[Reading Science] Synthetic Biologists Gather in Korea... New Generation Scientists Paving the Way for Startups and Commercialization

Five Emerging Korean Researchers Gaining Global Attention in Biology

The Korea Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering-Asian Federation of Biotechnology joint academic conference (KSBB-AFOB 2025), which concluded in Incheon on the 26th, is being recognized as a milestone that showcased the international stature of the Asian biotechnology community. The conference was co-hosted by the Korea Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering and the Asian Federation of Biotechnology, drawing over 3,000 researchers, companies, and policymakers from more than 30 countries worldwide.

At the event, the latest research achievements and industrialization cases in cutting-edge fields such as synthetic biology were intensively shared, confirming that Korea and Asia are no longer merely followers but are emerging as key players in global research.

On the 26th, at the closing ceremony of the Korea Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering-Asian Federation of Biotechnology joint academic conference (KSBB-AFOB Conference 2025) held in Incheon, five emerging performers met with Asia Economy. From the left in the photo: Jongshik Shin, Chair of Media and Public Relations of the Korea Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (Professor of Biotechnology at Yonsei University); Youngjoo Yeon, Director of Media and Public Relations of the Korea Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (Professor of New Materials and Life Chemical Engineering at Gangneung-Wonju National University); Jeongchan Lee, Senior Researcher at the Clean Energy Research Center of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology; Junpyo Kwon, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Ajou University; Boram Son, Professor of Biofermentation Convergence at Kookmin University; Jounghwa Kim, Reporter at Asia Economy; Woobin Jeong, Professor of Chemical Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology; Jihye Kim, Professor of Advanced Bio Convergence at Ajou University; Junhyung Kim, Organizing Chair of the Korea Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (Professor of Chemical Engineering at Dong-A University). Provided by the Korea Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering

Synthetic biology is a discipline that treats DNA like a programming language and designs cells as if they were circuits to create new functions. It goes beyond simple gene editing, enabling the artificial design and implementation of biological systems that do not exist in nature, earning it the title of "the next-generation paradigm of biotechnology." With its growing potential for application in various industries-including pharmaceuticals, eco-friendly energy, and biomaterials-synthetic biology is gaining worldwide attention.

In particular, the active participation of emerging researchers demonstrated a new trend in next-generation science that extends beyond academic achievements to encompass entrepreneurship, commercialization, and ethical and safety issues. Thirteen up-and-coming researchers who have recently attracted attention in the international biology community were invited to this international conference, where they delivered lectures on their research directions and shared new knowledge.

A New Generation of Researchers Inspired by Papers from James Collins and Sang Yup Lee

Asia Economy met with five of these Korean emerging researchers: Junpyo Kwon, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Ajou University; Jihye Kim, Professor at the College of Advanced Bio Convergence at Ajou University; Boram Son, Professor of Biofermentation Convergence at Kookmin University; Jungchan Lee, Senior Researcher at the Clean Energy Research Center of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST); and Woobin Jeong, Professor of Chemical Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology.

Junpyo Kwon, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Ajou University. Photo by Jounghwa Kim

Junpyo Kwon, Jihye Kim, Boram Son, Jungchan Lee, and Woobin Jeong are the five researchers. Professors Kwon and Kim were appointed in March of this year, while Professors Son and Jeong started in September last year and have not yet completed a full year. Senior Researcher Lee joined KIST in May and has been working there for just four months. All five are truly fresh newcomers in their independent research careers. Of course, counting their master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral years, their research experience is extensive, but their lives as independent professors and senior researchers mark a new beginning.

Professor Junpyo Kwon is researching coating materials that enable the decomposition of polymers. These polymer-degrading coatings are expected to contribute to solving the problem of plastic waste management.

The core technical aspects of these coatings have either been patented or are in the process of being patented in countries such as India, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China. In addition to patent registration, commercialization is also being pursued through the U.S. startup Intropic Materials, based on this technology.

Balancing Life as a Researcher and an Educator

He said, "I've loved studying since I was young, and I found the process of solving difficult problems so enjoyable that I chose the path of a researcher. If I can contribute to humanity and society based on what I've studied and my academic knowledge, that would be my greatest happiness."

Professor Kwon also expressed his determination not to neglect either role, saying, "Now that I am a professor, conducting good research is important, but I also want to become an educator who nurtures future generations well, allowing students to experience the joy of research and find fulfillment and happiness through it."

Jihye Kim, Professor at Ajou University College of Advanced Bio Convergence. Provided by the individual.

