Professor Gwak Yeon-sik of Gyeongsang National University Awarded the 8th Hankwangho Agricultural Research Award

Proving Mutual Cooperation Among Crops, Insects, and Microorganisms in the Agricultural Ecosystem

Professor Gwak Yeon-sik on the right

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] Gyeongsang National University announced on the 26th that Professor Kwak Yeon-sik of the Department of Plant Medicine, College of Agricultural Life Sciences, received the '8th Han Kwang-ho Agricultural Research Award.'

The Han Kwang-ho Agricultural Award was established by the Han Kwang-ho Memorial Association to continue the "Dream of Agricultural Patriotism (農業 報國)" of Dr. Han Kwang-ho, who left a great legacy in the development of Korean agriculture. It selects farmers and agricultural scientists dedicated to agricultural technology research and development to inspire pride among agricultural workers. It has become the most prestigious award in the agricultural sector. The Han Kwang-ho Agricultural Research Award is presented in three categories: Agricultural Grand Prize, Agricultural Research Award, and Agricultural Meritorious Service Award, recognizing farmers and scholars who have made significant contributions to agricultural development.

The award ceremony was held on the 21st at the Hwajeong Museum located in Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, only a minimal number of attendees, including the chairman of the judging committee, former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon, Han Dong-woo, director of the Han Kwang-ho Memorial Association, and the awardees, were present. At the ceremony, plaques and a total prize money of 100 million KRW were awarded to the winners in each category.

Professor Kwak Yeon-sik has conducted in-depth research in the field of plant microbiomes for over 10 years. He has published numerous excellent papers in world-renowned journals such as the International Society for Microbial Ecology Journal (ISME J) (IF=10.302), Nature Communications (IF=14.919), and Microbiome (IF=14.64). He has also been invited as a keynote speaker at many international academic conferences such as ICP and ISBA, presenting advanced research results on plant microbiomes.

Chairman Yoo In-chon stated, “Professor Kwak Yeon-sik, who received the Agricultural Research Award, has demonstrated the symbiotic relationships among crops, insects, and microorganisms in the agricultural ecosystem. He has widely publicized the level of domestic plant microbiome researchers to the world, greatly enhancing national competitiveness, which is highly significant.”