Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology at Kaohsiung Medical University Visits the University of Santo Tomas (UST): Promoting Collaborative Exchange and Dual Master’s Degree Programs to Strengthen Training in Biomedical and Environmental Sustainability

  Professor Sodio C.N. Hsu, Dean of the College of Life Sciences (KMULF) at Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU), led a delegation of department heads and faculty members to visit the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the Philippines on February 3, 2026. Professor Pei-Feng Liu, Head of the Department of Biomedical and Environmental Biology, engaged in in-depth dialogues with UST on topics including biomedical research (cancer biomarkers, therapeutic targets, precision medicine, and molecular medicine applications) and environmental biology research (interactions between organisms and environmental factors, biodiversity, ecological behavior, and biological adaptation mechanisms under environmental stress), fully demonstrating the department's core capabilities in interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.

  UST combines a rich cultural heritage with advanced research facilities. Its Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS) integrates resources in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and biomedical research. The center’s academic focus closely aligns with KMU’s positioning in medical research and public health, providing a solid foundation for deepening collaboration in research and talent development.

  The exchange meeting was attended by leaders and faculty from UST’s College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, and related research units, including Dean Rey Donne S. Papa, Assistant Dean Ma. Claudette A. Agnes, Department Chair Reuel Bennett, and other researchers. They engaged in in-depth discussions with the KMU delegation on research directions and educational development.

  During the exchange, the KMU College of Life Sciences delegation presented the research focuses and strengths of each department. The Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology highlighted its achievements in cancer biomarker identification, disease molecular mechanism analysis, therapeutic target development, precision medicine, and molecular medicine applications, extending to the environmental biology domain. Topics included organism–environment interactions, physiological and ecological responses under environmental stress, biodiversity conservation, and toxicological impacts, showcasing the department’s interdisciplinary approach integrating basic research, clinical translation, and public health.

  The two sides also focused on UST’s strengths in natural products, biodiversity, and environmental research, complementing KMU’s expertise in biomedical science, cancer research, therapeutic target analysis, and environmental biology. They discussed future collaboration models, including joint research in biomedical and environmental health, co-supervision of graduate students, and cross-institutional publication of research results, while gradually establishing channels for faculty collaboration and long-term partnerships.

  Regarding student development, the delegation introduced KMU’s TEEP and IIPP international short-term internship programs, encouraging UST students to participate in biomedical and environmental biology research at KMU and to further pursue master’s and doctoral programs under the planned dual-degree initiative. Students responded enthusiastically, showing strong interest in cancer research, therapeutic targets, biomedical applications, and environmental biology training, demonstrating high potential for collaboration in research-oriented talent development.

  This visit not only deepened the international cooperation between KMU’s Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology and UST in biomedical, therapeutic target, and environmental sustainability research, but also laid a concrete and sustainable foundation for future student exchange, research internships, and dual-degree programs, further enhancing KMU’s academic influence and international network in Southeast Asia.

Highlights of the Exchange

1. Cancer Biomarker × Therapeutic Targets × Precision Medicine Collaboration
• Integrating molecular medicine, therapeutic target development, and clinical research to promote early disease detection and translational applications

2. Biomedical × Environmental Health & Environmental Biology Research
• Investigating interactions between environmental factors and organisms, toxicology, biodiversity, and ecological adaptation mechanisms to address sustainability challenges

3. Research-Oriented Student Exchange and Dual-Degree Training
• Cultivating internationally minded biomedical and environmental professionals through TEEP/IIPP programs and dual-degree initiatives