'Wolkeul' Korean Bio, Growing to World-Class Level

Ministry of Science and ICT Holds First Meeting of 'Global Bio Pioneer TF' on 28th
Led by 1st Vice Minister Cho Sung-kyung, Exploring Ways to Strengthen International Research Cooperation in Bio Sector

The government, following President Yoon Seok-yeol's vision, is stepping up efforts to strengthen international research and development cooperation to further advance Korea's world-class bio-science technology and achieve pioneering and top-tier research outcomes.

Everything About the Bio Industry
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Ryu Hyorim = On the 12th, visitors are touring the exhibition hall at 'BioPlus-InterPhex Korea' held at COEX, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. 2023.7.12
ryousanta@yna.co.kr
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On the 28th, the Ministry of Science and ICT held the first meeting of the 'Global Bio Pioneer Task Force (TF)' chaired by First Vice Minister Cho Seong-gyeong to realize the Yoon administration's philosophy on science and technology.

This TF was established to discuss the strategic direction and content of digital bio international cooperation and to plan supporting programs. Earlier, during his visit to the United States in April, President Yoon pledged, including in dialogues with MIT digital bio scholars, to support challenges for world-first and world-best research through international research cooperation in the bio sector, and this TF is a follow-up measure to that commitment.

In June, the Ministry of Science and ICT also announced measures to strengthen digital bio international cooperation, such as the 'Boston-Korea Project,' which aims to develop innovative digital bio technologies and cultivate core talent through joint research between excellent domestic research institutions and leading research institutions in Boston, at the 'Advanced Industry Global Cluster Strategy Meeting' chaired by President Yoon. Through the operation of this TF, the digital bio international cooperation strategy and programs will be concretized and implemented starting in 2024.

Notably, Vice Minister Cho, a former science and technology secretary at the Presidential Office, has attracted attention by taking the role of TF team leader. Vice Minister Cho was appointed abruptly after President Yoon expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Science and ICT for not properly implementing the administration’s national agenda and philosophy, including instructions to reconsider the national research and development (R&D) budget allocation plan following his mention of the 'interest cartel' at the end of last month. The TF consists of the 'Global Bio Project Planning Team' (hereafter Planning Team), composed of researchers from major domestic research institutions with established global cooperation networks who discuss program proposals, and the 'Global Bio Advisory Group' (hereafter Advisory Group), composed of researchers active at major global research institutions who advise on program implementation directions.

At the TF kickoff meeting, participants shared international cooperation cases by major domestic and foreign institutions and discussed technology fields and research institutions requiring global cooperation in the advanced digital bio sector, as well as the establishment of local platforms for international cooperation. They also addressed improvements to research and development systems to facilitate smooth international cooperation, including evaluation of global cooperation projects, agreements and management, and distribution of research outcomes.

Vice Minister Cho stated, “Through chemical solidarity with the world’s top research institutions and researchers, we will elevate Korea’s digital bio capabilities to the highest level globally and draft a blueprint to create a treasure trove of future value for Korea. We will work meticulously to ensure that the knowledge and experience of experts contemplating humanity’s future, combined with the government’s philosophy and strong drive to build a desirable future for Korea, achieve genuine innovation.”