by Hwang Junho
Published 13 Mar.2020 10:00(KST)
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] Jeong Byeong-seon, the 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, visited the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) RNA Research Group on the 13th. He discussed basic research measures related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and encouraged the researchers.
IBS is conducting research on the genetic structure of COVID-19 and the principles of virus proliferation together with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. By identifying the genes of COVID-19 and understanding their roles, the development of antiviral drugs that inhibit virus proliferation becomes possible.
Vice Minister Jeong said, "In the current national crisis caused by the spread of COVID-19, IBS, the country's top basic science research institution, is required to play a significant social role," and added, "To overcome this crisis as soon as possible, IBS should demonstrate its excellent research capabilities not only in basic research clarifying the characteristics of the virus but also in various related fields such as detection, spread prediction, and information provision."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.