![(From left) Kim Dae-soo, dean of the School of Life Science and Technology, Lee Kyun-min, vice president of the School of Education, Kim Jin-soo, president Lee Kwang-hyung, vice president of research, Lee Sang-yeop [Photo = KAIST]](https://wimg.mk.co.kr/news/cms/202509/16/news-p.v1.20250916.d972c2bc9d434e07a167ed6b15352a1f_P1.jpg)
KAIST announced on the 16th that Professor Kim Jin-soo of the Graduate School of Engineering and Biology donated 85,000 shares of Toolgen to beat local weather disasters and agricultural crises. Converted into the quantity, it’s value about 3.43 billion gained, and KAIST plans to make use of it to actively promote revolutionary analysis in the agricultural and life sciences fields.
The donation will probably be used for the Plant-Based Carbon Collection Research Center, which is scheduled to be established in the second half of this 12 months.The institute focuses on creating applied sciences that maximize photosynthetic effectivity of vegetation and microalgae. Through this, the objective is to contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality by growing the absorption price of carbon dioxide in the environment, whereas at the similar time dramatically bettering meals productiveness to contribute to meals safety.
The core know-how is the world’s first direct correction know-how for cell organ (chloroplast, mitochondrial) DNA developed by Professor Kim Jin-soo. Chloroplasts, that are chargeable for photosynthesis in daylight, and mitochondria, which act as power energy vegetation for cells, have their very own DNA, which can’t be corrected with present CRISPR know-how. This know-how may even exactly right this DNA, so it may be used for future analysis and remedy of intractable genetic illnesses.
“The climate change and food security crisis facing humanity are challenges of the times that can no longer be ignored,” Professor Kim mentioned. “We decided to donate with the hope of contributing to the creation of a sustainable future based on industry-academic cooperation as well as the development of genetic correction science and technology and human resources training.”
KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung mentioned, “Professor Kim Jin-soo’s donation is an example of the dedication and social responsibility of scientists,” and emphasised, “KAIST will lead innovative technologies and take the lead in solving the global climate and food crisis through the plant-based carbon capture research center.”