Dr. Mijung Kim | Botanical Nanotechnology | Botany Scientist Excellence Award

Dr. Mijung Kim | Botanical Nanotechnology | Botany Scientist Excellence Award

R&D center director at GFC Life Science Co., Ltd | South Korea

Dr. Mi Jung Kim is a distinguished plant molecular geneticist and biotechnology expert with extensive experience spanning academia and industry. With a strong foundation in molecular genetics, she has pioneered research in plant-based innovations for therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Her career reflects a unique integration of fundamental plant science with industrial translation, particularly in developing high-value bioactive ingredients from plant cell cultures and extracellular vesicles. She has led national and international research projects, published in SCI-indexed journals, and fostered cross-sector collaborations. Dr. Kim currently serves as the Director of an R&D center focused on plant-derived materials, where she applies advanced genomic and omics technologies to create sustainable and functional ingredients. Her work has had significant impact on cosmetic biotechnology, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and consumer application. Her contributions reflect scientific depth, translational innovation, and leadership, making her a leading figure in the field of applied plant science.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Kim holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from Korea University, where she specialized in transcriptional regulation of genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis in plants. Her doctoral training laid the groundwork for her future focus on gene expression and metabolic engineering. She also completed a Ph.D. course in Horticultural Science at Sangmyung University, enhancing her understanding of applied plant sciences. Her academic journey reflects a balance between core molecular biology and practical botany applications. She was mentored by renowned professors in plant biology and molecular genetics, which helped shape her research focus on functional genomics and plant biotechnology. The rigorous academic training she received fostered a scientific mindset that she has effectively applied in both academic and industrial settings. Her educational background continues to underpin her research on plant-derived compounds, natural metabolites, and biotechnological innovation.

Professional Experience

Dr. Kim’s professional experience spans renowned academic institutions and high-level industry positions. She began her postdoctoral work at Seoul National University, contributing to plant molecular biology research. As a senior researcher at Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory in Singapore, she led multiple national and collaborative projects, producing impactful research in plant biotechnology. She has been leading the Research and Development Center at a cosmetics materials company, where she integrates academic expertise with commercial product development. Her role involves designing and managing innovative projects focused on plant-derived exosomes and bioactives. She also collaborates with leading companies and universities, such as LG Life & Health, Cosmecca Korea, and Seoul National University. Her career reflects her capability to lead interdisciplinary teams, manage high-impact research, and drive commercial innovation based on solid scientific principles. Her experience is a testament to her leadership and applied scientific acumen.

Research Interests

Dr. Kim’s research focuses on the intersection of plant molecular genetics and applied biotechnology. She is particularly interested in plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their applications in skin regeneration, anti-inflammation, and therapeutic delivery. She also explores plant secondary metabolites, cross-kingdom miRNA transfer, and metabolic engineering for enhancing bioactive compound yield. Her work aims to understand and manipulate the molecular mechanisms underlying plant biosynthesis pathways to develop premium cosmetic and therapeutic ingredients. Additionally, she integrates omics technologies—such as transcriptomics and metabolomics—to identify functional compounds and biomarkers. Her broader interest lies in sustainable bioproduction using plant cell cultures and genome editing tools. These areas not only contribute to academic advancement but also offer transformative solutions for industries ranging from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals. Dr. Kim’s interests reflect her passion for advancing plant science while contributing to real-world innovations in health and beauty technologies.

Research Skills

Dr. Kim possesses a diverse set of research skills combining classical molecular biology techniques with modern biotechnological tools. Her expertise includes gene expression analysis, transcriptional regulation studies, and metabolic pathway engineering. She is proficient in plant cell and tissue culture, enabling the establishment of scalable systems for producing secondary metabolites and extracellular vesicles. She applies omics-based approaches—including genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics—to discover novel bioactives and functional compounds. Her work also involves functional validation using bioassays and genetic engineering, including CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing. In recent years, she has focused on characterizing plant-derived miRNAs and their cross-kingdom functionality in human skin regeneration and inflammation modulation. Additionally, she has experience in scaling up laboratory research for industrial application, reflecting strong translational and project management capabilities. These research skills allow her to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and commercial product development in cosmetic biotechnology.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Kim has led several high-profile research projects and collaborations that have earned recognition within academic and industrial circles. While her specific awards are not listed in the current documentation, her appointment as R&D Center Director and previous leadership roles in international research institutes reflect her professional recognition and credibility. Her contributions have been acknowledged through successful partnerships with top-tier institutions and companies in Korea and abroad. She has also been nominated for awards such as the Botany Scientist Excellence Award, highlighting her continued impact and relevance in the field of plant biotechnology. Her body of work, including high-impact publications and translational innovations, speaks to her stature as a respected scientist. Future recognition is likely as her research continues to influence both fundamental plant biology and applied industrial solutions in cosmetics and therapeutics. Her career is marked by consistent excellence, innovation, and collaborative achievement.

Publications Top Noted

  • Long-Term Risks of Parkinson’s Disease, Surgery, and Colorectal Cancer in Patients With Slow-Transit Constipation
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 13

  • Genomic Analysis Identifies New Loci Associated With Motor Complications in Parkinson’s Disease
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 15

  • Mesenchymal stem cells co-cultured with colorectal cancer cells showed increased invasive and proliferative abilities due to its altered p53/TGF-β1 levels
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 15

  • Subtypes of sleep disturbance in Parkinson’s disease based on the cross-culturally validated Korean version of Parkinson’s disease sleep scale-2
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 12

  • Influences of elbow, shoulder, trunk motion and temporospatial parameters on arm swing asymmetry of Parkinson’s disease during walking
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 23

Conclusion

Dr. Mi Jung Kim stands out as a highly qualified and forward-thinking plant scientist whose work bridges the gap between academic research and practical innovation. Her pioneering contributions to plant-based bioactives and sustainable cosmetic materials exemplify excellence in applied plant science. With a proven record of innovation, collaboration, and leadership, she aligns well with the spirit of the Botany Scientist Excellence Award. Addressing minor gaps in academic visibility and external engagement would only further enhance her distinguished profile. Overall, her candidacy is both credible and compelling, and she is a deserving nominee whose recognition could inspire further interdisciplinary progress in the field of botanical science.

Chenhui Yang | Phytochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Chenhui Yang | Phytochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof at Northeast Forestry University, China

Prof. Chenhui Yang is a distinguished researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Utilization of Woody Oil Resource, Northeast Forestry University, China. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Technology from Harbin Institute of Technology in 2020 and began his independent academic career in 2021. His research focuses on the high-value utilization of biomass-based nanomaterials and their functional optimization for sustainable energy applications, including photosynthesis enhancement, bioelectricity, and biohydrogen generation via microbial fuel cells. Prof. Yang has published in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Angewandte Chemie, Nano Energy, and others, reflecting the quality and impact of his work. He has secured multiple national and enterprise research grants and contributes significantly to the fields of biomaterials, green energy, and the circular economy. As a rapidly emerging scientist, Prof. Yang demonstrates exceptional potential to lead innovative, environmentally responsible solutions for global energy and sustainability challenges.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓

Prof. Chenhui Yang received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Technology from Harbin Institute of Technology in 2020 under the supervision of Prof. Miao Yu, a renowned expert in the field. During his doctoral studies, he focused on advanced chemical processes and the development of functional materials, laying the foundation for his current research in biomass-based nanomaterials and sustainable energy technologies. His education combined rigorous theoretical training with innovative experimental approaches, equipping him with a multidisciplinary perspective that bridges chemistry, material science, and environmental engineering. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed his undergraduate and master’s education with a strong emphasis on chemical engineering fundamentals, analytical techniques, and applied research. This academic background provided Prof. Yang with the expertise necessary to transition seamlessly into independent research. His educational journey reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation, forming the backbone of his contributions to green energy, environmental sustainability, and high-performance biomaterials.

