On July 25th, the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) celebrated the first anniversary of the IBS Institute for Rare Isotope Science.

IBS President NOH Do Young presiding over the event, titled "RAON, the Hope of Basic Science," which took place at the main office of the Institute for Rare Isotope Science in the Daejeon Yuseong International Science Business Belt. The ceremony was attended by more than 140 individuals, including Professor MIN Dong-pil (Honorary Professor at Seoul National University) and Professor NAM Gung-won (Honorary Professor at POSTECH), as well as numerous researchers and officials from the Ministry of Science and ICT.

In his welcome speech, President Noh stated, "The construction of RAON was a challenging project that spanned more than ten years," further adding, "Despite numerous obstacles, within just the first year of operation, we have achieved consecutive successes in beams extraction from the low-energy section and the ISOL rare isotope beam generation, hence positioning ourselves as a world-leading institute for rare isotope science." He further expressed gratitude to the distinguished senior researchers and fellow colleagues whose interest and support served as significant driving forces that brought the RAON to its current state. The president urged the institute's staff members to continue their relentless efforts to create the world's top institute for rare isotope science.

Managing Director HONG Seung-woo, in his presentation "First Year of RAON and the Path Ahead," said, "The past eleven years have been a process of laying the foundation for the Rare Isotope Accelerator." He added, "In the future, we will be able to provide stable beams for the researchers and successfully implement the second stage of the project through advanced R&D." He highlighted the institute's vision to become a place that inspires visiting students to pursue a career in science, and at the same time providing a site where world-renowned researchers dream of conducting research.

During the commemorative event, President NOH Do Young awarded a certificate of merit to Professor MIN Dong-pil (Honorary Professor at Seoul National University), who envisioned the International Science Business Belt. He also presented commendation plaques to KIM Sun-gi and KWON Myeon, former Directors of the Heavy Ion Accelerator Construction Project Group, and special awards to other outstanding employees of the Rare Isotope Accelerator.

Additionally, Managing Director HONG Seung-woo awarded certificates of appreciation to the representatives of ten outstanding companies that participated in the construction and establishment of the Rare Isotope Accelerator, including Air Liquide Advanced Technologies, Geumryongtech Co., Ltd., Hanmaek Electronics Co., Ltd., Allegheny Technologies International Inc., Haneul Engineering Co., Ltd., Superzenix Co., Ltd., CV, Ltd., Hanmi Techwin Co., Ltd., Sungsan Electronics Communication Co., Ltd., and Hanyang ENG Co., Ltd.

▲ Welcome address – IBS President NOH Do Young

▲ Welcome address – IBS President NOH Do Young

▲ Presentation – Managing Director HONG Seung Woo of the Institute for Rare Isotope Science

▲ Presentation – Managing Director HONG Seung Woo of the Institute for Rare Isotope Science

▲ Rice cake – cutting ceremony