The Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences is dedicated to advancing excellence in biomedical education, scientific discovery, and translational research. By leveraging the close partnership between Mackay Medical College and Mackay Memorial Hospital, the Institute fosters an integrated research environment that bridges basic science, clinical medicine, and emerging biomedical technologies. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, we strive to address major healthcare challenges, improve human health, and contribute to the advancement of biomedical sciences.
Integration of Basic and Clinical Research
A defining strength of the Institute is the seamless integration of basic biomedical research with clinical medicine. As part of the Mackay healthcare system, the Institute works closely with Mackay Memorial Hospital to promote collaborative research that translates scientific discoveries into clinical applications.
Faculty members from diverse biomedical and clinical disciplines collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects, providing graduate students with opportunities to participate in translational research while gaining hands-on experience in both laboratory investigation and clinical research. This close partnership creates a dynamic research environment in which scientific innovation can be rapidly translated into improvements in patient care and public health.
Research Focus Areas
The Institute is committed to addressing major health challenges through innovative biomedical research. Our principal research areas include:
Chronic Diseases
Research on chronic diseases remains one of the Institute's highest priorities. Faculty members investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and other chronic disorders with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets, improving disease prevention, and developing more effective treatment strategies.
Mitochondrial Biology and Aging
The Institute has established a strong foundation in mitochondrial biology and aging research. By investigating the roles of mitochondria in cellular metabolism, aging, and age-related diseases, our researchers seek to advance the understanding of disease mechanisms and identify new approaches for the prevention and treatment of degenerative disorders.
Proteomics and Biomarker Discovery
Proteomics has become an indispensable tool in modern biomedical research. The Institute applies advanced proteomic technologies to investigate complex biological systems, identify disease-associated biomarkers, and improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of human diseases.
To further strengthen biomedical research capabilities, the Institute continues to develop advanced proteomics platforms and shared research resources that support both faculty members and clinical investigators.
Molecular Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, and Preventive Medicine
Understanding the causes of disease requires an interdisciplinary approach that integrates biomedical sciences with public health. The Institute promotes research in molecular epidemiology, molecular infectious diseases, and preventive medicine to better understand disease susceptibility, environmental influences, and population health.
Research efforts also focus on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, host defense mechanisms, and pathogen–host interactions, contributing to the development of improved strategies for disease prevention and control.
Advanced Biomedical Technologies
Rapid advances in omics technologies—including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics—have transformed biomedical research. The Institute actively incorporates these cutting-edge technologies into its research programs to investigate complex biological systems at the molecular level.
In addition, precision medicine and pharmacogenomics have become important components of the Institute's research strategy. By integrating multi-omics data with clinical information, our researchers seek to improve disease diagnosis, personalize therapeutic interventions, and optimize patient outcomes.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, the Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences will continue to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, expand its research capabilities, and cultivate the next generation of biomedical scientists. Through the integration of basic science, clinical medicine, advanced biomedical technologies, and translational research, the Institute is committed to generating innovative discoveries that advance biomedical knowledge, improve healthcare, and contribute to the sustainable development of the biomedical industry.
