The leadership of Ajou University recently visited the K-NIBRT (Korean National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training) Initiative at Yonsei University's International Campus in Songdo, Incheon, to discuss concrete measures for collaboration in nurturing highly skilled professionals in the bioprocessing sector. This visit follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the two institutions in February.

 On March 25, Ajou University President Ki-Joo Choi, accompanied by faculty members from the College of Advanced Biomedical Science and Engineering, including Dean Yong-sung Kim, met with Vice President Jong-Soo Lee of Yonsei University’s International Campus. The delegation also toured the K-NIBRT and Quantum Computing Research Centers.

 During the visit, the two institutions explored practical avenues for collaboration, including the joint development and operation of educational programs. The discussions involved K-NIBRT Director Gyoon-hee Han (Department of Biotechnology) and Deputy Director Do-sik Min (College of Pharmacy).

 K-NIBRT, operated by Yonsei University with support from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, was established as part of the Korean government’s “Bio-Health Innovation Strategy.” The initiative is dedicated to training work-ready professionals in bioprocessing, offering both theoretical and hands-on training in areas such as ▲mRNA, ▲vaccines, ▲antibody-based drugs, and ▲gene and cell therapies. Its curriculum spans the full spectrum of biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, including purification, formulation, final product production, and quality control in regulatory science.

 In February, Ajou University and Yonsei University’s International Campus signed an MOU to cooperate on bioprocessing workforce development in connection with K-NIBRT. The agreement outlines plans for collaboration in ▲joint development and operation of academic programs, ▲career support and information exchange on emerging technologies for students, and ▲training and educational opportunities for both faculty and students.

 Vice President Lee of Yonsei University stated, “K-NIBRT adopts the NIBRT model from Ireland and meets global standards in training professionals in bioprocessing. We are pleased to collaborate with Ajou University, a leader in advanced biomedical education, and look forward to our joint efforts contributing meaningfully to the development of Korea’s bio industry workforce.”

 President Choi of Ajou University remarked, “This agreement will provide students from both the College of Advanced Biomedical Science and Engineering and other bio-related majors at Ajou with greater access to practical training opportunities. The university remains committed to supporting our students in becoming globally competitive professionals in the bio sector.”

 In response to the growing demand for skilled talent in the rapidly expanding bio industry, Ajou University launched the College of Advanced Biomedical Science and Engineering in 2024 and admitted its first cohort of 79 students this year. The college offers two specialized majors—Innovative Drug Engineering and Advanced Biomaterials Engineering—leading to a Bachelor of Engineering degree. In addition to scholarship opportunities, students benefit from hands-on internships and global exchange programs. The recent K-NIBRT partnership aligns with the college’s mission to produce industry-ready graduates.

 The college is also actively building partnerships with leading institutions such as the Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Gyeonggi Institute of Science & Technology Promotion, and Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, aiming to enhance Korea’s competitiveness in high-value bio sectors.

 Photo caption: From left to right – Professor Hyun-ji Park and Professor Hyun-jin Yoon (Program Director) of Ajou University, Dean Yong-sung Kim, Vice President Jong-Soo Lee of Yonsei University, President Ki-Joo Choi of Ajou University, Director Gyoon-hee Han and Deputy Director Do-sik Min of K-NIBRT.