In the expectation that its graduates will need specialized study, along with
cutting-edge professional skills and knowledge, Handong Global University purposes
to support dynamic and progressive research programs. We seek to provide our students
with the most advanced, technologically sophisticated, and essential tools for
their scholarship and career preparation. Handong also seeks to assist society
by providing practical solutions to real-world problems and needs. And to advance
theoretical knowledge in each of its respective fields of study. With these goals
in mind, Handong has established specialized research institutes in all of its
major schools of learning. Though the primary effort of each institute is directed
toward research, almost all of them are actively engaged in practice as well;
that is, in applying the results of their research to the everyday problems and
needs of government and industry. Following is a list of current Research Institutes,
including a brief description
The Institute of Construction and Environmental Research
The Institute of Construction and Environmental Research exists to develop and
promote the use of advanced technology for construction and city development.
It also advocates controlled and responsible growth at both the city and national
levels. It conducts environmental impact studies and assists local governments
and city planners in assessing the impact of potential development projects.
Specialized areas of research include: development of construction technology;
city and environmental planning; environmental impact studies; water resource
management, and more.
The Institute for Functional Food and Food Safety
The Institute for Functional Food and Food Safety researches the development
of foods to be used in the prevention of disease. For example, foods used in
the fight against such conditions as high blood pressure and certain cancers.
It also works to develop new and superior food safety technology.
The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Institute
In preparation for the influence that information and technology will continue
to have on the 21st century, the Geographical Information Systems Institute
was established to develop and apply GIS technology, and to provide GIS education.
GIS technology can be used in a variety of fields and for a variety of important
purposes: chiefly it provides complex and sophisticated data analysis for geographically
referenced data. Some examples include satellite imaging and digital mapping;
urban planning and environmental engineering; demographic and political analysis;
utility and facility management; road systems planning and traffic control,
and much more. This GIS Institute frequently partners with both local and national
governments, and a variety of companies and industries, to assist them in applying
GIS technology to their current systems of operation and special project needs.
The Communication and Information Technology Institute (CITI)
CITI is comprised of about ten faculty members from the School of Computer Science
and Electronic Engineering. Professors engage in team research projects in the
areas of wireless communication, data communication, medical imaging, multimedia,
and artificial intelligence. CITI has ambitious plans for its future and intends
to develop into a world-wide leader for research in its areas of expertise.
The Institute for Biomedical Research
The Institute for Biomedical Research conducts research into the development
of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of AIDS and hepatitis, antibiotics, prescription
drugs, and more. It studies the activity of the AIDS virus and cancer cells,
lecithin separation, immunity, and other related areas. The Institute has been
awarded a patent from the United States government for its AIDS research.
The Institute for Neo-energy Research
In provision for the modern age's problems of environmental pollution and fossil
fuel depletion, the Institute for Neo-energy Research has been established to
research new sources of energy. Solar power, wind power, ocean energy, biomass,
and space energy are among the subjects being researched and developed by the
institute. In addition, the institute works to develop anti-pollution measures
needed in the development and consumption of existing energy sources.
The Institute of Foreign Language Education
The Institute of Foreign Language Education is being established to research
more efficient methods of foreign language acquisition. Led by international
faculty from the School of International Studies, Languages & Literature,
the institute will engage in language program evaluation, curriculum and program
development, and application and trial of current language-acquisition theories.
Languages currently under consideration are English, French, German, Japanese,
Chinese, and Spanish. As part of Handong Global University's contribution to
the education of the local community, specialized training programs for teachers
of English in local primary and secondary schools are also being offered.
Industrial and Information Design Institute
The Industrial and Information Design Institute of Handong has a formal alliance
with the Korean Institute of Industrial Design Promotion (KIDP). Together we
assist small and medium-sized industries with improving the design of their
products in order to increase their competitive market power. Considering the
specific needs of each client, we help identify current trends in design that
can boost their sales and market appeal.The Design Institute also researches
and analyzes current design trends to produce new teaching materials and methods.
A frequent focus is on "interactive design" techniques. We also offer
student internship programs during the summer and winter holidays.