Born: 1963 (South Korea)
Biography:
Lim Hye-sook was born in 1963 in South Korea. She is a renowned Korean electronics engineering professor at Ewha Womans University, known for her exceptional contributions to the field of science and technology. Lim achieved a significant milestone in her career when she served as the Minister of Science and ICT under President Moon Jae-in from May 2021 to 2021, becoming the first woman to helm the country’s science ministry.
Lim’s educational journey began at Seoul National University, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from the Department of Control and Instrumentation. She then pursued her passion for further knowledge and obtained a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the prestigious University of Texas at Austin.
Before entering the world of academia, Lim gained valuable industry experience, working at a Samsung-HP joint venture after completing her undergraduate studies. She further sharpened her expertise by joining Bell Labs and Cisco Systems following her doctorate studies. Armed with this rich experience, Lim embarked on her teaching career at Ewha Womans University in 2002, where she received full tenure in 2011.
Throughout her tenure at Ewha, Lim assumed various prominent roles within the university’s hierarchy, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to education. From 2005 to 2007, she served as the head of the Department of Electronics Engineering. Later, from 2009 to 2011, she took on the position of associate dean of the School of Engineering. In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Lim became the dean of the College of Engineering from 2018 to 2020. Moreover, she played a pivotal role as the university’s Associate VP for academic affairs from 2012 to 2014.
Lim’s appointment as Minister of Science and ICT garnered significant attention. President Moon Jae-in, in his press conference, emphasized the importance of women’s workforce participation, particularly in innovative sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy. Moon expressed his confidence in Lim’s abilities to set a precedent and contribute to developing professionals in these fields. This appointment showcased Lim’s expertise and leadership in science and technology.
In 2020, Lim accomplished another remarkable achievement in her illustrious career. She was elected as the chair of the Institute of Electronics and Information Engineers, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the institute’s over-70-year history. This appointment further solidified her status as a trailblazer and advocate for women in science and technology.
Lim’s contributions to the advancement of science and technology extended beyond academia and industry. In May 2021, she signed the Artemis Accord on behalf of the Ministry and the government, formally joining a moon exploration project with nine other countries. This participation reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to space exploration and Lim’s dedication to pushing boundaries in the field.
Her previous role as the Chairperson of the National Research Council of Science and Technology demonstrated Lim’s exceptional leadership abilities. Overseeing 25 government-funded research institutes, she ensured their alignment with national objectives and fostered advancements in areas like the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. Lim’s appointment as the youngest and first female leader of the council highlighted her exceptional skills and the recognition she received within the scientific community.
Awards:
– Science and Technology Medal by the government of South Korea (2020)
– Stars in Computer Networking and Communications by N2Women (2019)
– Women in Science and Technologies by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (2014)
Lim’s accomplishments have been recognized and celebrated by the scientific community through various prestigious awards. In 2020, she was honored with the Science and Technology Medal by the government of South Korea for her outstanding contributions to the field. Additionally, in 2019, she received the Stars in Computer Networking and Communications award from N2Women. This recognition further solidified her position as a leading figure in her domain. In 2014, Lim was also bestowed with the Women in Science and Technologies award by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, highlighting her role as an inspiration for women pursuing careers in the STEM fields.
Lim Hye-sook’s contributions to science and technology, her pioneering spirit as a woman in leadership, and her dedication to education have left an indelible mark on the field. Her extraordinary achievements serve as a testament to her commitment to advancing women’s role in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), making her a prominent figure in women’s history.