Five current and former researchers from the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) have received government honors at the “Government Awards Commemorating 2026 Science and ICT Day.” The awards were presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the advancement of science, technology, and information and communications technology in Korea, commemorating the 59th Science Day (April 21) and the 71st ICT Day (April 22).

Director KIM V. Narry of the IBS Center for RNA Research received the Order of Science and Technology Merit, Changjo Medal, in recognition of her pioneering research in the field of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and her major contributions to the advancement of life sciences.

Director KAANG Bong-Kiun of the IBS Center for Memory and Glioscience received the Order of Science and Technology Merit, Hyeoksin Medal, for his four decades of dedication to uncovering the principles of brain function, as well as his contributions to national flagship research programs and the development of academic organizations.

Associate Director LEE Hyunsu of the IBS Center for Underground Physics received the Science and Technology Commendation in recognition of his contributions to solving fundamental problems in basic science over the past 25 years, including pioneering new approaches to dark matter searches using nuclear reactors.

In addition, former IBS Chief Investigator CHA Meeyoung of the IBS Data Science Group and former IBS Group Leader HEO Won Do of the IBS Center for Cognition and Sociality received the Order of Science and Technology Merit, Hyeoksin Medal and Ungbi Medal, respectively.

The award ceremony was held on April 21 at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.