The Korea national research resource center

Research resources with associated information are the most essential materials in the study and application of the life sciences, since these are employed in everything from basic research to advanced industrial high technology. Numerous nations recognize the importance of these scientific assets and are simultaneously enhancing their internal security measures and strengthening international cooperation to protect and share them. Consequently, most resource centers are sustained by governments under various national strategic plans. The Korea National Research Resource Center (KNRRC) is supported by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MEST) and consists of 33 research resource centers (RRCs), 5 core centers, and a head office. Its collection includes microorganisms, plants, animals, human specimens, and non-biologic materials. The KNRRC headquarters provides a total management system for the RRCs including database management, guidelines and educational programs, and certification of resources, workers, and the research centers themselves. These supervisory powers are granted to the KNRRC headquarters under national legislation entitled "Management and Application for Biological Resources." The KNRRC has signed memorandums of understanding for cooperation with 9 national and 5 international agencies. The former include the National Agro-biodiversity Center, the Rural Development Administration, and the Functional Proteomics Center, and the latter include the International Vaccine Institute and the RIKEN BRC of Japan. Currently, the KNRRC is serving as head office of the Asian Chapter of the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories.