UNIST and Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (DIRAMS) have renewed their partnership to jointly advance the frontiers of future medicine. The two institutions announced an expansion of their collaboration in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research areas, including artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, aerospace medicine, radiopharmaceuticals, and regenerative medicine.
On November 6, the two organizations reaffirmed their commitment through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed at the Main Administration Building of UNIST—five years after their initial agreement in 2019. This renewed partnership aims to deepen cooperation across key areas of future medical technology while fostering talent development through student internship programs and collaborative training initiatives.
UNIST brings its strong research capabilities rooted in science and technology, while DIRAMS contributes extensive clinical expertise and medical technology. By combining these strengths, the partnership seeks to establish a national hub for innovative future medicine research.
From left are DIRAMS President Chang-hun Rhee and UNIST President Chong Rae Park.
President Park of UNIST stated, “When science and technology intersect with medicine, new industries are born,” adding, “UNIST aims to lead this convergence through innovative research in AI and aerospace medicine, ultimately translating breakthroughs into tangible improvements in healthcare practice.”
The two institutions also plan to leverage their expertise in AI and radiopharmaceuticals to bolster the emerging space industry in the Southeastern region of Korea—Ulsan, Busan, and Gyeongnam—especially with the establishment of the Korea Space Agency. Their goal is to build a regional medical and industrial network centered on space medicine research, creating a sustainable future healthcare ecosystem.
Expressing optimism, President Rhee of DIRAMS stated, “This collaboration is more than just a formal agreement; it will produce tangible results. We anticipate significant achievements in radiopharmaceuticals, regenerative medicine, and AI-driven healthcare solutions.”
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by UNIST President Chong Rae Park, Vice President Sung Chul Bae for Academic Affairs, Director Seungjae Baek of the UNIST Graduate School of Health Science and Technology, DIRAMS President Chang-hun Rhee, and Director SangYeon Hwang of DIRAMS Research Center. Moving forward, the two organizations plan to institutionalize joint research initiatives and develop concrete models for regional and national leadership in future medical innovation.
