Director's Message

Since the establishment of the Preparatory Office of the Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences (IAMS) in 1982 and its formal founding in 1995, we have steadfastly upheld Academia Sinica's philosophy of “fundamental science as the driving force". We have dedicated ourselves to becoming a world-class research institution, focusing on frontier research in atomic, molecular, and optical sciences, while progressively expanding into fields such as physical chemistry, biophysics, nanomaterials, and quantum technology. By building a research community that fosters both innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, we have achieved numerous significant research breakthroughs and nurtured many distinguished scholars.

For many years, IAMS has cultivated a unique research environment that fuels the curiosity and innovation of our scientists. We are dedicated to conducting high-impact research with significant scientific merit. As an Institute of Academia Sinica in Taiwan, IAMS provides a robust funding structure with dependable financial support for our principal investigators (PIs). We consistently offer reasonable and generous grants to those who excel within the competitive research landscape.

One of IAMS's distinctive strengths is its location – nestled within the heart of National Taiwan University's vibrant campus. This location sets us apart from other Academia Sinica institutes. Our PIs enjoy the freedom to pursue their research passion without teaching obligations. Additionally, they benefit from close interaction and collaboration with renowned faculty and talented students at Taiwan's top research university.

Recognizing that a fulfilling research life extends beyond the laboratory, IAMS is committed to providing a supportive environment. We offer PIs the possibility of long-term on-campus housing, enabling them to live within walking distance of their research labs and fostering a strong sense of community.

Under the visionary leadership of its directors for the past four decades, IAMS has made substantial and impactful contributions to the field of fundamental science. As the current director, I share this unwavering enthusiasm for groundbreaking research and extend a heartfelt invitation to brilliant scientists worldwide to join us.

Looking ahead, we warmly invite scientists who share our passion for fundamental discovery to join us, as we continue to advance high-quality basic research with global impact.

Ching-Ming Wei

2026, June