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Focuses on the Biotech 2000 government-industry biotechnology project in South Korea. Initial amount in investment targeted by the government for the project; Description of the project; Impact of the financial crisis facing the country on the project; Prospects for the research and development spending in the country in light of the financial crisis.

Announces that despite a struggling economy, South Korea plans nearly to double its support for biotechnology in 1998. Details about Biotech 2000 program; Ministries involved in project; Companies investing in project; Obstacles faced in bringing South Korean biotechnology to Western levels; Lack of university support and biotechnology training.

Reports that the world's first institution devoted to development of vaccines for developing countries was formally established in October, 1997 in Seoul, South Korea. International Vaccine Institute (IVI) as governed by independent board; IVI as located at Seoul National University; Institute as first proposed by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in 1992; Initial opposition from the World Health Organization (WHO); First target being Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Announces the first clinical application of gene therapy performed in South Korea. The lack of established guidelines for gene therapy; The program involving a retroviral vector; Those involved in the project.

Reports on the expansion of South Korea's first synchrotron at the Pohang University of Science and Technology. The questions concerning covering the cost of its construction; The increase in the number of users; The initial costs being covered by the steel-manufacturer Posco; The ill-fated partnership between company and university research.

Reports on South Korea's first attempt to rank its universities. Pohang University of Science and Technology as the highest-ranking university; Ranking of Seoul National University (SNU); Exclusion of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) from the ranking; Rivalry between SNU and KAIST.

Reports on the appointment of Sooyoung Chang as president of Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea. University profile; Chang's educational background.

Reports on the launching by the South Korean government of the Biotech 2000 program to promote the development of biotechnology. Expenditure; Comparison with G-7 project of 1991; Participating ministries; Scientific fields covered.

Reports on the temporary halt called by President Young-Sam Kim of South Korea to negotiations over a planned reorganization of the country's science-related ministries. Problems on the distribution of responsibilities; Reduction of the powers of the Ministry of Science and Technology; Strengthening of the Presidential Council on Science and Technology.

Considers an announcement by South Korea's Ministry of Science and Technology of the first projects in an effort by South Korea to catch up with the technology of Japan and leading Western nations by the beginning of the next century. The Highly Advanced National Project (the G-7 project); Funding for the development of new drugs and vaccines; More. INSET: G-7 is wake-up call for KIST, by D.S..

Reports that South Korean President Kim Dae-jung has upgraded the status of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). Criticism of MOST's former lack of power; Science policy of former President Kim Young-sam; Kim Dae-jung's visit to the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST); Appointment of Kang Chang-hee to lead MOST; Kang's challenges. INSET: ...as overstretched universities face bankruptcy.

Describes the impact of the current Asian economic crisis on scientists in South Korea, as of February 12, 1998. Country's intention to invest $18 billion in biotechnology through 2007; Government science officials optimistic; Short-term effects of crisis on science and technology; Example of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST); Decline in value of the won; Status of the Creative Research Initiative; Impact on Samsung.