Funder · Federal agency

National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)

Funds academic research across science, humanities, and innovation through grants for individual researchers, teams, and international partnerships.

South Koreaeng.nrf.re.kr

Key stats

Annual funding—

Programs7

Active grants6

Total grants6

About

The National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) is the central government body funding academic basic research under dual oversight from the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and the Ministry of Education (MOE). Established in 2009 through the merger of KOSEF, KRF, and KOFAC, NRF supports individual researcher grants, center-level group research, graduate fellowship programs (BK21), and international bilateral research exchanges. Its five directorates cover Basic Research in Science and Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, National Strategic R&D, Academic Research and HR Development, and International Affairs.

NRF issues two funding tranches per fiscal year (November and April) across 25+ individual research programs and a suite of large center programs. The foundation's stated mission is "To Contribute to the Creation of Knowledge and Value and Advancement of Human Society through Creative Research and Fostering Future Talent." Applications route through the NTIS portal (ernd.nrf.re.kr) and are evaluated via a four-stage review: preliminary qualification, expert review, PM consultative group, and program committee final selection under MSIT/MOE joint authority.

Programs & grants under this funder

NRF Bilateral Exchange Program

Provides Research exchange grants between Korean researchers and partner-country researchers.

1 grant

NRF Bilateral Exchange Program

Open

₩8.58B pool

Brain Korea 21 FOUR

Offers Flagship MOE graduate education and research, supporting long-term sustainable commercialization and growth.

NRF Basic Research Laboratory (BRL)

Provides Small-group university research grants in Advanced or Pioneer track.

1 grant