The Korean Academy of Science and Technology (KAST) and the Cargill Agri Purina Cultural Foundation said on the 26th that they selected Kim Seung-il, a professor in the Department of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Seoul, and Ha Sang-do, a professor in the School of Food Science and Technology at Chung-Ang University, as the winners of the 10th Cargill Hallym Life Science Award, and will hold an awards ceremony at 3 p.m. on the 27th at the Hallymwon Hall in Seongnam, Gyeonggi.
The Cargill Hallym Life Science Award, sponsored by global animal nutrition company Cargill Agri Purina Co., Ltd., was established in 2015 to discover and honor scientists and engineers who have contributed to the development of agriculture, fisheries, and livestock studies through outstanding research achievements in the field. Focusing on research results from the past five years based on the year of the announcement, two winners are selected each year, and each receives a plaque and 20 million won in prize money.
Professor Kim Seung-il, a next-generation scientist in plant genomics and breeding, built an integrated analysis platform for genomic information of various plants and showed that plant genome research can be expanded into precision breeding and digital agriculture technologies.
In particular, by decoding the high-precision genome of Jeongipumsong (Pinus densiflora), the team demonstrated that structural characteristics and functional elements can be precisely analyzed even in large plant genomes such as pine, and identified and verified a new gene involved in regulating rice fertility.
Professor Ha Sang-do, an expert in food safety research, analyzed "biofilm," a membrane-like structure produced by microorganisms, and developed an eco-friendly technology effective at removing toxicity.
In particular, the team analyzed the mechanism of biofilm formation by Salmonella, a representative foodborne pathogen, identified the characteristics of toxic gene expression, and proposed technical alternatives to prevent contamination by foodborne pathogens and viruses in meat processing and manufacturing facilities for ingredients such as chicken.
Director Jeong Jin-ho said the achievements of the two awardees will greatly contribute to the sustainable development of Korea's agriculture, fisheries, and livestock research and related industries, and to improving the quality of life for the public.