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Dr. Chung Hak Suk and Dr. Kim Jin Young Are KIST’s “Persons of the Month” (2018.01.29)
- Date : 2018-02-27
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International Cooperation Team
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Dr. Chung Hak Suk and Dr. Kim Jin Young Are KIST’s “Persons of the Month”
On January 29, Dr. Chung Hak Suk from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)’s Center for Theragnosis, and Dr. Kim Jin Young of KIST’s Fuel Cell Research Center, received KIST’s Person of the Month Award in recognition of their outstanding research.
Dr. Chung’s team developed the world’s first technology for producing a strain that can generate E. coli-produced Monophosphoryl Lipid A, which can be used as an immune booster. Currently, there are only about six different sources of immune boosters, the patents and core technologies of which are mostly owned by a handful of multinational corporations. Dr. Chung’s new method allows for Korea’s domestic production of immune boosters while also eliminating the drawbacks found in previous methods. It facilitates economical production of high-yield, high-quality immune boosters and the enhancement of Korean health services. KIST transferred this technology to EuBiologics for a total of KRW 6.8 billion in licensing fees.
Dr. Kim’s team developed a technology for producing reinforced composite electrolyte film, which can improve the performance of polyelectrolyte fuel cells. This achievement involves a new process for controlling the formation and structure of colloid nanoparticle film. Unlike conventional technology that is expensive and complicated to use, the new process allows for simple but elaborate manipulation of the film. KIST transferred this technology to Guardnec for a total of KRW 200 million in licensing fees, and a joint R&D program is underway to discover additives that will increase the film’s durability.
KIST’s Person of the Month Award recognizes and rewards overachievers who contribute to the institute in creative, innovative ways. Winners are selected by the Reward Deliberation Committee.