GIST and Mokpo Catholic University Sign MOU to Foster Outstanding Local Talent

(From left) GIST President KiChul Lim, Mokpo Catholic University President BinHo Yoon. Provided by Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) announced on May 15 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mokpo Catholic University to foster outstanding local talent and establish a collaborative system for the joint development of regional universities.

The signing ceremony, held on May 14 in the small conference room of the GIST administration building, was attended by GIST President KiChul Lim, Vice President for External Affairs Yonghwa Jung, Director of External Cooperation Jaegwan Kim, Professor Sangjun Lee of the Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Mokpo Catholic University President BinHo Yoon, Director of External Cooperation IlDoo Kim, Director of Planning Namsu Ko, and about ten other key officials.

Through this agreement, the two universities plan to collaborate in various fields, including educational and research cooperation to address addiction issues in the local community and the digitalization of addiction prevention platforms, thereby contributing to the development of the region.

The agreement covers mutual exchange and cooperation in five areas: ▲ development and operation of educational programs to enhance the competitiveness of local talent ▲ joint utilization of educational infrastructure to vitalize regional universities ▲ support for educational and research cooperation to solve addiction issues ▲ collaboration in developing digitalized addiction prevention platforms ▲ joint use of research facilities and equipment by both institutions.

Alongside the signing ceremony, a presentation session was held on the theme of "Research Collaboration in the Field of Addiction." Dr. Hoyoun Lee, speaking on behalf of Mingon Kim, Director of the Science and Technology Innovation Project Group, shared the research vision for "Development Direction of Biochips for Drug Addiction Treatment."

Jaegwan Kim, Director of External Cooperation (Professor of Biomedical Science and Engineering), discussed the potential of digital technologies in addiction treatment under the theme "Current Status and Prospects for Digital Therapeutics Development."

In addition, Professor Sangjun Lee of the Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering introduced advanced research achievements under the theme "Module Decomposition of Addictive Behaviors and Optogenetic Circuit Analysis," aiming to elucidate the neural circuit mechanisms of addictive behaviors.

GIST President KiChul Lim emphasized, "Addiction is more than a simple social issue; it is a challenge that must be reflected upon from a humanistic perspective in the AI era," adding, "Ultimately, the key is humanity."

He continued, "If our humanity weakens, we may become isolated or dependent on mass media, machines, or other non-human entities. If GIST's research capabilities are combined with religious and humanistic approaches, we can offer practical solutions for a people-centered future society."

Mokpo Catholic University President BinHo Yoon also stated, "This agreement will serve as a practical foundation for education and research to address addiction issues faced by the local community," adding, "In particular, the digitalization of the addiction prevention platform will play a crucial role in establishing a prevention-oriented regional health system."