Moderna, Yonsei University collaborate on mRNA education to foster experts

Moderna and the Korean National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (K-NIBRT) at Yonsei University have signed an agreement to develop mRNA education content and programs, accelerating the full-scale operation of the curriculum.

The agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed last year by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), Yonsei University’s K-NIBRT, and Moderna to foster mRNA experts in Korea. The aim is to strengthen the cooperation system to produce the human resources and talents needed to develop the international bio-industry through practical training courses.

K-NIBRT and Moderna will work together to plan and operate curricula on mRNA technology.

In particular, K-NIBRT will receive high-quality educational content on mRNA biology, the innate immune system, and lipid nanoparticles from Moderna, which is expected to contribute to the development of complete human resources needed to enhance the understanding of mRNA drug development.

According to K-NIBRT, the full-scale educational cooperation program will begin to be applied to the outsourced training for the RIGHT Foundation’s overseas trainees in May.

"Through the cooperation with Moderna, we expect Yonsei University's K-NIBRT to strengthen its expertise in mRNA education in bioprocess education and grow into a global hub for training mRNA vaccine process experts," K-NIBRT Chairperson Han Gyoon-hee said.

Moderna Korea General Manager Sohn Ji-young said, "As experts in the field of mRNA technology, we are very pleased to collaborate with Korean educational institutions to contribute to developing world-class talent.

Sohn added that this collaboration embodies Moderna's vision of realizing the potential of mRNA medicines to transform the future of medicine, and the company will continue to expand its efforts in this regard.