(24 Nov. 2021) Amgen Korea (GM: Sang Noh) announced it hosted the 1st Amgen-KAST Biotechnology Award 2021 at 5pm on Tuesday, 23 November with The Korean Academy of Science and Technology or KAST (President: Min-koo Han) in the KAST main auditorium.
This year marks the first Amgen-KAST Biotechnology Award which was established to discover and reward young scientists in Korea with a strong presence in basic life science and bio engineering research. Sponsored by the global biotechnology leader Amgen Korea and hosted by the most prestigious local academic association KAST, the award is given to selected 1 next-gen scientist and 1 postdoctoral researcher who have contributed to taking Korea’s biotechnology and research competitiveness to the next level through impressive research achievements.
This year Prof. Suk-yeon Hwang, School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, and Se-jin Jeon, Ph.D, the Research Center for Cellular Homeostasis, Ewha Womans University, each won the award in the next-gen scientist category and postdoctoral researcher category. The winners were granted, along with the award plaque, the total prize money of 60 million won, 40 million and 20 million respectively.
Prof. Hwang, who won the next-gen scientist category, was recognized for his contribution to the advancements in life science in Korea with the development of new tissue regeneration and treatment using bioactive biopolymers and stem cells. More recent research works include manufacturing of new enzyme-based hydrogel which is in a preclinical stage for commercial use; and he was not just appreciated for his excellent research footprint in life science and biotechnology with around 110 books and research papers so far but also for his dedication to volunteering for proliferation and sharing of science culture and knowledge. Jeon, who won the postdoctoral researcher category, was recognized for the accomplishments in research on vascular diseases triggered by blood vessel and immune cell interactions. Unraveling the function and molecular mechanism of Ninjurin-1, a new anti-inflammatory cytokine in arteriosclerosis, her research was especially appreciated for suggesting factors in the human body as a therapeutic candidate for homeostasis and recovery of vascular diseases, not inhibition of previously-known stimulating factors of vascular diseases.
Sang Noh, GM, Amgen Korea, said: “The Amgen-KAST Biotechnology Award is an exciting opportunity for us to give more down-to-earth support to young dedicated researchers and scientists in Korea with unwavering passion for life science and biotechnology research. Results from tireless research and endeavor by dedicated promising scientific minds in Korea will be soon translated into developments in the domestic biotechnology sector. A basic science-powered biotechnology leader bringing transformative therapies to the world, Amgen Korea has many other initiatives in place than the Amgen-KAST Biotechnology Award that are designed to contribute to developments in basic science in Korea, including the Grow up, Bio up campaign advocating life science-learning for local children and adolescents. Amgen Korea will remain committed to fostering promising next-generation scientists and researchers and offering support measures to play our part in developments in the domestic life science sector.“
Min-koo Han, President, KAST, said: “I am truly happy and excited to discover and inspire young scientists who will be Korea’s future in life science, together with the biotechnology leader Amgen Korea. As the time calls for even more support and encouragement for young scientists and postdoctoral researchers, what makes the award even more meaningful is that it can help scientific and technical minds feel more proud of themselves and their works, and celebrate their research accomplishments. KAST will continue to spare no effort to help young scientists focus only on their work as they are the ones who will take the life science sector in Korea to the next level.”
A biotechnology leader dedicated to disease and therapeutic research by unlocking the potential of biology and basic science, Amgen Korea has been committed to developments in the domestic life science sector and building a stronger foundation for science culture through programs like the Amgen-KAST Biotechnology Award and the Grow up, Bio up campaign with the Seoul Science Center furthering science education for the next generations in Korea.
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About Amgen Korea
Amgen Korea was established in November 2015 to further develop Amgen’s clinical pipeline which offers a wide range of products for bone disease, cardiovascular, oncology/hematology, nephrology, inflammation, neuroscience treatment and biosimilars, as well as to provide innovative medicines to patients in Korea who are suffering from severe diseases. As a member of the biotechnical industry, Amgen Korea will continue to contribute to the development of the Korean pharmaceutical industry by carrying forward diversified and positive activities.
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CONTACT:
Amgen Korea
Min-Jung Jung (mjung02@amgen.com)
Mikyung Shin (mshin@amgen.com)
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