GIST and IBS Quantum Transformation Research Center Opening Ceremony Held

Operation of the Most Advanced Innovative Research Organization in the Field of Chemistry

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST, President Lim Ki-chul) announced on the 12th that it held an opening ceremony for the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) Center for Quantum Conversion Research (Director Kim Yoo-soo, Professor of Chemistry at GIST).

At the opening ceremony of the Quantum Transformation Research Division at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), the plaque unveiling ceremony is underway. Photo by GIST

The opening ceremony was attended by IBS Director Noh Do-young, Lee Sang-gap, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Economy of Gwangju Metropolitan City, as well as key officials including GIST Vice President for Research Lee Kwang-hee, Vice President for Academic Affairs Kim Sang-don, Vice President for External Affairs Jung Yong-hwa, Chemistry Department Head Ahn Jin-hee, along with about 70 faculty, staff, and students.

Director Kim Yoo-soo, recognized as a world-leading researcher in the field of interfacial chemistry studying material surfaces, made headlines this month by moving from RIKEN (The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, Japan), where he was the first Korean to hold the highest position of Senior Scientist, to GIST.

At the opening ceremony, Director Kim stated, “We plan to establish a new research collaboration model among GIST, IBS, and RIKEN to create functions and properties manifested by quantum conversion phenomena of materials, thereby contributing to the achievement of a sustainable global society and the innovation of regional economy and industry.”

The IBS Center for Quantum Conversion Research aims to develop innovative methodologies to quantitatively measure and control interactions between quantum states, understand the fundamental principles underlying energy and material conversion, and create innovative functions and properties manifested by quantum conversion phenomena of materials.

IBS Director Noh Do-young said, “When IBS was established, it was modeled after Germany’s Max Planck Institute and Japan’s RIKEN, and now a collaborative research relationship has been formed where researchers move between IBS, Max Planck Institute, and RIKEN,” adding, “Please keep in mind that the mission of IBS research centers is ‘new discovery’ and strive for research that benefits all humanity.”