Mokpo University Opens Eco-Friendly Aging Control Convergence Research Institute

First Symposium Sheds Light on the Link Between Environmental Pollution and Aging
Expectations Rise for New Drug Development in Marine Bio and Anti-Aging Fields

National Mokpo University (President Song Hacheol) has officially opened the Eco-friendly Aging Control Convergence Research Institute and will begin full-scale research on environmental pollution and aging-related diseases. The institute plans to analyze the impact of environmental changes on aging and develop marine bio and anti-aging convergence materials to propose solutions for a sustainable future.

According to Mokpo University on the 18th, the establishment of this institute is one of the projects promoted after the university was selected as a Glocal University by the Ministry of Education. With support from the Glocal University initiative, the institute will build advanced research infrastructure to respond to changes in the marine environment and study aging-related diseases, while strengthening research and development (R&D) in connection with the local bio industry.

To commemorate the opening of the institute, the first symposium was held on the 14th at the Jeongsangmuk Hall of the National Mokpo University 70th Anniversary Memorial Hall, attended by more than 60 participants, including the Director of the Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Hospital at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, the CEO of LCS Co., Ltd., an official from the Ministry of Environment's Natural Circulation Policy Division, and an official from the Bio Policy Division of Jeollanam-do Provincial Government. Academia, industry, and government agencies discussed ways to collaborate on solving environmental and aging issues, raising expectations for the development of the local bio industry and policy linkage.

Participants are taking a commemorative photo after the first symposium celebrating the opening of the Eco-friendly Aging Control Convergence Research Institute. Photo by Mokpo National University

Professor Ok Minho, director of the institute, explained the institute's role and vision at the opening ceremony. He stated, "We will assess the risks caused by changes in the marine environment and climate change and develop marine bio and anti-aging convergence materials to establish a sustainable marine industry ecosystem."

He further emphasized, "Environmental pollution and aging-related diseases are closely linked, and through research on new drug development utilizing marine natural products, we will open new possibilities for treating aging-related diseases."

In addition, the institute aims to activate the local industry-academia-research network and elevate its research capabilities to an international level. Through this, the institute plans not only to develop therapeutics for aging-related diseases using eco-friendly biomaterials but also to establish collaborative models to foster related industries.

The symposium consisted of two sessions, providing a platform to discuss the institute's main research directions and cooperation strategies. Session I, under the theme "Acceleration of Environmental Pollution and Aging-related Diseases," featured presentations on strategies for developing therapeutics for aging-related diseases, the relationship between nano plastics and cardiovascular aging, therapeutic strategies using marine natural products, and trends in new drug development in a super-aged society.

Session II, under the theme "Policies and Cooperation for a Sustainable Future," discussed measures to move away from plastics and the current status and development plans of the Jeonnam bio industry. Participants analyzed the correlation between environmental pollution and aging-related diseases and stressed the need for practical policy support and expanded investment in research and development (R&D).

Experts emphasized the need for strategic approaches such as the development of anti-aging convergence materials, operation of talent training programs, strengthening research capabilities of undergraduate and graduate students, and expanding international networking capabilities to solve the problem of aging-related diseases caused by environmental pollution.

Institute officials commented, "This symposium has further highlighted the need to develop convergence materials to control environmental pollution and aging-related diseases." They also stated, "The Eco-friendly Aging Control Convergence Research Institute will establish itself as a green marine bio industry hub in the region, contributing to the local economy and strengthening national competitiveness," outlining the future research direction.

This symposium is significant in that it laid the groundwork for the Ministry of Environment and the Bio Policy Division of Jeollanam-do Provincial Government to prepare collaborative policies. With the opening of the institute, industry, academia, research, and government are joining forces to create a sustainable bio industry ecosystem, marking the first step toward advancing the local bio industry.