– Ministry of Science and ICT Hosts the 2024 Bio Future Forum
– Innovative Strategies for Advanced Biotechnology to Achieve Global Leadership by 2035
The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister: Sang-Im Yoo) announced that it successfully hosted the 2024 Bio Future Forum on November 14 (Thursday) at the Science and Technology Convention Center in Seoul.
Now in its 10th year, the Bio Future Forum—organized by the National Center for Biotechnology Policy under KRIBB and hosted by the Ministry—serves as a critical venue for exploring key policy issues and future directions in biotechnology R&D. Through expert presentations and open discussions, the forum continues to uncover forward-looking strategies that shape the national bio agenda.
This year’s theme, “New Approach Methods (NAMs) and Innovation in Biotechnology Data”, emphasized emerging methodologies that transform traditional biomedical research. Discussions focused on leveraging digital-biotech convergence and maximizing the potential of big data in biotechnology.
New Approach Methods (NAMs) refer to innovative research models—such as digital twins and organoids—that replicate human biological mechanisms, aiming to replace or supplement animal testing and revolutionize both basic and clinical research with greater efficiency.
Keynote speeches were delivered by Choi Sun, Secretary for Advanced Biotechnology at the Presidential Office, and Doheon Lee, Chair of the Bio-Health Data Platform Committee. They addressed national strategies for advanced biotechnology and the development of online systems for sharing research data to foster collaborative ecosystems.
Prof. Sang-Hoon Cha of Chungbuk National University, chair of the forum’s steering committee, provided an overview of the rapidly evolving NAMs landscape, particularly in the U.S.
Five focused expert sessions followed, covering:
- Bio Big Data: From Observation to Prediction and Inference
– Prof. Jun-Yong Ahn (Korea University, Bio Systems Medical Science) - NAMs for Public Health and National Security
– Dr. Ja-Young Jung (Director, Non-Clinical Center, Osong Advanced Medical Industry Promotion Foundation) - Regenerative Medicine through NAMs
– Dr. In-Ho Cho (Director, National Regenerative Medicine Center) - Strategies for Industrialization through Data-Driven Bio R&D
– Prof. Jin-A Jang (POSTECH, Department of Mechanical Engineering) - Legal and Ethical Challenges in Human Cell and Biomimetic Technology
– Prof. In-Young Lee (Hongik University, School of Law)
A panel discussion followed, with participation from the Ministry’s Director of Advanced Biotechnology and all topic presenters, engaging in an in-depth exchange of views on the future of biotech innovation.
Notably, during the forum, a total of 28 awards (21 Minister’s Commendations and 7 Certificates of Recognition) were presented to individuals who made outstanding contributions in shaping national biotechnology policy and driving progress in R&D.
Among the recipients was CEO Namkyu Cho, recognized for his impactful leadership and innovation in the biomedical and neuro-technology sectors.
Hwang Pansik, Director General for R&D Policy at the Ministry, stated,
“As we enter a transformative era in biotechnology, this sector will become central to national economy, industry, and security. To maintain a leadership position in the global bio-tech race, we must accelerate pioneering research in key areas such as AI-based biotechnology and bio big data.”
“The government is committed to mobilizing all national capabilities to foster biotechnology that has the potential to reshape human life.”
