Korea University College of Medicine and UNIST launch KUNIST platform for next-generation physician-scientist training
Joint symposium ushers in a comprehensive training ecosystem following selection for the 2026 K-MediST program
Korea University College of Medicine and the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have launched KUNIST, a comprehensive training platform aimed at developing globally competitive physician-scientists and biomedical researchers who will drive innovation in biomedicine.
On June 17, the two institutions hosted the K-MediST Symposium at Seung Myung-ho Hall in the Dongwha Bio Building at Korea University’s Jeongneung Mediscience Park, where they presented their shared vision and implementation strategy for advancing the next generation of biomedical talent.
At the heart of the initiative is the KUNIST platform, which aims to cultivate K-PRISM (Korea-leading Physician-Scientists in Research, Innovation, Systems Medicine, and Manufacturing & Commercialization) professionals equipped with five core competencies (5Cs): clinical problem-solving, convergent research, computation and artificial intelligence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and commercialization.
The collaboration will focus on three strategic objectives: developing joint educational programs between Korea University and UNIST; establishing collaborative research laboratories that accelerate clinical validation and translation of innovative technologies; and building an end-to-end commercialization support platform that fosters a sustainable research environment and supports stable, long-term career pathways.
The symposium opened with welcoming remarks from Professor Tae Hoon Kim, Vice President for Research at Korea University Anam Hospital and Principal Investigator of the K-MediST project, followed by congratulatory addresses, introductions to the joint degree program and curriculum, and presentations outlining the multi-year collaborative research roadmap. Distinguished guests included Eul Sik Yoon, Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and President of Korea University Medicine; Sung Bom Pyun, Dean of Korea University College of Medicine; Sung Chul Bae, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at UNIST; Yoon-Kyoung Cho, Dean of the College of Information and Biotechnology at UNIST; as well as former Vice Ministers of Health and Welfare Do-tae Kang and Sung-il Yang, and Eun-young Jung, Director General for Health Industry Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
In his congratulatory remarks, Dr. Yoon said, "I hope the partnership between Korea University College of Medicine and UNIST will grow into a model that sets new global standards in medicine. The physician-scientists and biomedical researchers trained through the K-MediST program will serve as a bridge between medicine and emerging technologies, driving innovations that improve human health around the world."
Dean Sung Bom Pyun noted that Korea University College of Medicine established the Center for Physician-Scientist Development in November 2025 and has since developed a comprehensive training system spanning the full continuum of medical education, from undergraduate to graduate-level training. Pledging the College’s full support for the initiative, he added, “Our selection for the K-MediST Program is a testament to these efforts and will further solidify our position as a leading hub for biomedical research and innovation.”
During the curriculum presentation, Professor Kihoon Han, Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Korea University College of Medicine, announced that the program aims to train 80 researchers between April 2026 and December 2030, including 64 biomedical researchers (PhD) and 16 physician-scientists (MD-PhD).
The institutions also announced plans to establish a joint research center in the Chung Mong-Koo Future Medical Center at Korea University's Jeongneung Mediscience Park. The center will integrate UNIST's advanced computational infrastructure and high-performance analytical equipment with Korea University's clinical research capabilities. A Data Living Lab will also be established, providing researchers with access to real-time clinical data while fostering close collaboration with clinicians. This integrated education and research environment will enable researchers to engage in both clinical practice and research simultaneously.
The annual collaborative research plan presentations followed, featuring Professor Min Hyuk Lim of the UNIST Graduate School of Medical Science on Medical AI & Data Science; Professor Woo Young Jang of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Korea University Anam Hospital on Precision Medicine & Bioengineering; Professor Hwang Kim of the UNIST Department of Design on Digital Healthcare & Smart Hospital; Vice Dean for Academic Affairs Hyeon Soo Kim of Korea University College of Medicine on Medical Robotics & Extreme Medicine; and Research Professor Se Jun Oh of Korea University College of Medicine on K-MediST Project Management, Progress Monitoring, and Annual Evaluation.
Professor Seungjae Baek, Dean of the UNIST Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, said, "This symposium provided a valuable opportunity for researchers from both institutions to share a concrete vision for future collaboration.
We are committed to creating a model for interdisciplinary research that addresses unmet clinical needs through advanced engineering technologies while ensuring that the K-MediST program plays a pivotal role in strengthening Korea's leadership in the global biohealth sector."
Professor Tae Hoon Kim concluded, "By combining Korea University's internationally recognized strengths in clinical medicine and healthcare with UNIST's world-class scientific and engineering capabilities, the K-MediST program will establish a new benchmark for physician-scientist education in Korea. Through close collaboration, we will cultivate future leaders who will drive the global biohealth industry and generate innovative research that delivers meaningful benefits to patients."
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