The Institute for Basic Science (IBS), the cradle of Korea’s basic science research, announced the new beginning of IBS headquarters located on a site in Expo Science Park.

On Friday, April 20^th, IBS along with the Ministry of Science and ICT held the opening ceremony of its new headquarters. The new HQ, which came to fruition seven years after the establishment of IBS, is expected to serve as the foundation of a big leap forward for the institute. The construction of the new building complex holds significant meaning to members of IBS as researchers and administrative staff, who were spread out throughout the country, moved to the same location to work amongst one another.

“IBS will attract excellent researchers and create a research environment in which scientists can explore their curiosity and have fun by ensuring greater research autonomy,” said President KIM Doochul of IBS. He also added, “With the new headquarters, IBS will strive to become a world-leading basic science institution.” New development strategy and detailed plans were put forward to grow IBS HQ into a global basic science community hub. Locating more research centers at HQ, specialization of research fields, nurturing young science leaders, and promoting exchange and knowledge spreading are part of the plans to strengthen the research capacity of IBS HQ.

▲ President KIM Doochul in his congratulatory remarks said, “We will continue to maintain a sole focus on research without losing the initial visions set forward despite several changes we faced.”

Located within the Expo Science Park, IBS HQ is 260,000 m² with a gross floor area of 72,000 m². It took three years and two months for the design and construction. The main theme of the complex was communication. A lot of consideration went into the design and construction process to create an optimized research environment placing scientists at its center. The new HQ consists of the Theory Building, Experiment Building, Laboratory Animal Resource Facility, Administration Building, Dormitory, and Science Culture Center.

A majority of research activities take place in the Theory Building and Experiment Building and they put an open research environment as their top priority. The Center for Theoretical Physics of the Universe (Director CHOI Kiwoon) and the Center for Theoretical Physics of Complex Systems (Director Sergej Flach) have moved into their new homes in the Theory Building. The Center for Underground Physics (Director KIM Yeongduk) settled in the Experiment Building with the Center for Cognition and Sociality (Director SHIN Hee-Sup), while the Center for Genome Engineering (Director KIM Jin-Soo) is on their way to join them in the new building.

Laboratory Animal Resource Facility (LARF) is where lab mice are bred for experiments. The building is equipped with approximately 50 breeding rooms and research laboratories, and is capable of hosting up to 30,000 mice. Creative Band, a place of synergic exchange, bridges the Theory Building, Experiment Building, and Administration Building. The Dormitory is located in the back of the site and has total of 100 rooms, including single rooms, double rooms, family rooms, and handicapped accessible rooms, to provide a pleasant living environment.

A place of open communication with the local community through science was set up as well. The three-story Science Culture Center will serve as a hub of science and culture activities hosting a science library, visitor center and exhibition hall. Exhibitions and performances converging art and culture with science as well as lectures and discussions of scientists will be held.

Over 200 participants were present at the opening ceremony, including 1st Vice Minister LEE Jin-gyu of the Ministry of Science and ICT, National Assembly member OH Se-jung of the Bareunmirae Party, National Assembly member SHIN Yong Hyeon of the Bareunmirae Party, and members of the Daejeon Metropolitan City Office, universities, and research institutions. The commemorative stone engraved with the vision of IBS was revealed. Prime Minister LEE Nak-yeon was given a tour of the Center for Underground Physics and joined the unveiling ceremony of the commemorative stone. He said, “I hope that IBS will grow to play the central role for the basic science research of Korea and become a world-renowned research institution at the new headquarters.”

▲ Participants of the unveiling ceremony of the commemorative stone. (from left) Research Fellow OH Yoomin and Research Fellow JEON Jin A of the Center for Underground Physics, Director Sergej FLACH of the Center for Theoretical Physics of Complex Systems, Director SHIN Hee-Sup of Center for Cognition and Sociality, National Assembly member SHIN Yong Hyeon of Bareunmirae Party, National Assembly member OH Se-jung of the same Party, National Assembly member LEE Sangmin of the Deobooleoh Democratic Party, IBS President KIM Doochul, Prime Minister LEE Nak-yeon, 1st Vice Minister LEE Jin-gyu of the Ministry of Science and ICT, National Assembly member JO Seung Lae of the Deobooleoh Democratic Party, President MOON Gil-joo of UST, Acting Mayor LEE Jae Gwan of Daejeon Metropolitan City, Director YEOM Han Woong of the Center for Artificial Low Dimensional Electronic Systems, and JOO Chang Min head of IBS labor union.

▲ Recognition awards and appreciation plaques were presented to those who made great contributions to the construction of IBS HQ at the opening ceremony. Winners of recognition awards: (from left) Deputy Director KIM Eon Ho of Ministry of the Interior and Safety, LIM Sucheol head of IBS Construction & Planning Team, General Director KIM Jung Won of R&D Policy Bureau, Managing Director KIM Jae Ha of Heerim Architects, and General Manager OH Wongyoung of Kyeryong Construction Industrial Co., Ltd. Winners of appreciation plaques: (from left) IBS Policy Advisor CHUNG Kyung-Tack, President YANG Sung Kwang of INNOPOLIS Foundation, IBS President KIM Doochul, General Director HAN Sun Hee of Science and Economy Bureau of Daejeon Metropolitan City, Director PARK Yang Ho of Public Construction Supervision Division of Procurement Service, and President HAN Seoung Ku of Kyeryong Construction Industrial Co., Ltd.