Ku Hyuk-chae (구혁채), first vice minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, visited the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) on Tuesday afternoon to inspect major research sites and core facilities and to hold talks with research group leaders.

The visit was the 19th stop in Project Empathy 118, aimed at implementing on-site science and technology policies. It was arranged to communicate directly with the basic research field and seek ways to strengthen competitiveness, in line with the inauguration of new IBS president Seok-bok Jang (장석복).

Ku checked the status of key research equipment use at the IBS Research Solution Center, which measures and analyses large-scale experimental data, including cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) and a supercomputer called Olaf. He urged expanded shared use of research equipment and efforts to share and spread operational know-how. Ku also visited major research groups, including the Center for Cognition and Sociality and the IBS Center for Virus Research, and stressed the importance of a stable research environment.

At the meeting, leading research group heads proposed expanding future-oriented research fields and improving flexibility in recruiting talent and using research funds. Participants also discussed directions for securing research capabilities, including expanded cooperation with young research leaders, attracting overseas talent and operating systems at a global level.

Ku said basic science was the driving force of technological innovation and a key source for the nation's future. He said he expected IBS to play a bigger role in securing science and technology competitiveness as a hub for basic science in South Korea and a compass for pioneering research.