Ku Hyeok-chae (구혁채), first vice minister at the Ministry of Science and ICT, visited the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) 2D Quantum Heterostructure Research Group on Tuesday afternoon and held a meeting with researchers.

The visit was the 12th stop under Project Empathy 118, aimed at implementing field-oriented science and technology policy. Ku went to the site to explore directions for fostering basic quantum science to implement the recently announced first comprehensive plan to foster quantum science and technology and the quantum industry.

The research group is conducting studies to create quantum properties not previously seen through “heterostructures” that precisely stack different two-dimensional materials, such as graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), at the atomic layer level.

Its head, Hyun-seok Shin (신현석), a professor in the Department of Energy Science at Sungkyunkwan University, is regarded as a leading scholar in quantum materials. He has developed ultra-low-dielectric amorphous boron nitride, an essential material for next-generation semiconductors and quantum devices. Materials being studied by the group are expected to be used as key technologies to improve quantum computer performance and quantum sensor precision in the future.

Ku checked the operation of advanced research equipment, including the Quantum Technology Advanced Equipment Center, and inspected the group’s experimental space, encouraging researchers. He urged IBS and leading research groups, including Sungkyunkwan University, to strengthen their roles, such as expanding academic and personnel exchanges and broader joint use of research equipment, so they can contribute to the development of South Korea’s basic research ecosystem in quantum fields.

At the meeting, researchers introduced the status of basic research in quantum materials and properties in South Korea and global research trends. They discussed ways to secure competitiveness in quantum science and technology, including training basic-research talent, achieving self-reliance in core materials technologies and strengthening industry-academia-research cooperation.

Shin said success or failure in quantum fields ultimately depends on the quality of materials and control technologies. He said he will focus on producing research results in quantum materials in response to the government’s long-term support and interest.

Ku said quantum technology is a strategic technology that will change the landscape of future industries. He said he will reinforce stable support so researchers can devote themselves to challenging, forward-looking basic research.