National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) announced the launch of its Integration of Biomedical and Nanotechnology Systems Project. NCKU's Center for Biomaterials Research will conduct a molecule simulation to study the adverse effects of applying nanotechnology. The results of the research project may be used in future medicinal design and clinical treatment to help ensure the human health and to safeguard the environment.

NCKU received Shared University Research (SUR) award IBM, under which IBM systems, software and services are provided to help the university jump-start the project. To support the project's molecular simulation requirement for powerful data processing capability, IBM will provide CELL Blade development environment, which will enable NCKU to accelerate its research. The first stage of the project is expected to be completed later this year.

Nanotechnology has been experiencing exponential growth in Taiwan, with the production value exceeding NT 300 billion, or US$ 1 billion, in 2008, according to Industrial Technology Research Institute of Taiwan. Research findings have pointed to the critical importance of the interactions between nanotechnology and human cells.

According to Dr Michael Ming-Chiao Lai, president of the new project at NCKU, "Most of the simulation software currently used for nanotechnology research and its effect on the human body only supports the computation of either inorganic material or organic molecules. NCKU is the first institute that achieved a breakthrough that combines the simulation of organic and inorganic substances. Combined with IBM's advanced IT resources and expertise in healthcare, NCKU has launched the Biomedical Nanotechnology Integration Project, which we believe will lead to new discoveries in the field of simulated testing on the interaction of nano substances and bio-molecules."

"As a company focused on improving how the world works, through solving the most challenging problems in business and society, IBM is pleased to support The Integration of Biomedical and Nanotechnology Systems Project," said Edward Yu, general manager, IBM Taiwan. "With IBM's support of powerful IT resources, NCKU is able to accelerate its research efforts to solve problems that can in turn lead to breakthroughs in both biomedicine and nanotechnology. "

After completion of the first stage of the project, NCKU will continue to work with IBM in the integration of organic and inorganic systems as well as developing higher performance computing. According to professor Chi-Chuan Huang of the Center for Biomaterials Research at NCKU, the focus of their research is on high performance computing that integrates inorganic and organic systems.

The IBM Shared University Research (SUR) Awards is a worldwide award programme designed to promote research in areas of mutual value and interest to IBM and universities.