The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and the Korea Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the headquarters of KIAS in Seoul on May 20 to boost research cooperation and staff exchange in the areas of mathematics and theoretical physics.

The agreement will allow the two institutes to cooperate through joint research, academic exchange and research system sharing, as well as to encourage the exchange of research personnel in order to contribute to the development of basic science in Korea.

The initial step of this process is a research cooperation program in which three IBS Centers: Center for Geometry and Physics, Theoretical Physics of Universe and Theoretical Physics of Complex Systems and three Schools of KIAS: School of Mathematics, Physics and Computational Sciences will participate. The program is planned to materialize gradually.

The two institutes have also agreed to build a flexible and open research cooperation relationship by running a mentorship program to nurture young talent in the areas concerned and by mutually utilizing each other’s research facilities to overcome geographical limits.

IBS president KIM Doo-Chul said, “The MOU is expected to provide an impetus for outstanding mathematicians and physicists to yield superior research outcomes, making a major contribution to advancing basic science and fostering talent.”

“Through cooperation, IBS and KIAS will make Korea’s theoretical basic science among the most advanced in the world,” said KIAS president KEUM Jong-Hae.

▲ IBS president KIM Doo-Chul (right) and KIAS president KEUM Jong-Hae, holding the signed document of the MOU

▲ Members of KIAS and IBS after the signing ceremony with the respective presidents taking center stage