The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) announced on the 2nd that Director General Koo Bon-kyung was selected as an Associate Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), a global life sciences academic organization.
Director General Koo was recognized for his contributions in pioneering mosaic genetics research, which combines stem cell-based organoids and gene editing technology to track gene function at the individual cell level. He is the third Korean scientist to be selected as an EMBO member, following V. Narry Kim, Director General of the IBS RNA Research Center (distinguished professor at Seoul National University), and Ko Kyu-young, Director General of the Vascular Research Center (distinguished professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)).
EMBO is a Europe-based academic organization established in 1964 to promote international cooperation and academic advancement in the life sciences. Each year, it selects scientists who have made outstanding contributions to the field, with over 2,100 researchers currently active as members worldwide. Of these, 92 are reported to have received Nobel Prizes.
This year, 69 new members were elected to EMBO, including Director General Koo, from 24 countries around the world. Among them, 60 were elected from EMBO member countries, while 9 were elected as foreign members from non-member countries.
Fiona Watt, EMBO Director, noted, "Science advances through international cooperation, and the newly elected members each year bring new vitality and inspiration to EMBO." She added, "The ideas and contributions of the new members will greatly empower the advancement of life sciences."
Director General Koo stated, "Since returning from Europe to Korea in 2021 to join IBS, I have been continuing research collaborations with Europe through selections for ERC Synergy Grants and my election as an EMBO member, and I will strive to contribute even more significantly to the Korean scientific community based on this experience."
Director General Koo is scheduled to officially begin his activities at the EMBO annual meeting, which will be held in Heidelberg, Germany, from October 22 to 24.