Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) announced that it will operate the "Global Laboratory Dispatch PBL (Problem-Based Learning) Program" at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) in Singapore from January 11 to 18.

The program aims to cultivate global talent tailored to the life sciences and transition industries by conducting field-based projects with leading overseas researchers and enrolled students. To this end, the JBNU RISE Project Group, Nanyang Technological University, and A*STAR signed an official agreement in Singapore on the morning of January 12 for the Global Laboratory Dispatch PBL.

Designed to develop global talent in the life sciences and transition industries linked to the key industries of North Jeolla Province, this program is being implemented as part of the JBNU RISE Project Group's life sciences and transition industries track. Twenty-four students — second-, third-, and fourth-year undergraduates from relevant departments and graduate students — will participate and carry out project-based learning at leading overseas research institutions.

Participating students will complete a curriculum composed of lectures by NTU and A*STAR researchers, laboratory practicums, research facility tours, expert mentoring, and team projects, allowing them to directly experience global research environments and industrial sites. The program is focused on core areas of the life sciences and transition industries, including mechanical engineering, smart technologies, semiconductors, biotechnology, AI and data science, and electronic engineering.

In particular, lectures reflecting the latest global industry trends — such as "AI and Semiconductor," "Revolution in Biomedical R&D," and "AI and Data Science for Smart Factory" — are included, along with visits to NTU and A*STAR research facilities and to HMGICS CX (Hyundai Motor Group Global Innovation Center), enhancing students' on-site understanding.

On the final day of the program, participating students will present the research and business ideas developed during the period and receive feedback and mentoring from local researchers. This is intended to lay the groundwork for follow-up activities such as refining research topics, capstone design projects, and the discovery of entrepreneurial ideas.

PhD candidate Kyung-ho Lee (Division of Mechanical Design Engineering, College of Engineering), a participant in the program, commented, "By attending classes directly in the laboratories of leading overseas research institutions and experiencing the research environment, I was able to more concretely determine which competencies I need to further develop."

Jeong-min Son, director of the JBNU RISE Project Group, said, "Through cooperation with world-class research institutions such as NTU and A*STAR, we will continuously expand international collaborative research and personnel exchanges in the life sciences and transition industries," and added, "We expect students to grow into key talent who will lead regional innovation based on the experience they gained in Singapore."