Reason for Award

Professor Won Do Heo has pioneered the field of molecular optogenetics, introducing novel principles to biological research. He developed innovative technologies that enable the control of mRNA and protein functions using light, laying the foundation for precise regulation of biological processes. His research has demonstrated the ability to manipulate memory, emotion, and neurodevelopment in animal models, opening new possibilities for the treatment of brain disorders through molecular optogenetic approaches.

Acceptance Speech

Hello, I am Won Do Heo from the Department of Biological Sciences at KAIST. Receiving the prestigious Kyungam Academic Award today is the greatest joy and most moving moment of my academic journey. Recently, I have felt the need for new changes, and this honor has rekindled my passion for scholarship and strengthened my commitment to devote myself further to mentoring the next generation.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the late Chairman Song Geumjo and Chairman Jin Aeon of the Kyungam Foundation, who dedicated themselves to nurturing talent, advancing scholarship, and promoting the arts in our country. I am also deeply thankful to Professor Baek Sunghee of Seoul National University for recognizing the potential of our research and to the Kyungam Education and Cultural Foundation and the selection committee for bestowing this honor. I appreciate all past Kyungam Award recipients and everyone present here today who have come to celebrate this occasion.

I consider the Kyungam Academic Award a profound recognition and vote of confidence in my research. I began molecular optogenetics research in Korea in 2008—the first of its kind domestically—and have since pioneered and developed this field, which remotely controls various biomolecules using light. I am deeply moved that many now acknowledge the significance and value of this emerging research area.

From a young age, I have been endlessly curious about nature and life, conducting experiments and research on my own. This strong curiosity led me to pursue a path as a life science researcher, a journey I have enjoyed and cherished.

I am grateful to all who supported my growth as a researcher. Professor Cho Mooje at Gyeongsang National University provided an excellent research environment despite challenging circumstances and guided me with outstanding research topics. Professor Tobias Meyer at Stanford University gave me the opportunity to investigate molecular functions in animal cells, building on my background in plant life sciences. These invaluable experiences have greatly empowered me to realize the research I envisioned.

Joining KAIST was a great blessing for me. I am thankful to the professors in the Department of Biological Sciences and former President Suh Nam-pyo, who believed sincerely in my research and potential regardless of my academic background from a regional university.

I share this award’s honor especially with my students. When I began research in an empty lecture hall without even a single piece of equipment, Dr. Lee Kyunghoo, Dr. Lee Sangkyu, Professor Yang Heewon, and many other students trusted me deeply and joined me wholeheartedly. Thanks to their faith in this pioneering molecular optogenetics research in Korea, we have come this far.

We continue to embrace new challenges together in the lab. Some in academia question whether what we pursue is feasible or too advanced, but we are developing novel therapeutic technologies that remotely control RNA and biomolecules in vivo using light—paradigm-shifting approaches for treating cancer and brain diseases. We dream of treating intractable diseases such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, and depression using our molecular optogenetics technologies, dedicating ourselves alongside our students and colleagues. Every moment shared with them is precious and fulfilling. I will treasure the meaning of this award and continue striving so that our research outcomes contribute to humanity’s health and happiness.

I thank the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Samsung’s Future Technology Development Program, and the Institute for Basic Science for their financial support. I am grateful to former Director Shin Heesub for his unwavering trust and encouragement. I also express my deepest gratitude to former KAIST President Shin Sungcheol, who initiated the KAIST Global Singularity Program—aiming to establish a global research network and cultivate world-class leaders—which has provided tremendous support to my work.

My father, who passed away last year, was always proud of his sons, and I believe he would be very happy to see me today. My mother, though unable to attend due to health reasons, was overjoyed upon hearing the news. I sincerely thank and love my parents. I also thank my father- and mother-in-law for their trust and warm care, as well as my older brother and younger sibling for always being a strong support.

I am fortunate to have my wife by my side, who listens with interest to my complex research and experimental stories and always encourages me. Thanks to her support, I have come this far. I offer my deepest gratitude and love to Dr. Park Wae-sun, who has supported my research and family from my graduate student days through my postdoctoral years in the U.S. I share this joy with my beloved sons Taejun and Taehyun, who are growing up bright and healthy and are diligently pursuing research careers in their own fields in the United States.

Lastly, I would like to once again thank the late Chairman Song Geumjo and Chairman Jin Aeon for bestowing this precious award. Inspired by their great vision, I will dedicate my life to advancing human health and happiness and to nurturing future scholars.

Thank you.