Professor Jihye Kim said, "I found great interest in the process of discovering and understanding new facts from an engineering perspective. In particular, the sense of accomplishment I felt when deeply exploring problems and finding answers led me down the path of research."

Professor Kim developed a wearable skin-adhesive device that measures the breast milk intake of babies from breastfeeding mothers. This product is emerging as a breakthrough in maternal and child health management in an era of low birth rates and aging populations.

It is an advanced system that allows data to be checked directly via smartphone. A patent application is currently underway in the United States, and the research group that worked with Professor Kim is discussing commercialization with several companies.

"Commercialization and Startups to Create More Jobs"

She noted, "Fields like wearable devices for maternal and newborn health management have been very neglected in research. My personal goal is to develop technologies that can help in these underrepresented areas."

Professor Boram Son is researching a treatment method that involves extracting a patient's own immune cells, genetically engineering them, and re-injecting them into the patient. The immune cell therapy he has developed is gaining attention as a next-generation treatment for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Boram Son, Professor of Biofermentation Convergence at Kookmin University. Provided by the individual.

In 2017, he received clinical approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since then, new clinical drugs developed by him and his research team have repeatedly been registered and withdrawn, attracting market attention. Professor Son said, "It was not a short journey to commercialization. The results we are seeing now are the outcome of research that had been ongoing for several years before 2017."

Regarding the ultimate goal of his research, Professor Son stated, "It may sound materialistic, but I dream of commercializing my research, starting a business, and creating many jobs with that technology," confidently expressing his ambition to become a successful entrepreneur.

Professor Woobin Jeong is developing a semiconductor-based DNA synthesis system. By using semiconductor chips to capture minute signals from nerve cells, he is decoding complex neural networks and advancing neuroscience and therapeutic technologies. Some in academia have recognized his research capabilities, calling it "an innovation in the early diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases" and "a technology that opens the black box of brain research."

"My Dream Is to Contribute to Society with the Technology I Develop"

Professor Jeong said, "Now that I am a professor, my biggest goal is to teach students well so that whether they pursue research or study, they can succeed and work in good places."

Joo-bin Jung, Professor of Chemical Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology. Provided by the individual.

Senior Researcher Jungchan Lee is integrating enzyme engineering and microbial community (microbiome) research to tackle environmental issues and develop sustainable energy and materials.

He has published papers in journals such as Nature Communications and ACS Catalysis, and is a highly cited, promising young researcher. His work in enzyme engineering and microbial communities is expected to contribute to carbon neutrality and responses to the climate crisis. He stated, "My dream has always been to contribute to society with the technology I develop," outlining the ultimate goal of his research.

Although their goals as emerging researchers are clear, they also face challenges along the way. There are times when they feel frustrated due to difficulties in finding collaborators or are troubled by a lack of research funding. Even when they want to conduct interdisciplinary research, it is hard to find suitable partners, and the academic culture in Korea, which often restricts researchers based on their background (major or department), is also cited as an obstacle.

Professor Woobin Jeong confessed, "It is very difficult to find people." He emphasized, "For interdisciplinary research, you need people from bio, electronics, and chemical engineering, but in Korea, the barriers to entry are high depending on your department. We need an environment where people from different majors can naturally collaborate and conduct research together."

Beyond the Laboratory: Addressing Social Issues and Industrial Expansion

Jungchan Lee, who works at a government-funded research institute, also shared the reality faced by emerging researchers. He said, "As a junior researcher, I need a lot of support, but it was difficult to ask because even senior researchers are not receiving enough support." His words reflected the heavy responsibility felt by those just starting their careers.

Jungchan Lee, Senior Researcher at the Clean Energy Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). Photo by Jounghwa Kim

There are also deep concerns about research ethics. Professor Jihye Kim, who developed a wearable device for breastfeeding women, was most concerned about the security of bodily fluid data. She emphasized the principle of "always obtaining individual consent and using data solely for research purposes," and stressed the necessity of a robust security system when utilizing data on a large scale.

Some researchers are seeking alternatives amid the trend toward phasing out animal testing. Professor Boram Son suggested combining organoids and artificial intelligence (AI) as a new solution. He explained, "We aim to replace animal testing with organoids and combine them with AI to enhance the safety of clinical substances," demonstrating the flexibility of young scientists in adapting to changing environments.

The keywords for this new generation of researchers are "commercialization, startups, data security, and interdisciplinary research." Their determination to go beyond laboratory achievements to address social issues and pursue industrial expansion was evident. Despite limited research funding and manpower shortages, they continue forward with the belief that research is both a social contribution and an investment in future generations. Their challenges are becoming the sparks that will brighten the future of Korean science and technology.