The government has named two distinguished researchers as the first "National Scientists” in recognition of their achievements.

The Science and Technology Ministry said Wednesday that Professor Lee Seo-goo of Ewha Womans University and Shin Hee-seop of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology were given the designation by a government-sponsored commission.

Lee made a breakthrough in research on intracellular signal transmission of activated oxygen, while Shin has helped bring domestic neuroscience to the international level over the past decade.

With the designation, the two will receive annual research funds of one-point-five billion won for up to six years.

The ministry changed the title of the honor after it stripped disgraced scientist Hwang Woo-suk of his “Top Scientist" title.