EKC2025

DIVISIONS

LIFE SCIENCE & HEALTH (LH)

Life Sciences is a field that seeks and provides applications based on an understanding of the fundamental principles of life, from microorganisms to the human body. The Life Sciences and Health division will reflect the understanding of biology and the latest trends in the health sector related to life sciences. EKC2025 will provide the latest trends in the life sciences sector and opportunities for Korean and European experts to build relationships for cooperation. The LH division will cover a wide range of topics, including not only pure biological, life science and health research, but also highly interdisciplinary topics combined with other fields such as artificial intelligence, data science and information technology. The Life Science and Health sector will consist of 10 sessions (tentative) covering topics on emerging technologies for plant, biology, epidemiology, ageing and cancer research. ●Transformative innovations in plant science ●At the Frontline to Defeat Infectious Diseases ●Innovative Ideas and Approaches in Life Sciences ●Translational Oncology and Personalized Medicine: Bridging Research and Industry for Global Innovation ●Defining Excellence for Shared Biomedical Resource Facilities ●Cancer and Aging ●Decoding Genotype-to-Phenotype Relationships: AI and Structural Biology in Cancer Research ●From Data to Decisions: Epidemiological Modelling for Disease Control ●Green Bio ●Treatment of Cancers and ROS Diseases With Magnetic Field Effects : Bridging Blue Skies Theory With Real-World Biomedical Developments Join EKC2025 to learn how global innovation in life sciences is achieved and share your research and vision.

Programme Committee

DR. RYU, Changseon (류창선)

KIST Europe

changseon.ryu@vekni.org

Show Profile

Dr. Ryu is a Senior researcher at Korea Institute of Science and Technology Europe Forschungsgesellschaft mbH (KIST Europe), a branch institute of KIST in Seoul, located in Saarbruecken, Germany. Dr. Ryu studied Pharmacy as an undergraduate, and he obtained a Master's and PhD degree in biological pharmacy (Toxicology/drug metabolism) at Chungnam National University in Daejeon, Korea, supervised by Dr. Sang Kyum Kim. He then moved to IKP-Stuttgart in September 2015; he took postdoc training in Prof. Dr. Ulrich Zanger's group. His main research areas are lipidomics/metabolomics, development of new approach methods,  drug metabolism, especially drug-induced toxicology, reactive metabolite profiling, regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes (cytochrome P450, uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase, glutathione s-transferase), and protein interactions. His previous research also focused on hepatic metabolism, sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism, and its regulation in various in vivo and in vitro models (e.g., diabetes, aging, high-fat diet, and drug-resistant breast cancer).

DR. HAN, Sojung (한소정)

Evolutionary anthropology, University of Vienna

sojungapril8@gmail.com

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I work as a postdoctoral researcher in the University of Vienna. Evolution of great apes and their pathogens are my main research interest, and I use comparative genomics approach.

[LH1] At the Frontline to Defeat Infectious Diseases (joint session with KRIBB and KRICT)

Date / Time	2025-08-27 13:00 -- 14:30
Room	FH2
Conveners / Chairs	PROF. LEE, Seung Seo University of Southampton Show Profile Dr Seung Seo Lee is Associate Professor in Chemical Biology/Medicinal Chemistry, conducting cutting-edge research projects on antimicrobial resistance and glycoenzymes. Dr Lee obtained his BSc and MSc in chemistry from Seoul National University in South Seoul, Korea. He then worked in the pharmaceutical industry before starting his doctoral study in chemistry at University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. He obtained his PhD under the supervision of Professor Stephen G Withers, studying the reaction mechanism of glycan processing enzymes. After postdoctoral studies at University of Cambridge (Prof. Florian Hollfelder), University of Alberta (Prof. David R Bundle) and University of Oxford (Prof. Benjamin G Davis), he was appointed as an academic staff at University of Southampton, where he has since been working.
Synopsis	This session is intends to share research achievements of infectious disease fronts in the Europe and Korea. The importance of continuous and intensive collaborative research on infectious diseases has been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have witnessed the rapid response of combined forces of multidisciplinary researchers to the unforeseen threat and yet felt the need to continue our efforts as there will be more threats posed by old and new infectious diseases and particularly rising antimicrobial resistance. We hope this session can create an opportunity of networking between researchers of both countries at the fore front of fight against infectious diseases. This session is the next episode of the UK-Korea joint symposium organised by KRIBB and University of Southampton and this time, organized jointly with KRIBB and KRICT.
Speakers	DR. NICHOLAS D., (University Of Southampton) [ 13:00 - 13:30 ] Title: Killing intracellular bacteria with antibiotic-loaded nanoparticles DR. KIM, Dajeong (Korea Research Institute Of Bioscience And Biotechnology) [ 13:30 - 13:50 ] Title: Strategies for Developing Antibiotic Alternatives: Overcoming the Limitations of Conventional Antibiotics DR. KWAK, Jaesung (Korea Research Institute Of Chemical Technology) [ 13:50 - 14:10 ] Title: Targeting Gram-negative Pathogens: Emerging Strategies with Outer Membrane-Targeting Antibiotics DR. LEE, Seung (University Of Southampton) [ 14:10 - 14:30 ] Title: Reviving antibiotics: A case in polymyxins

