Incheon Science Elite Program at Incheon National University to Launch 2025 Online Pre-Program as Designated Regional Center for University-Affiliated Science Gifted Education Institutes

The Incheon Science Elite Program (Director: Prof. Jin-Ho Kim, Department of Chemistry, Incheon National University) announced that it has been selected to lead the “Regional Center for University-Affiliated Science Gifted Education Institutes” project by the Ministry of Science and ICT, beginning in May 2025. Under this initiative, the center will operate the “2025 Online Pre-Program” for students in the Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Gangwon regions.

The designation of Incheon National University as a regional center is expected to establish a collaborative system among science gifted education institutions in the metropolitan area, promote the sharing of best practices, and spearhead the development and implementation of online-based advanced educational curricula. This move positions the Incheon Science Elite Program as a central hub for science gifted education in the region.

The regional centers for university-affiliated science gifted education programs are selected from among 27 universities nationwide and divided into three zones: the metropolitan area, the Chungcheong region, and the Yeongho-Nam region. These centers are responsible for coordinating joint curricula and discussing future development strategies within their respective regions.

The Online Pre-Program, first piloted in 2022 and fully implemented since 2023, is gaining recognition as a leading model for online-based science gifted education. In 2025, it will provide tailored educational content—including interactive learning modules, real-time online classes, and special online lectures—to 5th and 6th grade elementary students and 1st-year middle school students.

Targeting approximately 600 students from elementary and middle schools in the Seoul metropolitan and Gangwon areas, the program aims to enhance access to science gifted education through digital platforms. Students who complete the program will receive a certificate of completion issued by the Council of University-Affiliated Science Gifted Education Directors.

Furthermore, the top 50 performing students will be invited to attend a fully funded two-day Creative Design Camp scheduled for August.

Participants in the 2025 Online Pre-Program may also be considered for admission or recommendation in the 2025 academic year selection process at their respective local university-affiliated science gifted education institutes—drawing considerable interest from students and parents alike.

Detailed information can be found on the joint website for university-affiliated science gifted education institutes at https://seit.kr. For inquiries from elementary and middle school students in the Incheon area, contact the Incheon Science Elite Program at 032-835-4971 or visit https://isepclub.com.

Since its establishment in 1998, the Incheon Science Elite Program has grown into one of Korea’s leading institutions for science gifted education, consistently recognized as an excellent educational institution by the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, the City of Incheon, and Incheon National University.

Director Prof. Jin-Ho Kim remarked, “Since 2022, our role as a regional center and our management of the Online Pre-Program have achieved continued success each year. This initiative marks a turning point in expanding science gifted education opportunities for students in Incheon, the metropolitan area, and Gangwon Province, while also establishing a new model for innovative science education.” He added, “We look forward to active interest and participation from students across the Incheon region.”