Pusan National University Develops Korean Medicine-AI Technology to Treat Intractable Neurological Disorders

Selected for the Ministry of Science and ICT's Leading Research Center (MRC) Program

"Conducting interdisciplinary research over the next seven years"

Pusan National University is developing next-generation neuromodulation technologies to overcome intractable brain network disorders by combining traditional Korean medicine with advanced neuroscience and artificial intelligence (AI).

Pusan National University said it held the opening ceremony for the Korean Medicine-Based Leading Convergence Neuromodulation Research Center (K-MIND Center) at its Yangsan Campus on Nov. 12, marking the full-scale launch of research that combines Korean medicine with advanced science and technology. Professor Shin Hwagyeong of the Department of Korean Medical Science will serve as the center’s director.

Pusan National University is holding an opening ceremony for the MRC K-MIND Center.

Selected for the Ministry of Science and ICT’s 2026 Medical Research Center (MRC) program, K-MIND Center will conduct collaborative research over the next seven years. It aims to secure foundational technologies for intelligent neuromodulation based on Korean medicine to treat intractable brain network disorders, and to identify their multidimensional mechanisms of action.

To overcome the limitations of existing brain network control technologies, the center will pursue interdisciplinary research through three core research groups: acupoint-based bioelectric neuromodulation, five-taste-based neuromodulation, and hybrid neuromodulation integrating Korean medicine.

Key research tasks include studying the neuromodulatory mechanisms of optical, electrical, and ultrasonic stimulation using acupoints, and identifying the “Five Taste-Brain Axis” in response to taste stimulation. The center will also combine AI-based real-time biosignal analysis with closed-loop control technology to develop a neuromodulation platform tailored to individual characteristics.

“We launched the center to open a new research paradigm for overcoming intractable neurological diseases by combining the clinical value of traditional Korean medicine with cutting-edge medical and engineering technologies,” said Center Director Shin Hwagyeong. “We will pursue research with the goal of taking a global lead in intelligent precision biomedical therapies based on Korean medicine.”

Pusan National University plans to expand domestic and international industry-academia-research-hospital collaboration networks centered on K-MIND Center and establish a research system linking basic research with preclinical and clinical validation and commercialization.

Through these efforts, the university aims to develop neuromodulation technologies based on Korean medicine, train specialized research personnel, and contribute to advances in precision biomedical therapies for overcoming intractable brain network disorders.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.