The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) held its 8^th Directors Council Meeting (DCM) at Novotel Ambassador Suwon on February 23 and 24. DCMs hold in-depth discussions on agenda items pertaining to research and the general directions of a Center's operation and share major issues of each Center. The 8^th meeting was attended by IBS President KIM Doo-Chul, directors, relevant division and team heads and two guests from the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP): Director YOUN Sung-Hun and Manager KIM Sung-Soo of the Basic Research Promotion Division.

The meeting covered various issues from the introduction of new directors, current status of IBS and follow-up measures from the 7th meeting to a presentation on the Board Scientific Council of the Center for Genomic Integrity and agenda items suggested by Centers.

After his opening remarks, the president introduced the new directors of the two new Centers launched in January 2017: Andreas Heinrich of the Center for Quantum Nanoscience; and Axel Timmermann of the Center for Climate Physics. He continued to explain the current status of IBS: The construction of the new HQ which is scheduled to complete its 1st phase this November; the role of four research advisors; hosting 20 presidential consultative meetings; the government's confirmation of the 2017 IBS budgets; and the selection of seven young scientist fellows (YSFs).

The president also reported follow-up measures from the 7th DCM: IBS will provide researchers with maximum support within the boundary of the "Improper Solicitation and Graft Act" when they attend overseas conferences. In order to address foreign research fellows' difficulties stemming from differences in prices and living costs, "External Personnel Rules" of IBS were revised and are in effect so that proper labor costs can be determined with approval from the president.

Director MYUNG Kyungjae of the Center for Genomic Integrity (CGI) delivered a presentation on the IBS-CGI Board Scientific Council (BSC). He explained the 1st BSC meeting held from December 7 to 9, 2016, under the theme "Long-term scientific goals of CGI" and its outcomes. The director also shared know-hows for successful operation of a Center's own scientific advisory committee.

The DCM concluded with in-depth discussions on agenda items raised by Centers. The conclusions drawn and opinions given will lead to the implementation of follow-up measures and further facilitate cooperation between Centers and HQ. IBS is expected to take a step forward in 2017 when the institute moves to the new HQ in Daejeon Expo Science Park

▲ The 8^th Directors Council Meeting at Novotel Ambassador Suwon

▲ Director MYUNG Kyungjae of the Center for Genomic Integrity explaining the "IBS-CGI Board Scientific Council"

▲ YOUN Sung-Hun, Director of the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning

▲ A group photo of the attendees