field of material science and engineering. As a result of the survey, it would be observed research activity status, such as spending time for their research activity, research type, and research collaboration, and satisfaction of their research, and career plans. Through figuring out current research activity status and desired career paths of the early career researchers, it could be expected to discuss about what they want for their career, how to think about future plan, and how to support them efficiently. Additionally, it could be also discussed about diverse career options as professionals in material science and engineering, and ways of career development.