Introduction of Co-director (multiple director) System in IBS Research Centers

1. Background                                                        

In the fields of mathematics and theoretical physics, research is considered to be particularly productive when several research units with a fairly strong independence are compiled into one research center, and when these units have active academic exchanges. Therefore, a collaborative structure (co-directors) will be more efficient than a hierarchical structure (director & group leaders) for centers in those fields.  Hence, the IBS decided to introduce a co-director (multiple director) system for research centers in mathematics and theoretical physics, which will be located at the IBS headquarter.

2. Set-up of research center

Ÿ         The research center will consist of 3 to 4 co-directors who may be appointed consecutively by the selection process of IBS.

Ÿ         There will be one managing director and several co-director positions in a research center.

Ÿ         Each co-director will be treated like a director in other research centers.

Ÿ         The managing director position will be rotated among the co-directors.

Ÿ         Each co-director will have an annual budget of KRW 1.5 to 2.0 billion according to his/her research plan.

Ÿ         Co-directors cannot have group leaders.

Ÿ         Each co-director is given autonomy in recruitment of researchers within the budget size and he/she may have one tenured researcher.

Ÿ          The research center will have approximately four administrative staff members to support its organization.