NCKU College of Medicine and Leadgene Biomedical Establish BSL-2 Lab to Boost Virus Research and Epidemic Preparedness-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

In response to the growing global challenges in public health and medicine, virology testing and related research have become increasingly critical. To strengthen its preparedness for emerging infectious diseases and to meet the rapid advancements in medical diagnostics and biotechnology, the Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) has officially launched a newly constructed Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) Virology Laboratory. The unveiling ceremony was held on July 25 at the Biomedical Translational Research Building.


In his remarks at the ceremony, Dean Yan-Shen Shan of the NCKU College of Medicine highlighted that in the post-COVID-19 era, NCKU has taken on a pivotal role in the development and validation of diagnostic technologies for emerging infectious diseases. Currently, most virology testing resources are concentrated in northern Taiwan. The establishment of this virology lab at NCKU signifies a more balanced regional distribution and advancement of resources between the north and the south. Dean Shan expressed his hope that more infectious disease physicians will engage in emerging disease research and reiterated the crucial mission of NCKU’s Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology in cultivating professionals with expertise in virology—a responsibility that national universities must bear.


The unveiling event was also attended by Leadgene Biomedical co-founders, Chairman Yung-Chun Chuang and CEO Yu-Wei Cheng, both alumni of NCKU’s medical technology program. Chairman Chuang shared his personal journey, noting that while the path of entrepreneurship brought many unexpected challenges—at times leading to moments of near breakdown—he relied on the steady, step-by-step mindset he developed during his time at NCKU to persevere. He expressed his hope that this collaboration would not only reinforce Taiwan’s scientific foundation in virology but also help cultivate a new generation of biotech talent with hands-on experience, bridging the gap between education and industry needs. He further emphasized that enhancing Taiwan's resilience and global competitiveness in biotech is essential preparation for future pandemics. CEO Cheng added that his education at NCKU was the launchpad for his career in biotechnology. Beyond technical skills, what left a lasting impression on him was the mentorship and humanistic values instilled by his professors.


Professor Chuan-Fa Chang, Chair of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, extended his sincere gratitude to Dean Shan for his unwavering support in establishing the BSL-2 lab, as well as to Leadgene Biomedical for their generous sponsorship and resources. He acknowledged the company’s longstanding commitment to corporate social responsibility and its concrete actions in contributing to society. In the face of global viral threats, Leadgene Biomedical’s donation of resources to NCKU College of Medicine underscores the company’s dedication to supporting research and education through the creation of a virology lab that meets international BSL-2 standards.


Located on the 10th floor of the Biomedical Translational Research Building, the BSL-2 Virology Laboratory was designed in accordance with international safety standards. It provides a secure teaching environment for the Clinical Virology Laboratory course and also serves as a vital platform for research on infectious diseases and virology. The lab enhances NCKU’s research capabilities in virology, immunology, and public health, and symbolizes the university’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its biomedical infrastructure. It also underscores NCKU’s mission to cultivate skilled professionals equipped with both practical expertise and research acumen—injecting fresh momentum into Taiwan’s biomedical and healthcare innovation ecosystem. Looking ahead, the NCKU College of Medicine will continue to collaborate with industry partners and fully leverage external resources to foster interdisciplinary innovation in both research and education. The university remains committed to making meaningful contributions to public health and biomedical development, both in Taiwan and on the global stage.