"At the forefront of knowledge, what matters is 'who poses innovative questions and suggests new directions.' The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) will establish more than 10 'pioneer research teams' to strengthen its role as an institution where new discoveries and concepts flourish," Jang Seong-bok stated during his inauguration ceremony on June 4 at the IBS headquarters in Daejeon. The event was attended by key figures, including Choi Young-ki, director of the Korea Basic Science Institute, Choi Yoon-sung, director of the National Institute for Mathematical Sciences, and Kwon Myun, acting director of the Heavy Ion Research Institute, along with IBS research team leaders and members.
Jang, a prominent researcher who has led the Molecular Activation Catalysis Research Team since being appointed as a team leader in 2012, emphasized the need for IBS to build on its world-class research capabilities developed over the past 15 years. He highlighted the importance of moving beyond excellence to focus on new discoveries and concepts as core values. Jang envisions IBS evolving into a 'Discovery Hub' that explores uncharted territories and proposes new research directions rather than merely accumulating results in established fields.
To achieve this, he outlined key operational directions, including the introduction of pioneer research teams, the establishment of an open research team system, strengthening the competitiveness of the headquarters and research infrastructure, presenting future-oriented research directions, and fostering a healthy organizational culture based on public trust.
Drawing from his experience in nurturing young researchers, Jang plans to implement the 'pioneer research team' concept to enhance talent discovery and support systems. He also aims to expand flexible collaborations with domestic and international universities, research institutes, and industries to build an open research ecosystem.
Jang stressed the importance of enhancing research competitiveness centered around the headquarters. He plans to create an environment that attracts outstanding researchers by expanding research infrastructure, particularly around the newly established second headquarters. He expressed commitment to sequentially advancing the construction of campuses at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), and Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) to broaden IBS's research base and ensure that the heavy ion accelerator becomes a leading research facility utilized by researchers worldwide.
Additionally, he aims to actively expand future research areas such as quantum science, systems biology, synthetic biology, and new materials, while proactively responding to changes in research environments driven by computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
"A culture of research that does not fear failure, combined with stable yet bold administrative and technical support, is essential for the emergence of an outstanding research institute," Jang remarked. "I will do my utmost to ensure that IBS grows into a research institution that earns the trust and support of the public while leading new directions in global science."
The IBS was established in November 2011 to conduct world-class basic science research. The Ministry of Science and ICT expressed optimism about Jang's appointment, stating, "With a scholar who possesses both academic authority and practical experience in research, we expect IBS to leap forward as a leading global research institution and contribute to the development of the domestic basic science research ecosystem."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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