PRCs are a category of Centers that are newly introduced at IBS HQ in 2018 to nurture young principal investigators. Unlike other existing Centers, PRCs focus on recruiting emerging researchers with great potential to pioneer new areas in basic science and supporting their ambitious, independent research.

Each PRC is comprised of research groups led by up to five Chief Investigators (CIs). Each CI holds the authority over his or her research group’s staffing, research details and budget allocations. CIs are allowed to freely organize their research groups with senior research fellows, researchers, student research assistants and support staff. Important matters on PRCs’ operation are decided through consultations among CIs. PRC directors may attend the Directors Council Meeting representing their PRCs. CIs may rotate to assume the PRC director position.

Yes. PRCs are established and operated only as HQ Centers. CI positions are taken by emerging scholars who are capable of conducting ambitious, independent research at a PRC.

No. In consideration of research themes, applicants can apply for a CI position not only at an existing PRC but also at a new one. If hired for a new PRC, the CI organizes a research group as the founding CI. A new PRC can consist of around five CIs, including the founding CI.

Yes. However, the evaluation criteria may be different as to fulfill the goal of nurturing young principal investigators.

An appropriate budget size of a CI group should be the first five-year average operational costs, including labor costs, facilities & equipment system construction costs, facilities & equipment/materials costs, research activities costs, research allowances, incidental expenses and research outsourcing costs. During the evaluation process, the Selection and Evaluation Committee (SEC) and Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) may offer feedback on the appropriateness of the proposed budgets. A CI group’s budget is determined through a separate process after the completion of CI selection.

After the completion of CI selection, CI group’s budget is determined through negotiation with the IBS President based on the proposed group budget on the application and is finalized with approval from the Research Review Committee. Every year, CIs submit their Research Group Management Plans and budget proposals for the next year, which are finalized with approval from the Research Review Committee. The results of research group reviews affect the corresponding group budgets. The characteristics of IBS group budgets are different from those of research projects which provide a certain level of research funds for a certain period.

CIs may be appointed as visiting senior research fellows, senior research fellows or distinguished research fellows (tenured) based on their selection and evaluation results.

① When appointed as visiting senior research fellows, CIs may maintain their employment status with their current employers for up to five years by taking a leave of absence or other means. They can apply for a tenure review in connection with their research group reviews which take place in the 5th year. If CIs are granted tenure, they must transfer to IBS.
② When appointed as senior research fellows, CIs are required to transfer to IBS in principle. However, they may maintain their current employment status for up to two years through joint employment or other means with approval from their current employers. They can apply for a tenure review in connection with their research group reviews which take place in the 5th year.
③ When appointed as distinguished research fellows (tenured), CIs are required to transfer to IBS in principle. However, they may maintain their current employment status for up to two years through joint employment or other means with approval from their current employers.

Yes, you must begin your research at IBS by late December 2021. However, if unavoidable, you may postpone research commencement to late December 2022 with approval from the IBS President.

The retirement age is 65, same as directors of HQ Centers.