Chi Mei Medical Center was designated a Medical Center in June 2000 (Minguo 89). To further strengthen and advance medical research, the Medical Research Department was established in September of the same year, followed by the completion of the Medical Research Building in February 2001-marking the official launch of our hospital’s research initiatives.

To foster diverse research activities, the department encompasses the Center for Smart Healthcare, Clinical Trials Center, Innovative Medical Device Development Center, Laboratory Animal Center, Human Biobank, and multiple specialized independent laboratories. With a team of over 100 full-time researchers, the department supports hospital-wide research in areas including precision medicine, regenerative medicine, artificial intelligence, medical big data, clinical trials, and basic science.

Annually, the hospital invests over NT$80 million to support internal research projects and encourages faculty to seek external funding, securing an additional NT$100 million per year. Research output continues to grow steadily: approximately 300 faculty members hold hospital-appointed positions, over 300 SCI publications are produced each year, and more than 20 patents are filed annually. Our innovations have earned national and international recognition, including the National Innovation Award and the Gold Medal at the Malaysia MTE International Invention Exhibition.

To uphold research ethics, our Institutional Review Board (IRB) has received domestic accreditation from the Taiwan Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation and actively implements a Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) across the network. Additionally, the department is certified by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP), demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards of human subject protection.

Fostering research talent and creating a supportive environment have long been key priorities of our hospital. Through the dedication of our teaching and research teams, combined with active participation from hospital staff, our efforts have been widely recognized. Honors include the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award in Research and Development and the 2023–2024 Excellence in Research Talent Cultivation Award.

Moving forward, the hospital remains committed to advancing medical science and nurturing the next generation of researchers.