(1) Reasons for Proposal

In the Fourth Industrial Revolution, to develop AI technologies, which think the way humans think and make decisions faster, it is becoming increasingly necessary to conduct research to understand and utilize the human brain and solve brain health problems due to a super aging population, and the demand for brain research resources and the role of brain banks have been highlighted.

Nevertheless, it has been more than 7 years since the current Brain Research Promotion Act was last revised on March 23, 2013, which fails to fully capture the above latest trends.

In this regard, this Partial Amendment aims to create definitions for “brain research resources” and “brain banks,” allow the designation of brain banks to help researchers to obtain brain research resources, and permit a corrective order or designation cancellation for brain banks that violate applicable laws to effectively operate brain banks.

(2) Major Provisions

A. Create definitions for brain research resources and brain banks (Article 2 subparagraphs 5 and 6 newly inserted)

B. Newly insert the designation and operation of brain banks (Article 15-2 newly inserted)

Require the Minister of Science and ICT to specify matters for the designation and operation of brain banks to help researchers obtain brain research resources and conduct research more easily.

C. Create a basis for a corrective order or designation cancellation for brain banks (Article 15-3 newly inserted)

To effectively operate brain banks, allow a corrective order or designation cancellation for brain banks designated by the Minister of Science and ICT for failing to meet designation criteria or fulfill its work.