It is dedicated to biotechnology research across a broad span of expertise, from basic studies for the fundamental understanding of life phenomena to applied studies such as drug discovery, novel biomaterials, integrated biotechnology and bioinformation.

Its accomplishments include the advancement of welfare and medical technology, an increase in food production, a cleaner environment and new bio-materials and energy sources.

It has identified reasons for the failure of animal cloning, conducted a comparative study of chimpanzee genes and successfully analyzed the structure of the reactive oxygen species switch protein, which became the first study by Korean scholars to be published in Cell, an international scientific journal.

Its recent accomplishments include the development of a genome capable of controlling cancer cell proliferation and the identification of a neuropeptide Y-based growth control mechanism, with possibilities for new treatments for cancer, diabetes, obesity and ageing.

Nano–bio sensor research led to the development of the world's smallest surface plasmon resonance biochip.