[LH6] Transformative innovations in plant science

Date / Time	2025-08-27 16:50 -- 18:20
Room	FH2
Conveners / Chairs	PROF. CHO, Jungnam Durham University
Synopsis	This session will explore groundbreaking advancements in plant science and crop biotechnology, showcasing how transformative innovations are reshaping agriculture to meet the current and future challenges. With a growing global population, climate change, and the pressing need for sustainable food systems, plant science and biotechnology are at the forefront of developing resilient crops, enhancing productivity, and reducing environmental impact. Through expert-led presentations and discussions, this session will cover cutting-edge technologies, including gene editing, synthetic biology, microbiome engineering, and precision phenotyping. Participants will gain insights into how these innovations are enabling breakthroughs in transformative crop biotechnology, driving sustainable agriculture, and foster collaboration between researchers and industry stakeholders. The session aligns with global efforts to ensure food security, mitigate climate change, and promote sustainable development. By spotlighting pioneering advancements in plant science and biotechnology, it will inspire actionable ideas and partnerships to tackle pressing agricultural challenges, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future. EKC is uniquely positioned to host this session, given the presence of internationally leading Korean plant scientists in Europe and the UK, including Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and the Max Planck Institute. Additionally, the proximity of the Gregor Mendel Institute, a world-renowned plant science institution in Vienna, ensures the participation of top global experts in this field. Speakers will be invited and selected with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, ensuring balanced representation across gender, region, research focus, and career stage.
Speakers	DR. LEE, Tak (Max Planck Institute For Plant Breeding Research) [ 16:50 - 17:05 ] Title: AgrobeNet : an agrochemical-microbe-plant network resource for enhancing soil health DR. KO, Donghwi (University Of Cambridge) [ 17:05 - 17:20 ] Title: Ribosome as a Signalling Sensor: rRNA Modification Modulates Signal Perception Sensitivity in Xylem Differentiation DR. CHOI, Jeongmin (University Of Cambridge) [ 17:20 - 17:35 ] Title: Identification of a suppressor of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in high phosphate conditions MISS. MUN, Seunghui (Department Of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham Dh1 3le, United Kingdom) [ 17:35 - 17:50 ] Title: Arms race of plants and parasitic DNAs through reversible RNA methylation DR. KO, Kisung (Chung-ang University) [ 17:50 - 18:10 ] Title: Plant Molecular BioPharming: Eternal life with gods

