The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) have made committment to collaborate on research in the field of astronomy and space science. The two institutes signed an MOU for cooperation on the 14th, at the IBS headquarters in Daejeon. This agreement aims to enhance mutual research capabilities in fundamental research areas such as early universe, dark matter, black holes, gravitational waves, and space exploration.

Under this agreement, KASI will utilize IBS's high-performance computing resources to process and analyze large-scale astronomical observation data collected from domestic and international optical, radio, and space observation facilities.

IBS operates numerous research centers, namely Center for Underground Physics, Center for Theoretical Physics of the Universe, and Center for for Exotic Nuclear Studies, that conduct research in fundamental astronomy and space science fields. Since July 2022, IBS has been designated as a specialized center for high-performance computing in the space field, providing tailored services based on large-scale computing and data analysis systems for researchers in the astronomy and space science fields.

KASI conducts various astronomical and space science research, including galaxy evolution, exoplanet exploration, and space hazard monitoring, using domestic and international observation facilities. It is also involved in the development of space telescopes and scientific payloads, in addition to ground-based telescopes.

Through this MOU, both institutions have agreed to actively cooperate on mutual areas of interest, including cooperative research for exploring cosmic evolution, establishment, operation, and utilization research of high-performance computing resources in astronomy and space science, and organization of joint seminars for training and personnel exchange in the field of astronomy and space science.

President PARK Young Deuk of KASI stated, "We expect to achieve synergistic effects by leveraging the large-scale astronomical observation data collected by KASI and the high-performance computing resources operated by IBS."

President NOH Do Young of IBS expressed hope, "Through the organic cooperation between the two institutions, we aim to elucidate cosmic evolution and contribute to solving the challenges in modern astronomy."

IBS Public Relations Team
William I. Suh

▲ IBS and KASI signed MOU for collaboration in astronomy and space sciences on February 14^th. Right: IBS President NOH Do Young, Left: KASI President PARK Young Deuk

▲Group photo session taken after the signing of the MOU, with presidents of both institutes in the center