The KI Center for Epidemic Preparedness (CEP) was established to respond proactively to newly emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. With the recognition that future pandemics are inevitable, CEP aims to conduct cutting-edge research in virology and immunology, develop innovative platforms for vaccines and therapeutics, and serve as a hub for convergence research that bridges basic science, clinical medicine, and technology innovation within KAIST and with its partners. Through this integrative approach, CEP strives to prepare for the next pandemic.
Research Focus
CEP’s research integrates multidisciplinary approaches to address the complex challenges of infectious diseases, emphasizing both fundamental discovery and translational application. The main research pillars include the following:
– Immunology and Virology of Emerging Pathogens: Understanding immune pathogenesis and protective immune mechanisms through in-depth analysis of patient-derived clinical samples and infection models.
– Vaccine & Therapeutics Development: Identification of novel antigens and therapeutic targets; development of next-generation prophylactic vaccines including RNA vaccine platforms and broad-spectrum coronavirus vaccines.
– Technology Platforms: Establishing rapid response systems and foundational technologies for epidemic preparedness, including immune cell banking systems and multi-omics analysis pipelines.
Future Directions
Looking forward, CEP will expand its scope and deepen its impact by pursuing several strategic initiatives:
– Universal Vaccine Development: Advance the design of vaccines that protect against a wide range of betacoronaviruses, reducing vulnerability to new viral strains and lowering overall mortality rates.
– Next-Generation mRNA Vaccine Platforms: Create differentiated RNA vaccine technologies that overcome the side effects and limitations of current vaccines, while maximizing immune responses.
– Rapid-Response Therapeutics: Identify and validate therapeutic targets that enable swift deployment of treatments during outbreaks.
– Collaborative Research Ecosystem: Strengthen collaboration among KAIST researchers across diverse disciplines and create an environment for joint research with clinical investigators, fostering convergence that accelerates discovery and translation.
As part of the KAIST Institutes, CEP embodies KAIST’s vision of interdisciplinary convergence and global leadership in epidemic preparedness research. It serves as a central platform that connects academic expertise, clinical resources, and translational research to provide rapid, science-based solutions to infectious disease threats.
