Reason for Award

Professor Seungbum Park is a globally recognized expert in chemical biology who has pioneered innovative methodologies for developing therapeutics for intractable diseases through the convergence of organic chemistry, life sciences, and medicine. Over the past 20 years, his multidisciplinary approach has led to the discovery of novel drug candidates and the development of in vivo disease monitoring technologies, significantly accelerating the drug evaluation process.

Acceptance Speech

It is a profound honor to receive the prestigious Kyungam Academic Award. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the late Chairman Song Geumjo, Chairman Jin Aeon, and the members of the selection committee for establishing this award and for recognizing my achievements and potential. I will strive even harder to live up to the expectations of those who have placed their trust in me.

This award holds special significance for me. This year marks my 20th anniversary as a professor in the Department of Chemistry at Seoul National University. Reflecting on the distinguished predecessors who have received this award, I feel both great joy and a deep sense of responsibility. This year has been filled with many challenges, and receiving this honor has renewed my determination to pursue my research goals with even greater dedication.

Looking back, I owe my journey to many mentors, colleagues, and students who worked tirelessly alongside me, often through sleepless nights, solving difficult problems together. I dedicate this award not only to myself but also to the graduates and current members of my laboratory who have shared this path.

Chemical biology, the field I study, seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms of life phenomena and harness this knowledge to control diseases. Over the past two decades, I have researched the mechanisms of intractable diseases and developed therapeutic agents. As a mentor, I have endeavored to instill a sense of joy and purpose in my students’ research, many of whom have since pursued careers as scholars. Yet, I realized my role as a researcher extends beyond nurturing students; it involves providing new treatments for those suffering from diseases through the research I love. With this conviction, I founded Spark Biopharma in 2016, where I currently work alongside 35 researchers dedicated to developing innovative new drugs.

Together with my colleagues and younger researchers, I will continue to pursue meaningful scientific achievements. Finally, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to my family, who have silently supported me throughout. I share this joy with my parents who have always lit my path, my wife Youngsun Jung who has stood by me with love, and my daughter Serin, who is following the path of chemistry. I dedicate this honor to them. Thank you.