SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIVERSITY (SKKU), SEOUL, KOREA
SKKU's School of Medicine (Kangbuk Samsung Hospital) announced on December 30th that it was selected as one of the six leading schools by the Ministry of Education for 2020 that supports and fosters international cooperation. This project supports developing countries' universities by establishing or remodeling necessary faculties and/or departments, strengthening professional competencies among faculty members, and implementing local community development programs.
SKKU signed an agreement with Sri Jayewardenepura University in Sri Lanka. It will be establishing the Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, developing creative research programs for high school students, and facilitating scientific and technological research as well as innovative projects.
The project is led by Dr. Jae-Heon Kang, a professor of Kangbuk Samsung Hospital and Sungkyunkwan University, and diverse SKKU faculty members will be participating in it including Dr. Tae-Jin Kim, a professor at SKKU School of Medicine. It is a long-term international project that will begin in 2020 and end in 2026. The cost is estimated to be 2.5 billion KRW.
SKKU plans on educating future medical students and playing a pivotal role in enhancing science and technological research and innovation in Sri Lanka through the following: 1) establishment of a new major program in immunology and molecular biology within the School of Medicine, 2) development of teaching methods and support of special teaching activities, thereby strengthening professional development among faculty members, 3) provision of regional science and technology development programs, and lastly 4) development of regional workshops for primary and secondary students.
Professor Jae-Heon Kang said, "This project will become the core foundation that strengthens Sri Lanka's Medical Science Research and improves the country's Health Care Index. It will also contribute to enhancing Korea's international image."
