This is Agilent's first collaboration
in Asia for metabolomics research in brain science.
Metabolomics is the study of the small
molecules produced during metabolism - chemical processes in a cell or organism
that are necessary for life. Through metabolomics, scientists and researchers
are able to discover biomarkers for neurological diseases.
"The department of brain science
at DGIST aims to facilitate neuroscience discovery and education, and apply our
knowledge to improve brain health," said professor Gabriele Ronnett, head
of the neuroscience department at DGIST. "This is in line with our
institute's goal of developing world-leading technology for 21st century."
"The goal of this center is not
only to lead global collaborations in neurometabolomics but to foster and train
researchers who will work in this area," said professor Eun-Kyoung Kim of
the department of brain science at DGIST, soon to be appointed head of the
Neurometabolomics Research and Training Center.
Under a memorandum of understanding,
Agilent will provide DGIST with early access to novel technology and software
development. The center will also be a reference site for Agilent customers in
Asia who are interested in metabolomics and brain science.
"Metabolomics is a powerful, emerging
discipline with a broad range of applications, and for many years Agilent has
been collaborating with leading universities on clinical research, drug
development, environmental toxicology, crop optimization and food
science," said Rod Minett, general manager of Agilent's life sciences
business in South Korea and the South Asia Pacific region.
"Today, we have the chance to be
involved in metabolomics research for neuroscience as our instruments can help
scientists obtain and analyze data quickly and reliably. Importantly, we work
with them to investigate questions they couldn't answer before."
Agilent is the leader in providing
measurement solutions for metabolomics with the comprehensive product portfolio
that spans the metabolomics workflow. Metabolomics is one of the fastest
growing areas of life sciences research. Other areas of Agilent's life sciences
business include genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics and pharmaceutical
analysis.
About DGIST
Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science
and Technology is the first government-funded institute established in the
Daegu and Gyeongbuk areas that has a global infrastructure in industrial
harmony with Daegu Technopolis. With world-class faculty and facilities, the
DGIST offers a variety of innovative degree programs to cultivate highly
qualified people who will play important roles in high technology research,
educational organizations and commercial ventures. Also, this institute is
dedicated to achieving the convergence of medical fields, including brain-related
industries and medical and robotics industries, in cooperation with Daegu
High-Tech Medical Complex. DGIST aims to be the world-class research-oriented
university.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is
the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical
analysis, life sciences, diagnostics, electronics and communications. The
company's 20,000 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent
had net revenues of $6.6 billion in fiscal 2011. Information about Agilent is
available at www.agilent.com.