About

Under the mission "To enable humanity to enjoy healthy and happy lives through the world's best education, research, and clinical care," Seoul National University Hospital has, since its founding, safeguarded the health and lives of the public and led the advancement of medicine in the Republic of Korea. As a cornerstone of the research-driven hospital that lies at the heart of this mission, the Department of Experimental Animal Research of the Biomedical Research Institute (BRI) proactively embraces cutting-edge science and technology amid a rapidly changing bio and medical environment, establishing itself as a core platform that connects basic and clinical medicine with life science research.

At a time when the rapid advancement of biotechnology and research into novel substances are flourishing, and the value of laboratory animals and the importance of animal experiments are coming to the fore, we were designated in 2003 as a GLP-qualified testing institution — the first among universities and hospitals to do so — and in 2007 we earned full AAALAC accreditation, gaining recognition as a laboratory animal research institution of international standard. Building on this foundation, and keeping pace with recent trends in science and technology, we have actively adopted NAMs (New Approach Methodologies) and employed advanced in vitro testing methods such as animal-experiment alternative and complementary technologies, organoid research, and AI-based analysis, thereby continuously strengthening our preclinical testing capabilities to produce test data that are more ethical, scientific, and aligned with international standards.

In particular, the Department of Experimental Animal Research aims to move beyond being a mere testing institution and to leap forward as a nonclinical testing platform leading the era of precision medicine and personalized treatment. To this end, we are developing along the following directions.

• High-quality laboratory animal management in accordance with international guidelines
• Establishment of an optimal research environment and technical support system
• Establishment of an advanced molecular imaging system
• Expansion of researcher-tailored technical support and education programs
• Performance of advanced nonclinical studies that meet international regulatory standards
• Establishment of an advanced alternative testing methods center

In addition, to enhance researchers' accessibility and convenience, we continue to advance our online-based integrated support system so as to efficiently support the entire process from test requests to data management.

Going forward, the Department of Experimental Animal Research will continue to grow as a nonclinical development support department that increases the likelihood of success in new drug and medical device development, grounded in global-level quality and reliability. We will also respond proactively to the latest science, technology, and regulatory changes, and by building a flexible and innovative researcher-centered research support system, we will lead the way in creating research outcomes that ultimately contribute to advancing human health.