Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) Hosts 13th Infectious Disease Research Forum... Discusses 5-Year Infectious Disease R&D Strategy

[Financial News] The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the National Institute of Health will discuss national infectious disease research and development (R&D) strategies for the next five years and explore ways to cooperate among national research institutions to respond rapidly to emerging infectious diseases.
The KDCA and the National Institute of Health announced on the 10th that they will hold the '13th Infectious Disease Research Forum' at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul.
This forum will gather opinions from experts and relevant agencies regarding the national infectious disease R&D strategy to be implemented from 2027 to 2031. In particular, it will hold a public hearing on the 'Draft 4th National Strategy for Technology Development in Response to Infectious Disease Crises' and discuss the direction of infectious disease research and development for the next five years.
The proposed implementation strategy is scheduled to be finalized after incorporating opinions presented at the public hearing and undergoing deliberation and resolution by the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology (PACST).
The subsequent presentations and discussions will be divided into three areas: vaccines, treatments, and research infrastructure. Cooperation measures to respond rapidly to the outbreak of novel infectious diseases, such as the development of vaccines and treatments and the securing and joint utilization of research resources, will be addressed as the main agenda.
Discussions will be held on establishing an emergency response system that can be immediately activated during infectious disease crises, as well as on sharing research infrastructure and resource information during normal times. Measures to expand mission-oriented multi-agency cooperation projects by public institutions and strengthen linkages among national research institutes will also be addressed.
"In a situation where the epidemic cycle of infectious diseases is shortening and the risks are increasing, it is urgently necessary to establish a robust cooperative system among national research institutions for a rapid response," said JaeHwan Nam, Director of the National Institute of Health. "I hope this forum will serve as an opportunity to create a foundation for practical cooperation among institutions and build a sustainable research infrastructure."
"This forum will be an important milestone in solidifying mission-oriented cooperative projects among public institutions for the implementation of infectious disease R&D over the next five years and strengthening practical solidarity," said Im Seung-kwan, Commissioner of the KDCA. "We will provide support to ensure that the opinions of experts and research results are quickly translated into national policies that protect the lives and safety of the people."

[email protected] Jeong Sang-hee Reporter