"The Site of Stem Cell Research, to be Transferred into Yonsei University" Appointed Head of Cell Adaptation Research Project of the Ministry of Science and Technology's 21st Century Frontier Development Plan Due to the recent sensation of Dr. Hwang, Woo-Suk's dissertation fraud, professor Mun, Shin-Yong of SNU resigned from his post. This brought about an opening of the Head of Cell Adaptation Research Project at the Ministry of Science and Technology's 21st Century Frontier Development Plan and was taken by one of our professors, Kim, Dong-Uk(College of Medicine, Physiology) on August 3rd. Known as the most prestigious of all the research projects that the government is promoting, the 21st Century Frontier Development Plan aims to integrate and apply Korea's potential research power to achieve world class technology by early 2010's in the field of strategic technology such as BT or NT. It is the most typical form of the government's long term R&D projects, which is conducted by choosing unique technologies of Korea that are compatible with the technologies of other advanced countries, and developing them. The Cell Adaptation Research Project is a major project of Korea's stem cell research promotion, which has a working expense estimated at 152 billion Won. It's ultimate goal is 'developing a cure for incurable diseases through cell treatment' and is intended to be a ten year plan from July, 2002 to June, 2012. Ending the Confusion Related to Stem Cells and Looking Ahead to the Future When asked of his thoughts of being appointed Head of the Cell Adaptation Research Project, professor Kim, Dong-Uk said, "I feel great responsibility prior to the happiness I should be feeling." Professor Kim also stated that, "There has been a great deal of confusion in the field of stem cell research inside and outside of Korea. It is now time we wrapped up this situation, to regain everyone's trust, encourage our researchers once more, and to ultimately create a new leap in the field." He also showed great will by saying that, "I will do my best in managing the team, in order for them to perform as the central site in the stem cell research field." Developing Technology for the Practical Use of Stem Cells The Cell Adaptation Research Project Team's main purpose when it was formed was to research embryo and adult stem cells to create a way to use them in real life. From July, 2002 to March 2005, when the first stage was in progress, development of base technology for stem cells was promoted. For example, research on the establishment of the human stem cell line, discovering differentiation factors, inquiry of signal transmit electrons, and other similar researches have been done. Currently, the second stage project(April, 2005~ March, 2008) which focuses on the development of the main technology is in process. In the second stage project, developing technologies such as the mass production of stem cells, inducing differentiation, and curing neural and cerebrovascular ailments is in process. In the third stage, beginning from April 2008, putting the technologies into practical use will be the core research subject for this stage. Embryo stem cell research will focus on the development of base technology, at the stage of animal testings, and adult stem cell research will be focused on developing cures for incurable diseases and clinically adapting this for it to be put into practical use. The Importance of Gaining Base Technology and Early Competitive Power Professor Kim said, "Stem cell research is at a quickening period so it is crucial to quickly invest and prior obtain competitive power." She implies that in other fields that have been researched for quite a long time, it is almost impossible to gain competition with the advanced countries that have had a head start. Compared to this, in the field of stem cell research it is much easier to acquire a leading role in the technology if investments are made quickly. Professor Kim stressed that, "Enormous scales of investments are being made to prior obtain the technologies in the more advanced countries." "It is important for Korea to follow the footsteps of these countries and improve our R&D capability through massive investments." She also stated, "If we obtain competitive stem cell technology, Korea's standing in the international market will be reevaluated, leading to an increase in national pride. In addition to this, we can expect quite an amount of income from cures and new medications." Lastly he expressed his thoughts and said, "By obtaining the base technology and promoting organized clinical tests, it will be possible for the Cell Adaptation Research Project Team to act as the key role in leading the country into becoming a leader in the stem cell field." Yonsei, Rising as the Key in Stem Cell Research By bringing the Cell Adaptation Research Project into our school, the standing of our University in the field of stem cell research is expected to rise. Professor Kim predicted and said, "This act of bringing 10 billion won project into our school will provide the chance for the core of stem cell research to move to our University." He added by saying, "Internal managers or researchers are expected to have more concern in studying stem cells." The Culture of Donating Research Funds Must be Promoted The stem cell research field is an area of study where a lot of research funding is necessary because of the high cost of materials. Professor Kim expressed his feelings towards the need for a more active donating culture by saying, "Fortunately the government has acknowledged the importance of our studies and has shown a positive attitude towards funding stem cell research. However, to further revitalize the research in this field, a proper amount of public investments must also be made alongside with government investments." In the case of the U.S., a great amount of public investments, such as donations from patients families or other interested people, are being put to use along with government support. On the other hand, in the case of Korea, these types of fundings are relatively scarce compared to the interest that the people are showing for the field. Not a 'Fantasy' but 'Hope' - Stem Cells Professor Kim stresses, "Stem cells are not a fantasy but a message of hope." He states that, "It is wrong to believe that stem cells will become the panacea of our time regardless of what some scientists are now saying," and insists that the field of stem cells must also be seen as an area of study like other fields. "The study itself is still only at a quickening phase and has almost unlimited potential for that matter. Therefore, more and more research must be done." He speaks with a very hopeful voice by saying, "Through further research we will achieve many of the possibilities such as curing the ailments of patients, creating new medications, discovering more in evolution, and so forth. And in the end, we will finally be able to cure incurable diseases." [* Professor Kim, Dong-Uk achieved his PH.D in 1996 at the University of Tokyo in the field of biotechnology. He has also been to Harvard, Yale, and other prestigious universities. Currently the director of the International Branch at The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), he is also a professor of the College of Medicine at the University of Southern California. In addition, he took the head post at 'Pan-Ministries and Offices Stem Cell Research Planning Team' from last February to May. While he was there, he planned a vast comprehensive plan for stem cell research in Korea. His main field of research is embryo stem cells differentiating into many different nerve cells, Parkinson´s disease, melancholia, adapting stem cells to cerebrospinal damages, and more.