The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) has strengthened its strategy for attracting and utilizing outstanding global talent by co-hosting a meeting in Europe with the Association of Korean Scientists and Engineers in Germany (VeKNI). IBS also announced plans to expand research collaboration and jointly host academic events with the Max Planck Society (MPG).

On October 6, a meeting on Korea–Germany research cooperation and researcher exchange was held at the Technical University of Munich, with the participation of around 30 researchers working at universities, research institutes, and companies in Germany. At the meeting, SHIM Shi Bo, Head of the Division of Planning and External Affairs at IBS, presented IBS’s strategy for recruiting and nurturing top talent. This was followed by presentations from PARK Jitae, Group Leader in the Department of Physics at the Technical University of Munich, and KIM Rin Ho, Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, who discussed ways to strengthen Korea–Germany research collaboration and researcher mobility.

Participants actively exchanged views on a wide range of research topics and cooperation opportunities, while also discussing strategies for recruiting and engaging outstanding researchers based overseas. In particular, there was strong interest in IBS programs aimed at attracting and nurturing early-career researchers, such as the Young Scientist Fellowship (YSF) and the Junior Chief Investigator (Junior CI) programs, which participants noted could offer attractive opportunities for young researchers currently based in Europe. KIM Sehoon, Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, commented, “This was a valuable opportunity for researchers in Germany to learn about IBS, and it prompted me to positively consider pursuing a research career at IBS.”

On October 8, IBS visited the MPG headquarters in Munich and held discussions with Christiane HAUPT, Head of the International Cooperation Team, and Alexander JOST, Officer for Asia Cooperation. The two institutions agreed to extend their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and, based on this agreement, decided to hold a joint academic event—tentatively titled the IBS–MPG Conference—at the MPG headquarters in Munich in 2026. The joint conference is expected to serve as a platform for identifying new collaborative research opportunities and expanding cooperation between IBS and MPG. IBS plans to significantly expand overseas academic events starting in 2026, using them to promote researcher exchange and establish additional joint research centers. In July, IBS and MPG jointly established the Max Planck–Yonsei IBS Center for Nanomedicine Deep Tissue Control.

Acting President KIM Yeongduk of IBS stated, “As securing outstanding talent is a national priority, IBS will continue to hold overseas meetings and academic events to attract excellent researchers from around the world.”

▲ Photo 1. IBS held a meeting on Korea–Germany research cooperation and talent recruitment at the Technical University of Munich on October 6.

▲ SHIM Shi Bo, Head of the Division of Planning and External Affairs at IBS, presents on “IBS’s Strategy for Recruiting and Nurturing Outstanding Talent” at the meeting held at the Technical University of Munich on October 6.

▲ IBS officials visited the Max Planck Society headquarters in Munich on October 8 to discuss joint academic events, expanded research collaboration, and talent exchange.
(Bottom left) SHIM Shi Bo, Head of the Division of Planning and External Affairs at IBS; Christiane HAUPT, Head of the International Cooperation Team at MPG.
(Top left) Alexander JOST, Officer for Asia Cooperation at MPG; KANG Dongwoo, Senior Policy Researcher at IBS.