KIAS, which began with small but steadfast steps in October 1996, has now established itself as a world-class research institute. This achievement is the result of the dedication and hard work of all KIAS faculty and staff. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of them.
In particular, the achievements of Distinguished Professor June E Huh, who was awarded the Fields Medal in 2022, have demonstrated well how much we can accomplish. There is a saying that we only truly recognize our potential when we meet new limits. This aligns with my vision of KIAS not contenting itself with being a world-class research institute, but of aiming to become a world-leading institute.
Foreign scholars say that currently the field of basic science in Korea is in desperate need of research outcomes that have such significant impact that they can lead to the creation of new academic fields. For KIAS to become a world-leading research institute, we must tread new paths that others have not taken. Predicting which research topics will have revolutionary impacts in the future is indeed challenging. However, I believe that if members of KIAS develop their ideas into creative and ambitious research projects, our institute will continue to produce outcomes that are capable of contributing to the birth of new academic fields.
To this end, we must strive to attract global talent and provide young researchers with opportunities to take on challenges. We must create a research environment in which all members can freely discuss diverse ideas and identify creative solutions. Interdisciplinary collaboration also needs to be strengthened. Living in the early 21st century, the era of the great digital transformation, we must continuously seek to unearth issues that can lead to paradigm shifts in basic science theories, such as those related to artificial intelligence, data science, quantum information, and space science.
As Newton’s second law, F = ma, stipulates, to achieve significant changes in velocity, or acceleration, a substantial force is required. Similarly, all members of KIAS, which currently stands at a crucial crossroads, must join forces with each other to prepare ourselves to create new academic fields and make the leap to becoming a research institute that is in the vanguard of the international academic community.
In basic science, it is difficult to assess historical turning points in the course of a short period of time. Nevertheless, by coming together through communication and working in harmony, the year 2026, marking the 30th anniversary of KIAS’s founding, can be recorded as the inflection point when we developed into a world-leading research institute. We must also strive to draw active interest from the people and full support from the government. To this end, we must, as James Dean said, dream as if we’ll live forever and live as if we’ll die today.
I ask for your continued advice and support to ensure the advancement of KIAS. If we combine our efforts, KIAS will undoubtedly achieve its goal of becoming a world-leading research institute. Thank you.
President of KIAS
Noh, Tae Won