Reported by Chung Hwan Cho
(Postdoc at Icahn School of Mount Sinai, President of NYKB)
The Society of New York Korean Biologists (NYKB) successfully hosted its 17th Annual Conference on May 24, 2025, at the Reed Smith Building. Approximately 80 Korean biologists—including principal investigators, industry researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate/undergraduate students—gathered to share and discuss a wide range of topics in the biological and biomedical sciences. An information session on U.S. immigration laws and procedures relevant to scientists was also held, providing valuable insights for attendees.
The success of this event was made possible through the generous support of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA), Korea-U.S. Science Cooperation Center (KUSCO), Green Cross, KSEA New York Metropolitan Chapter, Yuhan Corporation, the Korean American Society in Biotech and Pharmaceuticals (KASBP), and Professor Chin Ok Lee of Rockefeller University.
The conference opened with a special welcome address from Professor Chin Ok Lee, who shared a brief history of Korean-American biologists and offered words of encouragement to participants at all stages of their careers. The program featured three keynote speakers—Professor Jung Min Kee (UNIST, Korea) and Dr. Chanung Wang (Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, New York)—as well as four postdoctoral researchers who were selected based on the excellence of their submitted abstracts. The program focused on various aspects of drug development, reflecting current trends in translational and therapeutic research across the biological and biomedical sciences.
Following the formal sessions, a dinner and networking hour provided an opportunity for participants—from invited speakers to students—to connect socially and explore potential collaborations.
Founded to foster both academic and social networks among Korean and Korean-American biologists in the New York Metropolitan area, NYKB is dedicated to supporting its members in their pursuit of research and professional excellence. NYKB currently includes members from institutions such as Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Columbia University, Weill Cornell Medical College, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York University, Rockefeller University, and Rutgers University, with over 700 registered members.
In the past year, NYKB has actively organized various events, including networking gatherings, career development seminars, social events, and monthly research seminars hosted at member institutions. Through these efforts, NYKB has established a strong presence and continues to play a vital role in the professional development of Korean biologists in the region.
For more information, please contact: NYKB2008@gmail.com
Home page: http://nykb.org/
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