Daewoong Foundation Selects 20 Projects for 'Young Medical Scientist Academic Research Support Project'

From Aging Research to New Drug Development

On January 22, the Daewoong Foundation announced that it has selected a total of 20 projects for support through its 'Young Medical Scientist Academic Research Support Project,' which aims to assist the academic research of young medical scientists. The foundation stated that it will continue to provide support so that promising researchers can focus on their research and academic activities.

This call for applications was held from August 11 to September 12 of last year, and applications were received in 17 different fields covering a wide range of diseases, including infectious, endocrine, oncological, neurological, ophthalmological, and aging-related conditions. The number of applicants reached an all-time high of 159. A panel of judges composed of experts from academia and industry, professors, and clinicians conducted a rigorous review, ultimately selecting 20 projects.

Daewoong Foundation 'Young Medical Scientist Academic Research Support Project' Selected Researcher. Daewoong Foundation

The selected researchers will each receive up to 50 million won in research funding by November of this year, and the rights to the research outcomes will belong to the researchers themselves.

The selection process consisted of a first-round document review and a second-round interview. In the first round, the panel comprehensively evaluated the content and appropriateness of the research plan, originality and innovation, potential impact, budget suitability, and the capabilities of the research team to determine eligibility for support. The second round involved oral presentations and Q&A sessions for those who passed the first round, with further assessment of the research content, research value, and researcher capabilities to finalize the recipients.

Notably, this year marks the first time that overseas research has been included as an eligible category. Three overseas researchers were selected, with topics expected to help build a global research ecosystem, such as elucidating aging mechanisms using primate models, research on the development of small-molecule drugs, and studies related to formulation technology.

In Korea, selected topics included the discovery of new drug candidates with novel mechanisms, end-to-end drug development utilizing AI, research on gene therapy and innovative cell therapies, and stem cell-based regenerative research. Through this support for overseas research, the foundation aims to expand its support beyond domestic researchers, broaden the base for international collaboration, and contribute to the expansion of research networks.

Since 2018, the Daewoong Foundation has supported young medical scientists under the age of 45 who are physicians, veterinarians, pharmacists, or hold doctoral degrees in related fields. To date, the foundation has sponsored a total of 107 research projects, with cumulative funding amounting to approximately 5.3 billion won. The foundation is committed to identifying and supporting promising research fields and researchers in response to the evolving medical and scientific environment each year, with the goal of fostering an environment where researchers can fully dedicate themselves to academic activities.

A representative from the Daewoong Foundation stated, "As opportunities for young medical scientists and basic researchers to receive research support are decreasing, the Daewoong Foundation will continue to provide practical support so that researchers can focus on their work and develop their capabilities. We will back their research so that their achievements can lead to academic success and international competitiveness, and together, we will lay the foundation for future medical innovation."

Meanwhile, the Daewoong Foundation was established in 1984 through a personal endowment from Yoon Younghwan, Honorary Chairman of Daewoong Pharmaceutical. The foundation has contributed to the advancement of medical technology and the promotion of public health by nurturing talent and supporting academic activities. Through scholarships and research grants, the foundation is fostering global talent and striving to ensure that the innovative ideas and future potential of young medical and scientific researchers at home and abroad translate into tangible research outcomes.