A number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on advanced biotechnology cooperation in the fields of synthetic biology, brain research, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based drug development have been signed between major universities and research institutes of South Korean and the United Kingdom (UK), within the context of President Yoon Suk Yeol's state visit to the UK (as seen in the image).

Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) and Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) have signed an MoU on synthetic biology research cooperation with the UK counterparts- Imperial College and the Innovation and Knowledge Center for Synthetic Biology (SynbiCITE). SynbiCITE is the UK's national center for synthetic biology based at Imperial College London, and includes the core facility, London Biofoundry.

The signed parties have agreed to establish a joint research centre and proceed with strategic joint research and human resource exchange. The aim of this agreement is to develop core technologies for synthetic biology and biofoundry, and to promote the growth of advanced biotechnology industry based on synthetic biology.

Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI) and the Dementias Platform UK (DPUK) are planning to expand joint research projects with a focus on developing personalised treatment strategies for brain diseases and global market-oriented diagnostics and treatments for practical use.

In addition, KRIBB and the University of Cambridge Milner Therapeutics Institute have signed an MoU on research cooperation in the field of AI-based drug development.