IBS and Germany's Max Planck to Establish Third Joint Research Center

Expanding AI-Based Cooperation in Basic Science
European Office Opens in Munich

The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) is moving forward with the establishment of a third global joint research center in partnership with Germany's Max Planck Society (MPG), a world-renowned basic science research institution. The scope of cooperation will be expanded to include convergence research in basic sciences utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and joint cultivation of young researchers.

On September 15 (local time), IBS announced that it held an executive-level cooperation meeting at the main office of MPG in Munich, Germany to discuss these strategic collaboration plans. The meeting was attended by Seokbok Jang, Director of IBS, and Patrick Cramer, President of MPG, among others.

IBS opened its European office in Munich, Germany on the 15th (local time). From left to right: Alexander Jost, MPG International Cooperation Policy Officer; Hoonpyo Hong, Science Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Germany; Karoline Beitmann, MPG International Cooperation Officer; Seokbok Jang, Director of IBS; Miyoung Cha, Director of Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy; Dongwoon Bae, President of the Korean Scientists and Engineers Association in Germany; Sibo Shim, Head of Planning and Cooperation at IBS; Dongwoo Kang, Head of IBS European Office. Provided by IBS

IBS and MPG, representing Korea and Germany in basic science research, have broadened their partnership to include institution-level joint research. In July of last year, the "Max Planck-Yonsei IBS Center," the second of its kind in Asia, was established. More recently, an international joint research center on quantum materials has also commenced research, bringing together researchers from IBS and MPG-affiliated institutes.

During this meeting, the two organizations agreed to pursue the establishment of a third joint research center. Specific research fields and the method of establishment will be determined through future discussions. There are also plans to strengthen collaborative convergence research using AI in basic science, to jointly nurture early-career researchers, and to formalize regular joint academic conferences.

European Hub in Munich... Expansion of Joint Research and Talent Recruitment

On the same day, IBS also opened its European office in Munich to expand joint research with European institutions and to attract outstanding researchers. Munich is regarded as a primary hub for basic science research in Europe, as it is home to MPG's main office, more than ten Max Planck Institutes, and the Technical University of Munich (TUM).

Prior to this, IBS, in partnership with the Max Planck Institute for Physics (MPP) and TUM, hosted a three-day international workshop on basic physics at MPP from September 14. IBS plans to expand local joint academic events and to boost cooperation and researcher exchanges in Europe through its new European office.

"We have confirmed a variety of possibilities for strategic international collaboration with MPG," said Seokbok Jang, Director of IBS. "Based on the European office and joint workshops, we expect to vitalize researcher exchanges and to further expand cooperation, including the establishment of joint research centers locally."

Patrick Cramer, President of MPG, stated, "The two institutions share important values, such as research excellence and global solidarity. We look forward to even more active cooperation following the opening of the IBS European office."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.