The bio-industry sector is drawing attention as flow that the Corona 19 is spread the world. In response, Inha University is also strengthening the training of professional personnel in bio fields. On July 7, 2020, Inha University Grad School established the "Department of Interdisciplinary Bio system" in the bio graduate course that is rising as the core of the 4th Industrial Revolution. And the first class of this department will begin in September 2020. The Inha Times conducted an interview with Professor Kwon Soon-jo of Inha University about the "Department of Interdisciplinary Bio system."

The Inha Times(IT): Please introduce yourself.
Prof. Soonjo Kwon: I'm a graduate to first from the Biological Engineering Department at Inha University. I acquired a doctoral degree from the University of California, Irvine in the U.S. and completed 'post-doctoral Fellow' courses in the Bioengineering Department of University of California, San Diego. After that, I was the professor during 11 years at Florida State University, Biomedical Engineering and Utah State University, Biological Engineering. I was hired at Inha University, my alma mater, in 2013 and have worked until now. Also, I am currently working as Independent Director of Samsung Biologics since 2016.

IT: Please explain about the newly established “Department of Interdisciplinary Bio system.”
Prof. Kwon: Department of Interdisciplinary Bio system is a fusion department between Biotechnology and Bioscience. The detailed majors of this department include Biopharmaceutical, System Biotechnology, and Bio-process Engineering. The Department of Interdisciplinary Biosystem that was newly opened at Inha University Grad School was established to successfully progress the BK21 Plus (Brain Korea 21 plus)4 step. In addition, the goal this department is to improve the quality of bio-education and research through practical exchanges between industry and academia. We are planning to train the expert through education related to research institutes and industries.

IT: What is the professor's prospects for this department?
Prof. Kwon: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Kendal Square is encouraging the interchange of industry and academic through the existing with more than 120 bio companies on the one campus. We will expand the interchange of industry and academic on Songdo Inha University campus. And at the center of this campus, Department of Interdisciplinary Bio-system will play an important role. I am looking forward to not only inflate of employment rate but also the specialization and practical use of research.

IT: What do you think the possibility of future growth about this Department in relation to Corona 19?
Prof. Kwon: Bio process innovation is key point to the ultimate bio industrialization for biomedicine production. Moreover, at a time when the development of the Corona 19 vaccine and the medicine is urgent, we need to work hard on vaccine development. So, we hope that the research of Department of Interdisciplinary Bio system will be an efficient results in the bio industry about Corona 19.

IT: What do you want to say to Inha University students?
Prof. Kwon: The newly opened "Department of Interdisciplinary Bio system" at Inha University Graduate School will make a new leap forward based on the history of 35 years. This department focuses on wide bio systems including Biopharmaceutical, System Bitechnology, and Bio process Engineering. It is also a promising department that takes a target to maintain No. 1 in domestic and Asian rankings and top global rankings. Therefore, I hope to young people take an active part in this field. 

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