[LH4] From Data to Decisions: Epidemiological Modelling for Disease Control

Date / Time	2025-08-28 09:00 -- 10:30
Room	FH2
Conveners / Chairs	DR. CHOI, Yoon Hong UK Health Security Agency Show Profile Dr Yoon Hong Choi is a Lead Vaccine Preventable Diseases Modeller at the UK Health Security Agency. He has obtained his BSc and MSc in Mathematics from the Department of Mathematics at Chung-Ang University in South Korea, and his PhD in Mathematics from Edith Cowan University in Australia on modelling mosquito-borne Ross River virus transmission dynamics in Western Australia WA). Since then, he has worked on estimating the opiate user population in WA and Ireland, MRSA risk factor analysis in Queensland, and optimising the use of biological agents to control the pest population in agriculture and the impact of climate change on pest population in England. Since he joined the Health Protection Agency (later became Public Health England in 2013 and UK Health Security Agency in 2021) in 2004, he has contributed to various modelling and cost-effectiveness projects of vaccine-preventable diseases to provide scientific evidence to the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation and DHSC regarding the UK vaccination programme policies related to MMR, Pertussis, Human Papillomavirus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. His modelling work contributed to the WHO position paper on Pertussis.
Synopsis	Epidemiological modelling plays a critical role in understanding infectious disease dynamics and informing public health interventions in many parts of the world. This session explores how mathematical and statistical models translate real-world data into actionable insights for disease prevention, outbreak response, and policy decision-making in South Korea and European countries. Experts will present cutting-edge modelling approaches, discuss challenges in integrating surveillance data, and highlight case studies where models have shaped public health strategies. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how modelling informs vaccination programs, non-pharmaceutical interventions, and emerging pathogen preparedness. Join us for discussions on the latest advancements, methodological innovations, and the future of data-driven decision-making in infectious disease control.
Speakers	PROF. WHITE, Peter (Uk Health Security Agency and Imperial College, UK) [ 09:00 - 09:30 ] Title: Assessing the cost-effectiveness of using the 4CMenB meningitis B vaccine to protect against gonorrhoea DR. LEE, Jonggul (National Institue of Mathematical Sciences) [ 09:30 - 09:50 ] Title: Mathematical Modeling for Infectious Disease Control Policy Design in South Korea: Bridging Data and Decisions MR. JEON, You Tae (Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, UK) [ 09:50 - 10:10 ] Title: Resolving Health Inequality through Digital Innovation: Insights from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea. MS. SIM, So Yoon (Department of Immunization, Vaccines & Biologicals (IVB), World Health Organization) [ 10:10 - 10:30 ] Title: Translating modeling to immunization policy: WHO perspective

[LH5] Treatment of Cancers and ROS Diseases With Magnetic Field Effects : Bridging Blue Skies Theory With Real-World Biomedical Developments

Date / Time	2025-08-28 11:00 -- 12:30
Room	FH2
Conveners / Chairs	PROF. MOK, K. Hun Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI), Trinity College Dublin Show Profile Prof Mok is currently Associate Professor in Biochemistry (Trinity College Dublin), Technical Advisor and IP Holder (HAMLET Pharma AB), Director (ICMRBS), Editorial Board member (Protein Journal, Biomolecules and BioMed Res Intl) and a member of the EUREKA IEP (Independent Evaluation Panel). His area of interest is in protein folding / misfolding and biomolecular NMR spectroscopy, and has published approx. 70 articles (in journals including Nature, Nature Communications, Nature Immunology, PNAS, and JACS) and is the inventor of more than 10 registered patents. Prof Mok’s expertise in using NMR spectroscopy to elucidate structurally-fluid protein-fatty acid complexes has led to the development of ‘Alpha1H’ by start-up company HAMLET Pharma, which has concluded successful Phase I/II studies as a bladder cancer therapeutic (Brisuda A et al, Nature Commun 2021) and has been fast-tracked by the US FDA for Phase III Clinical Trials.
Synopsis	Magnetic fields (MFs) have been increasingly studied for their potential to influence biological systems, particularly in the modulation of free radical production, oxidative stress and cancer as a natural extension. Free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), play a dual role in cellular health. While they are essential for cell signaling and immune responses, excessive free radical accumulation leads to oxidative damage, contributing to aging, inflammation, and diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. Understanding how magnetic fields interact with free radicals is crucial for both assessing potential health risks (e.g., long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields) and exploring new therapeutic applications (e.g., oxidative stress reduction, targeted cancer treatments). This session will explore, (i) the blue-sky theories and the underlying mechanisms, (ii) the experimental evidence, and finally, (iii) therapeutic implications of using magnetic fields to modulate free radicals in cells. In order to address this rapidly emerging field of research, speakers from all sectors - academia, government R&D, and industry - will be invited. Starting from blue-sky research (quantum biology) to nanobioscience to the construction of precision instrumentation, we aim to provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-art review of this area.
Speakers	PROF. KRAUSE, Hans-joachim (Forschungszentrum Jülich, Ibi-3, 52425 Jülich, Germany) [ 11:00 - 11:25 ] Title: Frequency Mixing Magnetic Detection: a versatile technique for characterization and imaging of magnetic nanoparticles and for quantification of biomolecules DR. KIM, Youngchan (University Of Surrey) [ 11:25 - 11:40 ] Title: Quantum Biology in Photoactive Proteins DR. HONG, Hyobong (Etri, Korea) [ 11:40 - 11:55 ] Title: Simultaneous analysis of two types of Magnetic Nano Particles based on FMMD technology DR. MOON, Ejung (University Of Oxford) [ 11:55 - 12:10 ] Title: Oxidative Stress and Radiation Response Exploring Mechanisms of Tumor Sensitivity and Normal Tissue Protection PROF. KIM, Cheolgi (Magnetics Initiative Life Care Research Center, Dgist, Korea) [ 12:10 - 12:35 ] Title: Magnetism and Biomedicine: From Molecular Diagnostics to Digital Cardiovascular Biomarkers

