The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) co-hosted the 7th UK–Korea Research Conference on March 4 (local time) in collaboration with the Korean Academy of Science and Technology (KAST) and The Royal Society. The conference is being held at the Royal Society in London over two days, from March 4 to 5.

The UK–Korea Research Conference was launched in 2014 following a memorandum of understanding signed in 2013 between IBS and the Royal Society. Since then, the conference has been held regularly in both Korea and the United Kingdom, bringing together leading scientists from the two countries to identify new research agendas and expand collaborative networks. Now in its seventh edition, this year’s conference focuses on two themes: nanomedicine and ultra-strong lightweight materials.

The nanomedicine session is chaired by CHEON Jinwoo, Director of the Center for Nanomedicine, and Associate Director KIM Dae-Hyeong of the Center for Nanoparticle Research. The session highlights cutting-edge advances driving innovation in healthcare, including next-generation nanotechnologies for more precise diagnosis and treatment of human diseases, drug-delivery systems, nanosensors capable of detecting biological signals, and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted design of novel materials.

The session on ultra-strong lightweight materials is led by Rodney RUOFF, Director of the Center for Multidimensional Carbon Materials, and HAN Seung Min, Professor at KAIST. Discussions will focus on the development of next-generation materials that combine exceptional strength with low weight. Participants will examine future materials technologies based on two-dimensional (2D) materials, graphene, and nanoscale structural design, with potential applications across aerospace, energy, and electronics industries.

On March 5, the plenary session will feature a keynote lecture by HYEON Taeghwan, Director of the Center for Nanoparticle Research. Over the past two decades, Hyeon has pioneered research on the precise synthesis of uniform nanoparticles. In his talk, he will discuss how advances in nanomaterials research are translating into real-world medical and healthcare technologies and explore their future potential.

Acting IBS President KIM Yeongduk stated, “International collaboration in basic science serves as a starting point for generating new knowledge and innovation. We hope this conference will provide momentum for advancing Korea–UK joint research in strategic future fields such as nanomedicine and advanced materials.”

CHUNG Jin-Ho, President of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, added, “We expect this conference to foster broad academic exchange and the sharing of research achievements between scientists from both countries.”