The current status and policy measure of biological research resources in Korea = 국내 생명연구자원 관리 현황과 개선 방향

Abstract

As we have seen with the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the acquisition and timely distribution of biological research resources, such as COVID-19 positive patient samples for the development of diagnostic kits or therapeutic agents, has had a significant impact on national competitiveness and human health. Recognizing the importance of biological research resources, Korea has made a considerable effort to acquire these resources since the 2000s. As a result, by 2019, Korea had acquired 11,840,644 biological research resources and had established 274 biological resource centers. However, due to changes in domestic and international circumstances, such as the entry into forced the Nagoya Protocol and the global pandemic crisis, it is necessary to change the quantitative policies for the acquisition of biological research resources and the establishment of biological resource centers. In this study, we investigated and analyzed the current status of domestic biological research resources by surveying researchers who use these resources. Further, we propose the direction for improved management and distribution of biological research resources. We expect that the biological resource centers will be able to provide essential biological research resources based on both the needs of researchers and the demand for necessary services.