[LH3] Decoding Genotype-to-Phenotype Relationships: AI and Structural Biology in Cancer Research

Date / Time	2025-08-28 13:30 -- 15:00
Room	FH2
Conveners / Chairs	MR. PARK, Solip CNIO Show Profile I-Bio integrated bioscience PhD program, POSTECH, Korea (2012) Postdoc fellow, CRG, Barcelona, Spain (2018) Junior Group Leader, CNIO, Madrid, Spain (2019-)
Synopsis	One of the fundamental questions in biological research is how we can understand the relationship between genotype and phenotype. In particular, significant efforts have been made to elucidate the mechanistic basis of various diseases by linking their phenotypic manifestations to underlying genetic variations. With the rapid advancements in sequencing technologies, vast amounts of genetic variant data are being generated on a large scale. To make sense of this complexity, state-of-the-art AI approaches are being actively applied to integrate these data and uncover hidden patterns. This session aims to explore the latest research efforts in understanding complex diseases such as cancer and developing groundbreaking therapeutic strategies. A key focus will be on advancing our understanding of proteins, beginning with improved accuracy in predicting 3D structures from primary sequences. Beyond structural prediction, we will also discuss how proteins interact with each other and how the numerous genetic mutations found in cancer patients impact protein structure and function. By moving beyond static interaction models to a context-specific perspective, this session will provide insights into how cancer fitness landscapes dynamically evolve. Furthermore, we will discuss how this knowledge can be leveraged to propose patient-specific interactions and treatment strategies, bridging fundamental research with real-world clinical applications.
Speakers	DR. HAM, Seokjin (Cnio - Spanish National Cancer Research Center) [ 13:30 - 13:45 ] Title: How Cancer Mutations Rewire Protein Networks MR. LIM, Sungbin (Mpi For Evolbio) [ 13:45 - 14:00 ] Title: Compensatory Evolution Explains the Loss of Autoregulation in Release Factor 2 DR. YANG, Jae-seong (Centre For Research In Agricultural Genomics) [ 14:00 - 14:15 ] Title: A Comprehensive EGFR Signaling Interactome: Integrating Experimental Mapping and Deep Learning–Based Interaction Prediction MISS. PARK, Sungyeon (The Institute Of Cancer Research/imperial College London) [ 14:15 - 14:30 ] Title: AI/Bayesian network-assisted single cell analysis of temporal NF-kB dynamics manipulation by bacterial effectors MISS. PARK, Sieun (Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology) [ 14:30 - 14:45 ] Title: Comparative genomics of Klebsiella species isolated from agricultural and clinical settings in South Korea

[LH7] Innovative Ideas and Approaches in Life Sciences

Date / Time	2025-08-28 16:30 -- 18:00
Room	FH2
Conveners / Chairs	MR. LEE, Seung Seo University of Southampton
Synopsis	This session will explore the challenges and opportunities that all life science researchers are facing into the 21st century. The boundary of life science has been widening year after year, and it now encompasses optics, quantum physics, material science, data science, and digital technology such as computation and artificial intelligence. This session will highlight life sciences at the centre of scientific convergence and transformation and how other disciplines are utilized to advance life sciences.
Speakers	PROF. EVANS, Nicholas (University Of Southampton) [ 16:30 - 16:55 ] Title: Bubbles for bonding broken bones: Ultrasound contrast agents for bone fracture treatment DR. KIM, Yang-hee (University Of Southampton) [ 16:55 - 17:15 ] Title: Human bone matrix hydrogels as a bioactive niche for bone stromal cell -driven bone regeneration DR. BAE, Wooli (University Of Surrey) [ 17:15 - 17:35 ] Title: Storing and processing information using nature’s solution – DNA DR. RO, David Seung Hyun (Auburn University) [ 17:35 - 17:55 ] Title: Facile Strategy for the Fabrication of Cell-Laden Porous Alginate Hydrogels based on Two-Phase Aqueous Emulsions

