-Kaohsiung Medical University –

To deepen international academic exchange and enhance global research impact, Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) has officially partnered with Hui-Kuan Lin, Distinguished Professor of Pathology at Duke University School of Medicine and Academician of Academia Sinica, to establish the International Collaborative Laboratory (ICL). This collaboration marks a major milestone in KMU’s global engagement in biomedical research. Moving forward, both parties will adopt an integrated physical–virtual model to enable worldwide collaboration, aiming to build an Asia-leading, globally connected center for cross-disease mitochondrial and translational metabolism research.

The newly established ICL is not merely a conventional laboratory, but a hub for knowledge convergence and innovation. Its operation is built upon three core pillars: Co-Research, Co-Mentorship, and International Advisory. In co-research, KMU’s clinical insights will be combined with Duke University’s cutting-edge technologies to drive breakthrough transnational research designs. In parallel, an international talent development pipeline will be established, with Academician Lin co-mentoring students and postdoctoral researchers. Additionally, annual strategic reviews will be conducted to ensure that research directions remain forward-looking and globally impactful.

In terms of operational structure, KMU will serve as the primary local institution, providing comprehensive clinical and laboratory infrastructure. Duke University will function as the international hub, connecting leading global teams and critical core technologies. Academician Lin will actively engage as a world-class scholar in co-mentorship, co-research, and strategic advisory roles, facilitating international resource integration. To ensure sustained progress and seamless talent exchange, the ICL has established a rigorous, multi-layered operational framework. Regular dual-track virtual meetings will be held to monitor flagship research projects and track the development of jointly mentored researchers. In addition, biannual bilateral exchanges will be implemented, enabling KMU students and postdoctoral researchers to conduct short-term research abroad and acquire key techniques, while also inviting Academician Lin’s research team to Taiwan for on-site collaboration, mentorship, and potential technology transfer.

Beyond pursuing cutting-edge research outcomes, the ICL is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of physician-scientists and interdisciplinary researchers with a global perspective. Through this deep partnership with Academician Hui-Kuan Lin and Duke University, KMU aims to build a sustainable international research ecosystem—one that continuously evolves, generates value, and strengthens the university’s global academic reputation and influence.

▲KMU partners with Hui-Kuan Lin, Distinguished Professor at Duke University School of Medicine and Academician of Academia Sinica, to establish the International Collaborative Laboratory (ICL)