SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

- Co-hosted by Harvard Medical School, Stanford University, and MIT, Sharing Achievements in International Collaborative Research on Advanced Biotechnology

[Photo] Panel discussion on the first day of the symposium

Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) hosted the 1st Anniversary International Symposium for the National Strategic Technology Specialized Research Institute, in collaboration with Harvard Medical School, Stanford University, and MIT. Held over two days on February 7-8, the symposium served as a platform for sharing achievements in international collaborative research and engaging in in-depth discussions on healthcare data research and physician-scientist training, two key areas driving medical innovation.

 

The National Strategic Technology Specialized Research Institute was established under the National Strategic Technology Development Act, which designates research institutions to foster and secure national strategic technologies and talent. In January 2024, SNUH was designated as Korea’s first National Strategic Technology Specialized Research Institute by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Since then, SNUH has been actively leading various initiatives, including research and development in advanced biotechnology, training specialized professionals, and fostering international collaborations.

 

The symposium, themed "The Future Direction of International Collaboration for Biomedical Research Innovation," brought together over 270 participants from SNUH, Harvard Medical School, Stanford University, and MIT. Across two days, participants engaged in various presentations and discussions, held both online and offline.

On Day 1, three key sessions were held:

• Global collaborative research in hospital-based settings
• Utilization of hospital-based healthcare data
• Training physician-scientists in a hospital environment

Through these discussions, participants reviewed the achievements of the three core initiatives led by SNUH’s National Strategic Technology Specialized Research Institute: (1) Establishing and utilizing a global data platform for advanced biotechnology research, (2) Developing a sustainable framework for international collaborative research, and (3) Training key professionals in advanced biotechnology and biomedical sciences. Additionally, the symposium explored opportunities for global research collaboration to drive medical innovation, including advancements in precision medicine and the development of next-generation therapies.

 

Professor Hyung-Cheol Lee of the National Strategic Technology Specialized Research Institute introduced the ‘NSTRI Data Platform,’ which was globally launched on January 23. This platform was developed to facilitate joint research between domestic and international researchers by utilizing de-identified medical data from Korean healthcare institutions. By providing a digital environment where researchers worldwide can collaborate, analyze, and utilize data, the platform is expected to serve as a foundation for innovation in advanced biotechnology research.

 

On Day 2, discussions focused on the latest trends in basic medical and biomedical research, as well as advancements in data science and their potential clinical applications. Experts from leading institutions, including SNUH, Harvard Medical School, Stanford University, and MIT, participated in presentations and panel discussions.

Professor David Golan, Dean for Research Initiatives and Global Programs at Harvard Medical School, emphasized the significance of the symposium, stating:

"This symposium marks an important milestone in international collaboration for advanced biotechnology research. I am delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers worldwide to help address global healthcare challenges."

 

Professor Kim Yong-jin, Director of the National Strategic Technology Specialized Research Institute, highlighted SNUH’s commitment to global research collaboration:

"SNUH’s National Strategic Technology Specialized Research Institute has established partnerships with leading global institutions and is conducting top-tier collaborative research in advanced biotechnology, cell and gene therapy, data platforms, and medical AI. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen research cooperation to drive innovation and lead advancements in biotechnology and AI."