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Each year, the University honors exceptional faculty members with the prestigious Kyung Hee Fellow designation. This year, Professor Dokyoung Kim of the College of Medicine is among the esteemed recipients. His groundbreaking work in nanotechnology-based biohealth research has garnered significant attention in the scientific community. Professor Kim has established himself as a leader in developing innovative technologies for disease diagnosis and treatment

Revolutionizing disease detection and treatment
At the heart of Professor Kim’s research is his determination to enhance disease diagnosis and treatment. His work focuses on identifying critical biomarkers—key molecular indicators of disease—and developing technologies that utilize these markers for more effective diagnostic approaches.

One of his most significant breakthroughs is the world’s first urine-based cervical cancer diagnostic kit. Traditional cervical cancer screening methods require invasive sampling procedures that many patients find uncomfortable, resulting in lower screening rates. Professor Kim’s innovation offers a non-invasive alternative using simple urine samples, potentially increasing early detection rates through improved patient compliance. In addition to diagnostic advances, Professor Kim has developed a novel contrast agent that more precisely visualizes tumor sites. This technology promises to significantly improve surgical outcomes by helping surgeons identify and remove tumors with greater precision.

Endless challenges and innovation resulting in global research achievements
“Walking paths less traveled” and “pursuing what is not found in textbooks” are the core principles of Professor Kim’s research philosophy. This commitment to originality has placed him at the forefront of his field, overcoming the challenges that come with pioneering work. While creating new references rather than following existing ones brings unique obstacles, it also allows Professor Kim to build a foundation of reliable data and innovative approaches, gradually establishing credibility in unexplored territories.

This dedication to innovation has yielded impressive results: over 160 publications in SCI journals, more than 70 registered patents, and multiple successful commercial technology transfers. In 2023, Professor Kim was named among the World’s Top 2% Highly Cited Researchers, cementing his standing as a globally recognized scholar. He was also awarded the prestigious Minister of Science and ICT Award, further underscoring his significant impact on the national and international scientific community. Professor Kim’s achievements reflect his unwavering dedication and passion for research, affirming his pivotal role in advancing biohealth.

Future frontiers: Brain-targeted therapies and antimicrobial resistance
Professor Kim currently leads several national research initiatives aimed at furthering biohealth innovations. His most promising project involves developing a platform for delivering medications to specific brain regions—an advancement over current methods that could transform treatment approaches for complex conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and autism. His team has already demonstrated success in targeting the hippocampus and frontal lobe.

Another critical focus of Professor Kim’s research addresses the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance. He is developing novel antibiotic combinations designed to circumvent bacterial resistance mechanisms. Superbugs quickly develop resistance to individual antibiotics, but by strategically combining existing antibiotics, Professor Kim’s approach may bypass resistance mechanisms, offering a cost-effective solution to this urgent challenge.