Accelerate Transformation through New Knowledge

IBS was established in November 2011 as Korea’s first dedicated basic science research institute. By studying the fundamental principles of nature, basic science is essential in creating new knowledge from which significant societal transformations are derived. IBS promotes the highest quality of research that will increase the national basic science capacity and generate new opportunities for this nation.

IBS specializes in long-term projects that require large groups of researchers. As research in the 21st century requires more interdisciplinary collaborations from larger groups of people, scientists at IBS work together in the same laboratory base with a long-term perspective on research. We promote autonomy in research. IBS believes scientists unleash their creative potential most effectively when they conduct research in an autonomous environment with world-class research infrastructure, including RISP, the rare isotope accelerator, to enable major scientific advances. By developing strong synergies from outstanding talents, autonomous research support systems, and world-class infrastructure, IBS is steadily growing into a major basic research institute that meets the global standards of excellence.

Ensure Excellence in Research

By pursuing excellence in research, IBS has selected global leading scientists as directors and CIs of Centers. They are operating 28 Centers of which research proposals are evaluated superior in the IBS peer review process. The review is carried out by a Review Panel composed of independent and expert scientists from Korea and abroad. Directors and CIs choose the themes of their research and allocate funds accordingly. Generally, Centers operate projects with no fixed term for their duration as long as the quality of research is verified in evaluations. New Centers receive an initial evaluation five years after its launch, followed by three-year interval evaluations.

IBS has been inviting top scientists from around the globe and providing them full support for their relocations. Young scientists also enjoy unique research opportunities to collaborate with world renowned scientists and to organize and operate their own research groups, broadening their professional expertise. IBS brings together outstanding talents throughout all career levels to grow and inspire each other through close collaborations.

Stimulate Collaboration Without Boundaries

IBS welcomes scientists from Korea and abroad seeking to work in a collaborative research environment. IBS’ faculty researcher program and IBS’s affiliation with the founding body of University of Science and Technology (UST) help IBS scientists to reach out to and foster young talent outside the institution. Centers serve as a catalyst for research collaboration with universities and other government-funded research institutions through joint research and the sharing of research equipment. Other efforts are also underway to stimulate collaborations, including overseas training programs and visiting scientist programs.

To disseminate research findings, IBS holds "IBS Conferences" and develops a global network with the world’s prominent research institutions including the Max Planck Gesellschaft (MPG) in Germany and the Royal Society in U.K. We expect our work to make transformative changes outside as well as inside the institution. To realize this exciting vision, IBS will serve as a national R&D platform and accelerate the creation and use of new knowledge to support universities, research institutions, and businesses. As a driving force for dynamic research collaborations, IBS will continually develop and refresh its science, while always remaining receptive to outside talents and ideas.