[LH2] Defining Excellence for Shared Biomedical Resource Facilities

Date / Time	2025-08-28 11:00 -- 12:30
Room	FH8
Conveners / Chairs	DR. KIM, Rinho Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry Show Profile Dr. Rinho Kim is responsible for the state-of-the-art genomics core facility at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry. His main focus is on introducing new technologies in the rapidly evolving field of genomics, as well as facilitating the career development of core facility staff. He received his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA, studying epigenomic dynamics of stem cells using next-generation sequencing, and conducted postdoctoral research at Helmholtz-Munich, Germany, identifying epigenetic biomarkers in adipose tissue samples from diabetic and obese patients.
Synopsis	This session explores the key factors that define excellence in biomedical research infrastructures, which play a critical role in advancing biomedical research. Through presentations of active core facility leaders (Optofluidics, genomics, imaging, and more) in Europe and Korea, attendees will gain insights into the essential elements of excellent facilities, including state-of-the-art equipment, highly trained staff, robust quality control processes, and effective communication with researchers. We will also discuss career development potentials and networking opportunities in shared research facilities. Working at the intersection between technology-driven industry and academia, core facility leader and staff can have early access to brand new technologies and frequent chance to participate in developing new products/protocols together with industry partners. Also, global networking associations (ABRF, CTLS, GerBI-GMB) serve a platform of opinion exchange, collaboration and mentoring between research facilities. There is a specific funding program (EU ARISE program at EMBL) which promote young researchers and engineers’ career in technology and method development.
Speakers	DR. LEE, Sung Sik (Eth Zurich) [ 11:00 - 11:20 ] Title: ScopeM at ETH Zurich: Enabling Advanced Microscopy and Korean–Swiss Collaboration DR. KIM, Kyoohyun (Max-planck-zentrum Für Physik Und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany) [ 11:25 - 11:45 ] Title: Establishing a core microscopy facility: practical lessons from a newcomer DR. KIM, Rinho (Max Planck Institute Of Biochemistry) [ 11:50 - 12:05 ] Title: The role of core facility in academia and industry MR. KO, Jeong Heon (Korea Research Institute Of Bioscience And Biotechnology) [ 12:10 - 12:30 ] Title: Overview of the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology(KRIBB)

[LH8/ME] Convergence of Life and Medical Sciences: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutics

Date / Time	2025-08-27 15:00 -- 16:35
Room	FH2
Conveners / Chairs	PROF. PARK, Sungsu Sungkyunkwan University Show Profile 2014 – pres. Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, (Suwon, Korea) 1997 - 1999 Ph.D. Food Science Cornell University (Ithaca, NY, USA) Major Academic Interests -Organ on a Chip -Evolution of cancer drug resistance on a Chip -Mechanobiology : cell and tissue stretching -3D bioprinting of vascularized tumors
Synopsis	The convergence of life sciences and medical sciences is deepening our understanding of human biology and disease, and this integrative approach is laying the foundation for the development of new therapeutic strategies. This session explores how fundamental molecular-level research in the life sciences contributes through pharmaceutical perspectives, organoid-based disease modeling, and single-molecule analysis techniques to the broader landscape of therapeutic innovation. In particular, it will address various interdisciplinary approaches in which life science research supports pharmacology and medicine, including the interpretation of drug action mechanisms, prediction of in vivo responses, and the generation of foundational data for target identification. This session will provide researchers in basic and biomedical sciences with molecular-level insights and methodologies that open possibilities for therapeutic applications, while also highlighting new opportunities for collaboration at the intersection of life science, pharmaceutical science, and medicine.
Speakers	PROF. SITTE, Harald (Medical University Vienna) [ 15:00 - 15:30 ] Title: Transport proteins: From structure and function to mechanism DR. KOO, Bon-kyoung (Institute for Basic Science (IBS)) [ 15:30 - 15:55 ] Title: From Organoid genetics to mosaic genetics PROF. HINTERDORFER, Peter (Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria) [ 15:55 - 16:20 ] Title: Nanomechanical binding mechanism of ligands and antibodies drives agonistic activity for cancer immune therapy MR. CHOI, Moon Hyeok (Department Of Bionanoscience, Delft University Of Technology, Netherlands) [ 16:20 - 16:35 ] Title: Single-molecule fingerprinting of phosphorylation in full-length proteins

PROGRAMME