Project Group for Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dept. of Bioscience and Biotechnology, KU Graduate School (Seoul Campus)
(Head: Prof. Deok-Kun Oh)
The objective of the Project Group for Bioscience and Biotechnology is to develop high value-added biological resources and tailored medicine and new drugs through research in convergence and systems biotechnology - promising technologies of the future - as well as commercializing them through industry-academic cooperation. This group pursues the cultivation of vital human resources in the field by strengthening the interdisciplinary convergence of chemistry, biology, biological engineering, and nanobiology.
Project Group for Needs-Oriented Graduate Program for Translational Medical Scientists, Konkuk University School of Medicine (Glocal Campus)
(Head: Prof. Jae-Ran Yu)
The group's research area - translational research for the effective connection of new outcomes and technologies derived from the basic sciences with clinical research - has become the field's center of attention. Moreover, the 'Stem Cell and New Drug Development Research' that the team plans to conduct has already been intensively cultivated worldwide as a future growth engine. The group has prepared the following measures to foster graduate-level personnel in the medical, pharmaceutical industries, and translational research areas: operating an education system specialized in stem cell translational medical research and high-tech translational medical and pharmaceutical research for the first time in Korea, developing educational programs with bio industries or government-affiliated institutions, and advancing the globalization of education and the operational system of translational research curricula.
Animal Food Project Team, Dept. of Food Science & Biotechnology of Animal Resources, College of Animal Bioscience & Technology, KU (Seoul Campus)
(Head: Prof. Hyun-Dong Paik)
As LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) is gaining popularity in Korea along with the nation's socioeconomic growth, the team focuses on the production and hygiene management of livestock products according to the people's increasing needs. The team will make efforts to grow into a world-class research team, through exchange with overseas universities, promotion of research, invitation of large-scale project groups related to livestock products, and procurement of outstanding talent by encouraging the establishment of integrated degree programs. The current lack of core capacity of technology and human resources as well as the vulnerable industrial structure of the Korean livestock product field will become an opportunity for the team.
Project Team for Creative Veterinary Science Programs for Disease Control, Dept. of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, KU (Seoul Campus)
(Head: Prof. Seung-Yeol Nah)
This team has been selected for the BK21 project once more, following its selection for the second phase of BK21 (2006-2012). It plans to contribute to the fostering of professionals in cutting-edge research in veterinary medicine and promote the field's balanced growth through education and research on preventive veterinary medicine and disease control. The team has set its objective of cultivating experts in four major areas: basic veterinary medicine, development of tailored animal models of human disease and research on phenomics, prevention and treatment of animal-borne diseases (e.g., avian influenza, etc.), and veterinary public health.
Project Team for the Education of Professionals in Clinical Engineering Research, Division of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, KU (Glocal Campus)
(Head: Prof. Gwang-Moon Eom)
The team's objective is the cultivation of global leaders in clinical engineering through the enhancement of education and research capacities and R&D of world-class high-tech medical devices customized for the medical environment. The establishment of three educational tracks focused on field experience is noticeable: field-centered education, education for strengthening the research capacity of the medical field, and education for exporting package hospitals. The team has also prepared a mentoring system to set up an effective education system. Student exchange and dual degree programs, moreover, are to be operated by concluding MOUs with domestic and overseas institutions.
Project Team for Genome Engineering-based Designer Pig Development, Dept. of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience & Technology, KU (Seoul Campus)
(Head: Prof. Han Geuk Seo)
This team draws much attention as its selection as a BK21 PLUS Project Team is in line with the successful outcomes of the 50 years of intensive investment and research in KU's traditionally renowned programs of animal bioscience. The trend of animal bioscience and biotechnology is moving from animal production of the past to the development of new breeds and productivity. This is the reason the team is pursuing a new paradigm of genome engineering in the animal industry. The team will utilize KU's competitiveness in the animal field to provide specialized education and system to outstanding talent.
Project Team for the Glocal Education Program of Nutraceutical Development, Dept. of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical and Health Science, KU (Glocal Campus)
(Head: Prof. Beong Ou Lim)
The team focuses on cultivating interdisciplinary personnel equipped with both expert knowledge and work experience who will lead the era of rapidly aging population, which is necessitated by the growing importance of the health industry. As the fostering of "Glocal" talent, a combination of 'global' and 'local,' pursues developing globalized human resources within the local region, advanced personnel will be procured through research and education programs that are closely linked to local (i.e., Chungcheongbuk-do) industrial sites. The team especially emphasizes research in technology transfer, which is necessary for industrialization and industry-academic education. Education on intellectual property and industrial internships will also be strengthened to offer tailored experts to the Chungcheongbuk-do region which pursues "Biotopia."
* More details on the research topics, activities, and contact information of the KU BK21 PLUS Project Groups and Teams will be introduced in our upcoming KU Newsletters.