Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics (Director Kim Won‑il) and Chungbuk National University College of Veterinary Medicine (Dean Kim Su‑jong) have joined hands to strengthen national research capacity to respond to high‑risk infectious diseases.

The two institutions announced on the 4th that they recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the JBNU Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics to promote the development of vaccines and therapeutics for high‑risk infectious diseases.

The agreement was established to enable a quicker and more effective response to high‑risk zoonotic infectious diseases, which recur globally and threaten health security.

The two institutions plan to integrate their human and material resources and specialized research capabilities to systematically carry out the entire research and development process, from basic research through commercialization.

In particular, to enhance the effectiveness of the agreement, they will establish and operate a working committee and jointly utilize research facilities and specialized equipment to maximize research efficiency. Through regular academic exchanges and collaborative research, they aim to identify infectious disease response technologies with high field applicability and translate them into tangible outcomes in the development of vaccines and therapeutics.

Kim Won‑il, Director of the JBNU Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics, said, 'It is very meaningful that our institute, which has one of the country's leading infrastructures for zoonotic infectious disease research, and the Chungbuk National University College of Veterinary Medicine, which possesses specialized veterinary research capabilities, have come together.' He added, 'By organically combining the resources and personnel of both institutions, we will achieve tangible results in the development of vaccines and therapeutics for high‑risk infectious diseases, which will be central to national health security.'

Dean Kim Su‑jong also said, 'This agreement will be an important turning point that broadens our research horizons and creates tangible research synergies.' He added, 'Through shared use of research facilities and equipment and active regular academic exchanges, we will do our utmost to develop innovative infectious disease response technologies that can be immediately applied in the field.'

With this agreement as a catalyst, cooperation between the JBNU Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics and the Chungbuk National University College of Veterinary Medicine is expected to accelerate, diversifying the national infectious disease response system and injecting new vitality into research and development of related vaccines and therapeutics.