NOH Do Young, President of the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), actively participated in two high-level international conferences: the Global Summit of Research Institute Leaders (GSRIL) and the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum. Both events brought together leaders in science and technology to discuss global challenges, sustainable research, and the future role of science in society.

GSRIL: Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Research

The GSRIL, held with the theme “Reducing our Ecological Footprint without Compromising Research Excellence,” gathered 28 leaders from 25 research institutions representing 14 countries. Among the distinguished participants were leaders such as Stefan NOREEN from RIKEN, Antoine PETIT from CNRS, Kimberly S. BUDIL from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), and Mitch DAVIS from the National Research Council (NRC).

During the summit, Antoine PETIT and Kimberly S. BUDIL delivered keynote addresses, highlighting how humanity faces critical environmental challenges like climate change and energy crises. They emphasized the importance of international cooperation in finding wise research directions to address these pressing issues.

In the discussions on sustainable research practices, President Noh presented IBS’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. He outlined plans to install a 6.3 MW solar power facility at IBS’s RAON heavy ion accelerator, which will help reduce carbon emissions and energy costs. At the main IBS headquarters, renewable energy sources, such as geothermal and solar power systems, currently supply 17.33% of energy needs, with the goal of increasing this to 43% in new construction.

Additionally, President Noh highlighted the contributions of IBS’s Center for Climate Physics, which provides critical insights into climate change. As part of the summit’s outcomes, participants collaboratively drafted a joint statement, reaffirming their commitment to reducing ecological footprints while maintaining research excellence. The statement called for continued international cooperation, efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and sharing ideas on sustainable research practices.

STS Forum: Charting the Path to a Sustainable Future

At the STS Forum, President Noh participated in a plenary session titled “World in 2024—What Do We Need from Science and Technology?”, where over 1,400 participants from 80 countries gathered to discuss science and technology’s role in addressing global challenges. High-profile attendees included Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru ISHIBA, South Korean Minister of Science and ICT YOO Sang-jik, and ministers from Thailand and Germany.

NOH also attended a session on the “Path to Sustainability,” chaired by Ahmad O. AL-KHOWAITER, Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation at Saudi Aramco. This session underscored the need for the scientific community to offer balanced knowledge that addresses both human welfare and ecosystem protection.

Discussions at the STS Forum centered around global climate goals, artificial intelligence, and the need for balanced solutions that meet the needs of both developed and developing nations. Participants highlighted the value of science and technology investments that benefit all societies, further emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving a sustainable future.

Through his participation in these prestigious forums, President Noh demonstrated IBS’s commitment to advancing global scientific collaboration and addressing critical challenges such as climate change, sustainability, and innovation.