Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction
(Focuses on understanding the olfactory neural system and developing knowledge and technologies for enhancing quality of life through olfaction.) Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction
As we enter the era of the brain revolution in the 21st century, research in the olfactory neural system has gained significant attention, especially after the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded in 2004 for olfaction. This center focuses on addressing the major challenges in global olfactory research, including developmental and behavioral studies of the olfactory neural system, elucidation of olfactory receptor structures and mechanisms of large-scale interactions with odorants, and the exploration of the structure and function of olfactory neural networks in the brain, as well as the establishment of foundational technologies based on standardized approaches to odorants.
Through the development of foundational technologies based on this fundamental scientific knowledge, the center aims to create and facilitate ideas for olfactory convergence industries as future emerging industries. It also aims to foster creative talents and establish a solid foundation in related scientific and technological fields. Particularly, with a focus on enhancing quality of life, South Korea strives to proactively respond to future societies and become a leading nation in olfactory research, contributing to the creation of national wealth and the advancement of the olfactory research field.
- Advancement of basic research in olfaction and development of foundational technologies linked to the outcomes of basic research.
- Support for the commercialization of olfaction-related industries and the bio-industry.
- Training of specialized research personnel in the field of olfactory convergence and experts in the fragrance industry.
- Creation of new regional industries in the field of olfactory convergence and contribution to the local community.
- Standardization of olfaction
- Elucidation of the mechanisms of olfactory signal processing in the peripheral and central nervous systems.
- Development of olfactory standardization technologies based on brain-olfaction signals.
- Olfaction and circadian rhythms
- Investigation of the mechanisms underlying olfactory emotional responses according to circadian rhythms.
- Exploration of the mechanisms regulating olfactory emotions according to circadian rhythms.
- Olfaction and emotional disorders
- Exploration of the association between olfactory abnormalities and emotional disorders.
- Identification of regulatory factors of emotional disorders through olfactory stimuli.
- Utilization of Isolated Expression Olfactory Receptors (iORs)
- Structural analysis and molecular modeling of olfactory receptors.
- Establishment of a reporter system using Isolated Expression Olfactory Receptors.
- Development of techniques for screening and validating drug candidates.
Cheil Moon
+82-53-785-6110
cmoon@dgist.ac.kr