Cha Medical and Bio Group Global Research Leader Cha Kwang-yul (fourth from left), Johns Hopkins Medicine International President Charles Wiener (fifth from left) and Cha University President Cha Won-tae (sixth from left) pose for a photo after discussing potential research collaboration projects at the Chaum Clinic in southern Seoul, on April 24. (Cha Medical and Bio Group)
Cha Medical and Bio Group Global Research Leader Cha Kwang-yul (fourth from left), Johns Hopkins Medicine International President Charles Wiener (fifth from left) and Cha University President Cha Won-tae (sixth from left) pose for a photo after discussing potential research collaboration projects at the Chaum Clinic in southern Seoul, on April 24. (Cha Medical and Bio Group)

South Korea’s Cha Hospital and Cha University are exploring a research and academic partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, following a high-level meeting held in Seoul last month.

Johns Hopkins Medicine International is the global partnership arm of Johns Hopkins Medicine, which has been at the forefront of stem cell and organoid research, including breakthroughs in creating midbrain structures from stem cells.

Key topics of discussion on April 24 included promoting joint research and the exchange of data and technologies, expanding faculty and student exchange programs through collaborative research, developing joint educational programs and hosting academic seminars, according to Cha Medical and Bio Group on Friday.

“It is a great honor to engage in discussions with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, which continues to inspire hospitals worldwide through its research and management practices,” said Cha University President Cha Won-tae.

“We believe that collaboration between our institutions in high-potential areas such as stem cell and organoid research can significantly advance the medical field."

Officials from Johns Hopkins and Cha Hospital also toured Songdo, Incheon, to explore potential areas for strategic collaboration in the global health care market.

Discussions between the two institutions focused on exploring a forward-looking partnership model, including the potential establishment of a cell and gene therapy center, an anti-aging center and a fertility treatment center, according to the group.

The meeting was attended by Charles Wiener, president of Johns Hopkins Medicine International; Chengda Zhang, director of global services at Johns Hopkins Medicine International; Cha Kwang-yul, global research leader of Cha Group; Cha Won-tae, president of Cha University; Choi Seok-yoon, executive vice chairman of Cha Group; Yoon Do-hoon, president and CEO of Cha Medical Center; Kim Young-tak, president of Cha Global Hospital; and Hong Seung-hyun, head of the Counseling Psychology Department at Cha University.

By Kim Hae-yeon (hykim@heraldcorp.com)