The Institute for Basic Science has appointed world-renowned chemist Bartosz GRZYBOWSKI as the new Director of the Center for Soft and Living Matter. Grzybowski had previously been one of the group leaders of the Center, and he is to be promoted to its director starting from December 31.

Director Grzybowski graduated from Yale University with a degree in Chemistry and earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Harvard University. He assumed the position of professor at Northwestern University in the United States in 2003 and served as the Director of the Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC), supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), in 2009.

Known for his study of non-equilibrium self-assembly processes in chemical systems, Director Grzybowski is considered a pioneer in the field of nano- and micro-scale chemical systems. With over 300 published papers, including 9 in the prestigious 'Nature' and 8 in 'Science,' his academic impact is substantial, with more than 22,800 citations. Among his influential discoveries, his research in computer-driven synthesis is particularly noteworthy.

Honored with major scientific awards such as the Nanoscience Award ('13), Feynman Prize ('16), and FNP Prize ('23), Director Grzybowski was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2015. Starting in 2024, he will also serve as a Scientific Advisory Board member for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Director Grzybowski is an editorial board member for renowned international journals such as 'Soft Matter,' 'Matter,' 'ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces,' and 'ChemSystemChem.' In 2019, he was invited to the Solvay Conference, a prestigious global physics and chemistry conference.

Under its new leadership, the Center for Soft and Living Matter plans to strengthen research combining AI algorithms and robotics in chemical synthesis, addressing the forefront of current discussions in the field of chemistry.

Director Grzybowski stated, "I aim to contribute to the advancement of cutting-edge industries, including pharmaceuticals, catalysis, optoelectronics, and battery materials, by developing a chemical synthesis process that can discover new materials. To achieve this, I plan to actively foster interdisciplinary talent covering AI, robotics, and chemistry."

IBS President NOH Do Young commented, "In the past, Director Grzybowski has played a significant role in enhancing IBS's global influence as a Group Leader. With his appointment as the new Director, we anticipate his contribution to further expanding the research scope of the institute, thereby enhancing the nation's competitiveness in basic science."

IBS Public Relations Team
William I. Suh