Professional Experience 💼

Prof. Chenhui Yang holds a deep professional interest in the high-value utilization of biomass-based nanomaterials and their application in advancing sustainable technologies. His work is centered on exploring the physicochemical and photochemical properties of renewable biomaterials to enhance their performance in green energy systems, such as bioelectricity and biohydrogen production through microbial fuel cells. He is particularly focused on integrating nanotechnology and environmental engineering to develop innovative solutions that address critical challenges in clean energy generation and resource efficiency. Prof. Yang is also committed to advancing the principles of the circular economy, aiming to convert waste biomass into functional, eco-friendly materials. His research bridges chemical engineering, materials science, and biotechnology, with the overarching goal of contributing to a more sustainable and energy-resilient future. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific innovation, Prof. Yang seeks to make a meaningful impact in the fields of renewable energy, biomaterials, and environmental sustainability.

Research Interest 🔬

Prof. Chenhui Yang’s research interests lie at the intersection of biomass valorization, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy systems. He is particularly focused on the development and functional optimization of biomass-based nanomaterials for use in clean and renewable energy applications. His work explores the conversion of natural biomass into high-performance materials that exhibit enhanced photo-physicochemical properties, making them suitable for photosynthetic enhancement, bioelectricity, and biohydrogen production through microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Driven by the urgent need for environmentally responsible solutions, Prof. Yang investigates how to improve the efficiency, scalability, and sustainability of these green energy systems. His research integrates principles of chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental science to design energy solutions that align with the goals of the circular economy. Ultimately, his work contributes to advancing the global transition toward renewable energy sources, with a strong emphasis on environmental friendliness, energy efficiency, and resource sustainability.

Research Skill🔎

Prof. Chenhui Yang possesses a diverse and advanced set of research skills that enable him to drive innovation in the fields of biomaterials and sustainable energy. He is highly proficient in biomass conversion techniques, nanomaterial synthesis, and characterization methods such as spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and surface analysis, which are essential for understanding the structure–function relationship of engineered materials. His expertise extends to designing and optimizing microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and other bioenergy systems, with a focus on enhancing their performance through photo-physicochemical tuning. Prof. Yang is skilled in experimental design, data interpretation, and cross-disciplinary integration, combining principles of chemical engineering, materials science, and biotechnology. He has demonstrated competence in securing and managing research grants, leading collaborative projects, and publishing in high-impact journals. His analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to environmentally sustainable solutions reflect the depth and applicability of his research skills in addressing global energy challenges.

Award and Honor🏆

Prof. Chenhui Yang has been the recipient of several prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the fields of biomaterials and sustainable energy research. Since beginning his independent academic career at Northeast Forestry University, he has secured multiple national and provincial-level research grants, demonstrating the significance and impact of his scientific work. Additionally, his innovative research has attracted enterprise funding, reflecting strong industry relevance and application potential. Prof. Yang’s publications in leading international journals such as Nature Communications, Angewandte Chemie, and Nano Energy have earned him recognition among his peers and the wider scientific community. His achievements at an early stage in his career highlight both academic excellence and research leadership. These accolades affirm his status as a rising figure in green energy research, positioning him as a key contributor to the advancement of environmentally friendly technologies and the circular bioeconomy.

Conclusion📝

Prof. Chenhui Yang is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, especially within the domains of green energy, sustainable materials, and environmental science. His early career trajectory, high-impact publications, and relevant research scope make him a strong contender.

To further elevate his competitiveness, demonstrating broader societal engagement, mentoring impact, and international collaborations would make his profile even more compelling.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Yang, Chenhui (Co-author)

    • Year: 2025

    • Title: Transient Force Measurement and Mechanism Analysis of Nanosecond Laser Ablation of Al/Ti Alloys Using Polyvinylidene Fluoride Sensors

    • Journal: Sensors (Switzerland)

  • Yang, Chenhui (Co-author)

    • Year: 2025

    • Title: Nitrogen-doped carbon dots enhanced pollutant degradation and bioelectricity generation in bioelectrochemical systems

    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering