Conference 3: 2019 International Conference on Science & Technology ODA

• Where: Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)

• When: Nov. 29th, 2019

It was another new experience to help my adviser arrange the circumstances on the morning of the day. Since it was held at KIST, where I am working right now, it was comfortable for me to be here. It was fun to participate with some of my lab and office members.

First of all, I was amazed by how large our nation has supported the Science and Technology ODA (S&T ODA) sector. Also, there were significant communities like 'Academic Society for Appropriate Technology' and 'Scientists and Engineers Without Borders' in Korea. Looking back, I think I didn't actively search or participate in these fields, though I have kept saying I wanted to devote myself to helping peoples in low-income countries! I felt ashamed.

Plenary speakers were amazing. Dr. Irina Bokova, a former director-general of UNESCO & honorary rector of humanitas college at Kyung Hee University, gave a talk about 'Empowering Women, Children and People in Poor Communities through education.' It was pleasing and sad at the same time to see how countries over the world have been put effort into educating young children and women but continuously seen an increase in the gender gap. I hope to contribute to empowering female scientists and engineers in STEM fields in the future.

Marc Dusseiller, who is a founder and president of Hackteria, the Open Source Biological Art, gave an exciting talk about trans-disciplinary approaches bridging digital- and bio-technologies. Upon listening to his career, I could find many things in common with him. He had studied nanotechnology, had delved into art & design, and he's running his own company now that connects science, art, and education. The things that I want to deal with in my life! I know that it is not a good strategy to compare myself with others. But, it was a little bit sad to realize that I have too much focused on finishing my school works and not keep doing what I have wished to do. So, from now on, I will try not to lose these opportunities. Anyway, it was interesting to know that anything, even lab equipment like microscopy and spectrometer, could be made by myself, and it could be something that inspires children to get interested in science.

Also, I met an amazing woman who was actively involved in supporting engineers working for global development. Mariela Machado, a program manager of Engineering for Change (E4C), gave an inspiring talk about 'Engineering 2030: Building Ecosystems for Social Impact'. E4C has already 1.3 million supporters, and it provides programs like research collaboration, fellowship, and training. The solution library of all existing appropriate technologies sounds very helpful to prevent 'reinventing the wheel.' Luckily, I could have a short talk with her during the coffee break! If not eligible now, I wish to participate in the fellowship program soon to find and solve marginalized problems.

Finally, my supervisor, Dr. Seongpil Jeong, gave an oral presentation on our current VKist project. It was exciting to learn how he was summarizing and delivering to others. I am glad that I am one of the member of this project. Not only that, I learned a lot of cutting-edge appropriate technologies from enthusiastic engineers all day long and had conversations with them. Overall, I could reflect on my life and determine to pay attention to S&T ODA from now on.