The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) will host the 2026 IBS Conference, bringing together world-renowned scholars in next-generation artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and nanomedicine.

The conference will take place on April 6 at the Baekyangnuri Grand Ballroom of Yonsei University, with participation from leading researchers from Korea and abroad, including Nobel laureates David BAKER of the University of Washington and Randy SCHEKMAN of University of California Berkeley.

The conference will open with a keynote lecture by Professor David BAKER, a global authority in AI-based protein design. He was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on designing and synthesizing proteins that do not exist in nature using AI. Notably, IBS and Yonsei University are his first destinations in Korea following the Nobel announcement, drawing significant attention from the academic community.

Professor Randy SCHEKMAN, who will deliver a joint keynote, is a leading figure in cell biology and received the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for elucidating the mechanisms of intracellular transport. As the doctoral advisor of Professor Baker, the two distinguished scientists will share the stage to discuss their research achievements and future directions.

Subsequent sessions will feature presentations on the convergence of AI, robotics, and nanomedicine. Professor Hannele RUOHOLA-BAKER of the University of Washington will present on AI-driven cellular engineering, while Professor Itai COHEN of Cornell University will discuss recent advances in microrobotics grounded in physical principles. Professor HAN Namsik of Yonsei University will introduce AI- and quantum computing-based strategies for drug discovery, and Director CHEON Jinwoo of the IBS Center for Nanomedicine will outline future directions for next-generation nanomedicine integrating nanotechnology and medicine.

Since 2013, IBS has hosted the IBS Conference to strengthen global research collaboration and establish a foundation for world-class research outcomes. The conference serves as a platform for leading scholars and researchers worldwide to share the latest research trends and foster international collaboration.

Director CHEON Jinwoo of the IBS Center for Nanomedicine stated, “This conference will serve as a platform for communication that presents a new paradigm for future science through the convergence of AI, robotics, and nanotechnology,” adding, “As we mark our 10th anniversary, we aim to further solidify our position as a global research hub.”