Dongshin University Selected as 'Leading Research Center MRC' by Ministry of Science and ICT... First in the Region

Professor Im Mihyeon. Photo by Dongshin University

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Dongshin University (President Choi Il) announced on the 8th that it has been finally selected as the lead research institution for the Medical Research Center (MRC) in the basic medical science field of the ‘2022 Group Research Project’ promoted by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

The MRC project is a program that selects excellent research groups in the fields of medicine, dentistry, Korean medicine, and pharmacy (basic medical science) to strengthen national research capabilities in the bio-health sector. Dongshin University is the first in the Jeonnam region to be selected as an MRC lead research center.

The Dongshin University MRC lead research center will receive a total of 10.77 billion KRW, including 9.45 billion KRW in national funding and support from Jeonnam Province and Naju City, over seven years until February 2029.

Professor Lee Mihyun of the College of Korean Medicine at Dongshin University serves as the principal investigator, and joint researchers including professors and doctors from BNT Co., Ltd., Kolmar Holdings Co., Ltd. Biome Research Institute, and the Korea Brain Research Institute affiliated with Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology participate to conduct full-scale research on Korean medical science controlling the Gut-Brain system based on spleen and stomach regulation.

The research team recognizes ‘spleen and stomach imbalance’ not simply as a digestive organ problem but as a microbiome issue causing diseases in other organs. Based on this, they focus on identifying the causes of irritable bowel syndrome and depression, which are gut and brain diseases, and developing Korean medical diagnostic and prescription technologies that can control symptoms.

It is expected that the development of such Korean medical science technologies will contribute to improving public health and reducing treatment costs.

Professor Lee Mihyun said, “This project selection is a great achievement made possible by the school’s support and the efforts of professors to strengthen research infrastructure, research personnel, and improve research performance. We will do our best to enhance domestic and international competitiveness through the development of Korean medicine spleen and stomach regulation technology and to produce world-class research outcomes and basic medical scientists.”