Kim Bit-nae, head of the RNA Research Group at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and a professor at Seoul National University, has become the first Korean and Asian recipient of the prestigious Nakasone Award from the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP).
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on July 13 that Kim has been selected as the 2027 Nakasone Award recipient.
The Nakasone Award is given to researchers who have made significant scientific advancements in the life sciences. It evaluates research achievements regardless of nationality or age, and is considered a stepping stone to the Nobel Prize, with four of the 21 past recipients having won Nobel Prizes.
Particularly, the Nakasone Award focuses on discoveries that have expanded the horizons of life sciences from research published in the last decade. This award marks the first time a Korean and Asian researcher has been honored since the award's establishment in 2010.
Since 2012, Kim has led the IBS RNA Research Group, uncovering key principles governing the generation, function, and degradation of RNA. Her work has revealed new regulatory mechanisms of gene expression and atypical RNA processing pathways, enhancing understanding of disease mechanisms and biological phenomena. She has also contributed to the development of molecular foundations for high-efficiency messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines.
HFSP recognized Kim for her discovery of atypical RNA tailing pathways and her elucidation of new regulatory mechanisms of gene expression.
Kim was selected as a final candidate by the HFSP Scientific Advisory Committee in April, competing against 45 scientists worldwide, and was confirmed as the 2027 Nakasone Award recipient by the HFSP Board on July 6.
The award includes a commemorative medal, a certificate, and $15,000 in research funding. Additionally, Kim will deliver a commemorative lecture at the HFSP annual conference next year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jae-myung stated, "The selection of Kim as the first Korean recipient of the HFSP Nakasone Award is a proud achievement that recognizes our capabilities in life sciences on a global scale. We will continue to actively support researchers at the forefront of science and technology to ensure they consistently produce world-class innovative results and gain recognition on the global stage."
Historically, the Nakasone Award has primarily been awarded to researchers from the United States and Europe, with 12 recipients from the U.S., five from Germany, and three from Israel. Among past winners, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna jointly received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020, while David Julius and Svante Pääbo won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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