NCKU College of Medicine Unveils "Tongyuan Diabetes Research Center": Linking Research and Clinical Practice-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

Diabetes, one of the top ten causes of death in Taiwan, still has many aspects awaiting research exploration in its pathogenesis. National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) possesses robust medical research capabilities, coupled with a well-established healthcare system in its affiliated hospital, enabling it to devote more efforts to the field of diabetes. On January 15, the College of Medicine unveiled the "Tongyuan Diabetes Research Center," aiming not only to invest in diabetes research and medical technology innovation but also to strengthen the linkage between academia, industry, and government, facilitating the translation of research outcomes into clinical practice and healthcare, thereby enhancing the quality of medical care and life for patients.


Named after Professor Dong-Yuan Dai, a pioneer in diabetes research in Taiwan and the founding director of the NCKU Hospital in 1988, the "Tongyuan Diabetes Research Center" pays tribute to his profound legacy. The inaugural director of the center is Professor Horng-Yih Ou, a professor of internal medicine at the College of Medicine and director of the Department of Metabolism in the affiliated hospital. The center comprises three teams dedicated to research, teaching, and administration.


The unveiling ceremony was presided over by President Meng-Ru Shen of NCKU, with the participation of Dean Yan-Shen Shan of the College of Medicine, Director Jing-Wei Lee of NCKU Hospital, Professor Horng-Yih Ou, and prominent diabetes experts from National Taiwan University Hospital, including Professor Li-Min Huang and Professor Chih-Yuan Wang, as well as Mrs. Lin-Shu Hui Dai, wife of the late Professor Dong-Yuan Dai, and their children, Dr. Huai-Ching Dai and Ms. Pei-Ching Dai, among other distinguished guests. The family of Professor Dai expressed their heartfelt gratitude for NCKU's commitment to diabetes research and the establishment of the "Tongyuan Diabetes Research Center," continuing their father's legacy and hoping for significant contributions to diabetes research in the future.


President Meng-Ru Shen expressed his appreciation for the College of Medicine's visionary initiative in establishing the "Tongyuan Diabetes Research Center" to tackle the challenges posed by diabetes. He emphasized the prevalence and impact of diabetes on public health, stressing the importance of translating research into practical solutions for patient care. Dean Yan-Shen Shan reiterated the college's commitment to becoming a leader in diabetes research and teaching in southern Taiwan, highlighting the urgency of addressing the increasing prevalence of diabetes, especially among the elderly population.


Director Jing-Wei Lee emphasized the historical evolution and complexity of diabetes as a metabolic disorder and its profound implications for healthcare. He expressed his aspiration for the "Tongyuan Diabetes Research Center" to make significant contributions to diabetes research and treatment, while also honoring the legacy of Professor Dai's pioneering work in this field.


Professor Li-Min Huang of National Taiwan University Hospital, one of Professor Dai's esteemed disciples, reminisced about their collaboration in diabetes research and expressed his anticipation for the future achievements of the "Tongyuan Diabetes Research Center" in advancing diabetes research and patient care.


Professor Zhi-Ren Zhang of NCKU shared anecdotes illustrating Professor Dai's warmth, generosity, and dedication to research, underscoring his exceptional qualities as both a mentor and a scholar.


Dr. Huai-Ching Dai, representing Professor Dai's family, expressed gratitude for NCKU's establishment of the "Tongyuan Diabetes Research Center" and reiterated their commitment to advancing diabetes research in honor of their father's legacy.


Director Horng-Yih Ou outlined the goals of the "Tongyuan Diabetes Research Center," emphasizing its collaborative efforts with national research institutions and professional associations to address the challenges posed by diabetes and improve the quality of life for patients.


Director Ou highlighted the significance of diabetes as a major public health issue in Taiwan and emphasized NCKU's multidisciplinary research capabilities and extensive healthcare resources in driving innovation and technological breakthroughs in diabetes research.