Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) and the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology today announced a strategic collaboration with the opening of the DGIST's new Neurometabolomics Excellence Research Center. The center will use Agilent's bio-analytical instruments in its neurometabolomics research of biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis of brain diseases. DGIST is one of Korea's foremost universities and research institutions. Neurometabolomics is the set of biochemical reactions that rely on oxygen and glucose in order for the brain to perform its tasks. At the new center, scientists and researchers will analyze changes in the metabolic materials of brain cells and examine their impact on the body's physiological functions and behaviors. The center, which opens today, will serve as a hub of shared expertise, including the research capabilities of the Johns Hopkins University Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research in the United States and major medical institutions and hospitals in Daegu. "The Neurometabolomics Excellence Research Center will help sharpen South Korea's edge in brain science and allow DGIST to contribute significantly to world-leading research," said the DGIST Research Center Director, professor Eun-Kyoung Kim. "By working with Agilent, we can continue to spearhead developments and research in brain science." "The brain is arguably the most important organ in the human body, and Agilent supports the quest to help scientific and medical communities further neuroscience discovery for the good of mankind," said Rod Minett, general manager of Agilent's life sciences business in South Korea and the South Asia Pacific region. The center, located in Daegu, plans to conduct neurometabolomics research projects involving other fields of studies such as medicine, neurobiology, statistics, computer science and systems biology. There will be potential joint research with major educational and medical institutions elsewhere in South Korea, Singapore and Australia. The center will also train and develop scientists, researchers and chemists to fill the need for skilled talent in neuroscience research. Agilent and DGIST have worked together since late 2012, with Agilent providing DGIST with early access to novel technology and software development for its research needs.

About DGIST

Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) is the first government-funded institute established in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk areas that has a global infrastructure in industrial harmony with The INNOPOLIS Daegu. With a world-class faculty and campus facilities, DGIST offers innovative degrees to foster highly qualified people who will play an important role within centers for high technology research, educational organizations and commercial venture companies. The institute is dedicated to achieving the convergence of medical fields, including brain-related industries and medical and robotics industries, in cooperation with Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Cluster. DGIST aims to be the world-class research-oriented university of convergence designed to foster highly qualified individuals devoted to science and technology.