Professor Jinwoo Cheon, Distinguished Professor at Yonsei University and a world-renowned expert in nanomedicine, was selected as the recipient of the Order of Merit for the Sciences of the Republic of Korea in the Natural Sciences (Basic Science) category at its 70th award ceremony held on September 19 at the Korea Academy of Science and Technology. The Order of Merit for the Sciences of the Republic of Korea is the most prestigious and long-standing academic award in the country, granted to scholars who have achieved world-class, original research outcomes. Since its establishment in 1955, a total of 296 scholars have been honored, contributing significantly to the advancement of Korean academia. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, Vice Minister of Education Choi Eun-ok, academy members, and the families of the awardees. Recipients were presented with a certificate, a medal, and a prize of 100 million KRW.

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Professor Cheon pioneered optogenetic techniques that allow precise control of brain functions in animal experiments and has led the field of nanomedicine through interdisciplinary research that integrates nanoparticles into biomedical and life science studies. Since joining the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), he has achieved remarkable results in developing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies and neural circuit modulation, earning high recognition both domestically and internationally.

Professor Cheon previously received the POSCO TJ Park Science Award in 2012, recognizing his achievements in applying nanotechnology to medicine and highlighting his contributions to the global academic community. In 2024, he became the first Korean to receive the Glenn T. Seaborg Lectureship Award at the University of California, Berkeley. This award honors the legacy of Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, who discovered the elements plutonium (Pu) and seaborgium (Sg) and received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1951, and is granted annually to world-leading scholars in the field of inorganic chemistry.

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The 70th Order of Merit for the Sciences of the Republic of Korea award reaffirms Professor Cheon’s outstanding research achievements and international influence in the field of nanomedicine. His ongoing research and dedication continue to illuminate the future of nanomedicine, serving as a model not only for the Korean scientific community but also for researchers worldwide. POSCO TJ Park Foundation will continue to support Professor Cheon’s work and its positive impact on both domestic and international academic circles.