Institute for Basic Science Campuses

The Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (CAP) at KAIST in Daejeon focuses on mimicking natural photosynthesis for sustainable energy, providing educational programs such as specialized courses, summer institutes, and research fellowships. These target chemists, physicists, and engineers aiming to develop artificial systems for solar fuel production.

• Photocatalysis Fundamentals: Lectures on semiconductor physics, dye-sensitized systems, and photoelectrochemical cells for water splitting.
• Solar Energy Conversion Workshops: Practical training in designing tandem photoanodes and cathodes using metal oxides and perovskites.
• Bio-Inspired Chemistry Seminars: Studying enzyme mimics, molecular catalysts, and CO2 reduction mechanisms.
• Device Fabrication Programs: Hands-on assembly of photoelectrochemical devices with efficiency testing under simulated sunlight.
• Sustainability and Scalability Training: Economic analysis and life-cycle assessments for commercializing artificial photosynthesis tech.

Integrated with KAIST's labs, CAP offers access to ultrafast spectroscopy and solar simulators. Courses last 1-3 months, fostering publications in Science and ACS journals. International exchanges with Berkeley and Tokyo labs broaden horizons.

Virtual simulations model photosynthetic processes, aiding remote learners. Ethical modules address environmental impacts of solar fuels. The Daejeon location, near research clusters, supports networking. CAP's programs empower participants to innovate clean energy solutions, reducing carbon emissions and advancing global sustainability goals through basic science education.

The Center for Geometry and Physics (CGP) at POSTECH in Pohang is a key IBS campus dedicated to exploring the intersections of geometry, topology, and theoretical physics. Although centered on research, it hosts educational programs including graduate-level seminars, short courses, and collaborative workshops for students and early-career scientists. These initiatives aim to bridge pure mathematics with physical applications, training participants in advanced theoretical frameworks.

• Geometric Analysis Courses: In-depth studies of differential geometry, Riemannian manifolds, and geometric flows, with applications to general relativity and string theory.
• Topological Physics Training: Sessions on quantum topology, knot theory, and topological insulators, incorporating computational tools for simulating physical phenomena.
• Mathematical Physics Workshops: Covering quantum field theory, integrable systems, and symplectic geometry, featuring guest lectures from international experts.
• Low-Dimensional Topology Programs: Focused on 3-manifolds, Floer homology, and gauge theory, with problem-solving sessions and research projects.
• Interdisciplinary Geometry Seminars: Exploring connections to condensed matter physics, including anyons and topological quantum computing.

Located within POSTECH's vibrant campus, CGP provides access to high-performance computing clusters and libraries rich in mathematical literature. Programs typically span 4-12 weeks, often leading to co-authored papers in top journals like Annals of Mathematics or Physical Review Letters. IBS CGP emphasizes mentorship, pairing young researchers with principal investigators for personalized guidance. Collaborative ties with global institutions like Princeton and Oxford enhance the curriculum with diverse perspectives.

Additionally, annual summer schools attract 50+ participants worldwide, featuring mini-courses on emerging topics such as geometric deep learning and holography. Virtual reality tools simulate complex geometric structures, making abstract concepts tangible. Ethical discussions on the implications of theoretical advancements, like in quantum information, are integral. The campus's coastal setting in Pohang fosters a relaxed yet focused environment, ideal for deep intellectual pursuits. Through these offerings, CGP not only advances frontier science but also builds a pipeline of talented mathematicians and physicists, contributing to technological innovations in semiconductors and beyond. With a focus on rigor and creativity, participants emerge equipped to tackle unsolved problems in fundamental science.

The Center for Multidimensional Carbon Materials (CMCM) at UNIST in Ulsan specializes in carbon-based nanomaterials research, offering training programs that translate into practical 'courses' for scientists and engineers. These educational components include lab-based workshops, theoretical lectures, and interdisciplinary bootcamps, targeting graduate students and industry professionals interested in materials science innovations.

• Nanocarbon Synthesis Training: Hands-on courses in graphene production, carbon nanotubes, and fullerene derivatives using CVD and arc discharge methods.
• Materials Characterization Workshops: Techniques like TEM, Raman spectroscopy, and AFM for analyzing 2D and 3D carbon structures at atomic scales.
• Energy Applications Seminars: Focusing on batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells, with modeling of carbon's electrochemical properties.
• Biomedical Carbon Materials Programs: Exploring drug delivery, biosensors, and tissue engineering using functionalized carbons.
• Sustainable Materials Development: Courses on eco-friendly carbon composites for environmental remediation and water purification.

Situated in UNIST's modern facilities, CMCM boasts cleanrooms and advanced instrumentation, enabling real-time experimentation. Programs run 2-6 months, often resulting in prototypes or publications in Nature Materials. Collaboration with industry partners like Samsung provides internship opportunities, bridging academia and application.

Annual hackathons encourage innovative uses of carbon materials, while online courses via IBS platforms reach global audiences. Emphasis on safety in handling nanomaterials and intellectual property management prepares participants for commercial ventures. The Ulsan campus's industrial proximity facilitates field trips to manufacturing sites, enriching practical knowledge. Diversity initiatives ensure inclusive participation, with scholarships for underrepresented groups. Through these efforts, CMCM cultivates expertise in next-generation materials, driving advancements in electronics, energy storage, and healthcare. Participants gain skills to lead sustainable tech revolutions, aligning with IBS's mission to solve global challenges via basic science.

The Center for Nanomaterials and Chemical Biology (CNCM) at UNIST in Ulsan integrates nanotechnology with biological applications, offering courses and training in nano-bio interfaces for drug discovery and diagnostics. Programs include lab rotations, theoretical classes, and collaborative projects for PhD candidates and postdocs.

• Nanoparticle Synthesis: Methods for gold, silica, and polymer nanoparticles tailored for biological targeting.
• Bio-Conjugation Workshops: Techniques linking nanomaterials to biomolecules like antibodies and DNA for imaging and therapy.
• Chemical Biology Seminars: High-throughput screening, proteomics, and synthetic biology using nano-tools.
• Theranostics Training: Developing nano-agents for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer.
• Toxicity and Biocompatibility Programs: Assessing nano-material safety in vivo with ethical considerations.

With advanced bio-nano labs, CNCM enables cutting-edge experiments. Sessions span weeks to semesters, leading to interdisciplinary theses. Ties with pharma companies offer real-world applications.

Online webinars and MOOCs extend reach, covering nanoethics and regulatory affairs. Ulsan's ecosystem supports innovation. CNCM equips learners to pioneer personalized medicine, merging chemistry and biology for health breakthroughs.

The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) Headquarters in Daejeon serves as the central hub for groundbreaking research in fundamental sciences. While IBS primarily focuses on advanced research rather than traditional undergraduate courses, it offers specialized training programs, workshops, and collaborative educational initiatives for researchers, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. These programs emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to basic science, fostering innovation in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and earth sciences.

• Advanced Physics Research Training: Participants engage in quantum mechanics, particle physics, and condensed matter studies, with hands-on experiments using state-of-the-art facilities like synchrotron radiation sources.
• Chemistry and Materials Science Workshops: Courses cover organic synthesis, nanotechnology, and computational chemistry, enabling learners to design novel materials for energy and environmental applications.
• Biological Sciences Seminars: Focused on genomics, neuroscience, and ecology, these sessions include bioinformatics tools and lab techniques for understanding life processes at molecular levels.
• Mathematics and Theoretical Sciences Programs: Intensive sessions on topology, algebra, and dynamical systems, promoting mathematical modeling for real-world scientific challenges.
• Earth and Environmental Science Modules: Training in climate modeling, geophysics, and sustainable resource management, integrating field data with computational simulations.

At the headquarters, educational activities are integrated with over 30 research centers nationwide, providing access to global experts and cutting-edge equipment. Programs often last from weeks to months, culminating in publications or patents. IBS collaborates with universities like KAIST and POSTECH for joint PhD supervision and summer schools. Emphasis is placed on ethical research practices, diversity in STEM, and translating basic discoveries into societal benefits, such as new medical therapies or renewable energy solutions. With a commitment to excellence, these 'courses' equip participants to lead the next generation of scientific breakthroughs, contributing to South Korea's vision of a knowledge-based economy. The campus environment, surrounded by innovation hubs, inspires creativity and collaboration among 1,500+ researchers from around the world.

Further, IBS offers online modules and virtual labs for broader accessibility, covering topics like artificial intelligence in science and big data analysis. Annual symposia bring together international scholars for lectures and discussions, enhancing global networks. Safety protocols and mentorship ensure a supportive learning atmosphere, preparing individuals for careers in academia, industry, or policy-making. Through these initiatives, IBS Headquarters not only advances pure science but also cultivates future leaders who will address humanity's grand challenges.