World-renowned Scholars in Bio and Medical Fields Gather in Pohang... International Conference Successfully Concludes

Convergence of Medicine and Engineering, Technological Innovation... Pohang as a Future Biohealth Industry Hub

Pohang City and POSTECH held an international conference at the POSCO International Center from May 31 to June 2 to share the latest research achievements in the bio and medical fields.

On the 2nd, Pohang City held an international conference at the POSCO International Hall to share the latest research achievements in the bio-medical field.

This conference, attended by 20 world-renowned scholars from around the globe, covered the present and future of biomaterials, which are key elemental technologies in the broad biohealth industry, including the development of nano-medicine and bioprinting application technologies using smart healthcare materials, as well as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostic sensors for disease treatment and diagnosis.

In the keynote lecture, David Weitz, a professor at Harvard University and a member of the US National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering, gave a talk on ultra-sensitive diagnostic technology using microfluidic devices.

Molly Stevens, a world-leading female scientist from the University of Oxford, shared insights on healthcare applications through biomaterial design and translational research. Kam Leong, the chief editor of the world-renowned journal Biomaterials and a professor at Columbia University, delivered a lecture on the development of innovative biomaterials for anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

This conference, recognized for its academic excellence, was attended by world-class scholars from institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, University of California, Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon University, as well as editors from top-tier journals in the field of materials science, such as Advanced Journals and the Royal Society of Chemistry, who shared their research achievements.

Han Segwang, professor at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at POSTECH and chair of this conference, was selected as a fellow at the 12th World Biomaterials Congress, known as the Olympics of the biomaterials field, held at EXCO in Daegu from May 26 to 31, further raising his profile on the global stage.

This year, the conference was held in conjunction with the Pohang International Fireworks Festival, allowing overseas invited speakers attending the POSTECH International Conference to visit major R&D institutions and tourist attractions in Pohang and enjoy the international fireworks show. They agreed that Pohang, as the central city of the East Sea Rim, has sufficient infrastructure and capabilities to serve as a key hub for the biohealth industry not only regionally but also nationally.

Mayor Lee Kangdeok said, "Achieving technological innovation through the convergence of medical science and engineering is the only way to lead the future biohealth industry," adding, "I hope this conference, which provides a great opportunity to share the latest trends in applying engineering to life and medical sciences and to build a global network in the healthcare industry, will serve as a catalyst for groundbreaking ideas for the advancement of bio-medical technology."