Professor Kilseon Kang of the Department of Polymer -Nano Science &Technology (photo) was elected Continental Chair‑Elect of the Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine International Society, Asia‑Pacific Chapter (TERMIS‑AP).

Professor Kang was elected with overwhelming support from approximately 1,000 members of the Asia‑Pacific Chapter in an election that featured three distinguished scientists nominated from Australia and China. He will serve as Chair‑Elect from this year through 2014, and as Chair from 2015 through 2017, for a total of six years of official service.

The Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) is a leading international society in the field of regenerative medicine with some 3,000 members worldwide. Its Asia‑Pacific Chapter (TERMIS‑AP) includes approximately 1,000 participants from more than 40 countries.

TERMIS focuses on research and application of stem cells, bioengineered organs and regenerative medicine, topics that have recently become major areas of interest. In the Asia‑Pacific region, research is led by Korea, Japan, China, Australia and Singapore, and Korea plays a central role not only in TERMIS‑AP but also in the TERMIS headquarters.

Professor Kang, who focuses his research on central nervous system regeneration, optic nerve regeneration and drug delivery systems using stem cells, is expected to play a major role in helping Korea secure global leadership in stem cell‑based regenerative medicine following his election as Chair of the TERMIS Asia‑Pacific Chapter.

Professor Kang said, "Stem cell and regenerative medicine, as next‑generation therapies, are truly a battleground without gunfire, and they have become a national focus as countries compete to take the lead in research and development. Recognizing their importance, Korea began intensive, proactive investment, increasing research funding to 100.4 billion won in 2012. I will work to ensure that Korea not only leads the Asia‑Pacific region but also attains global leadership."

He added, "In 2014 I will do my utmost to attract the TERMIS Asia‑Pacific World Congress to Jeonju in order to help revitalize the regional economy."

Meanwhile, Professor Kang, who joined Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) in 1998, is a founding member of TERMIS and is active in the fields of stem cell and regenerative medicine with outstanding expertise and a proactive approach. He serves as vice president of the Honam branch of the Korean Polymer Society, an advisory member to the Presidential Commission on Future Planning, and a project planning committee member for the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy.