Ui Wook Hwang | Biology and Life Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Research Excellence Award

Ui Wook Hwang
Kyungpook National University, South Korea
Ui Wook Hwang
Affiliation Kyungpook National University
Country South Korea
Scopus ID 35074015800
Documents 134
Citations 2117
h-index 26
Subject Area Biology and Life Sciences
Event Top Teachers Awards
ORCID 0000-0002-9735-8716
Google Scholar 5YycGS0AAAAJ

Ui Wook Hwang is a senior academic researcher and professor affiliated with the Department of Biology and the Department of Advanced Bioconvergence at Kyungpook National University, South Korea. His scholarly work primarily focuses on molecular phylogenetics, evolutionary biology, zoology, mitochondrial genomics, and biodiversity research. His academic profile demonstrates sustained contributions to biological sciences through publication activity, institutional leadership, international collaboration, and scientific service within Korea and the broader international research community.[1]

Abstract

This article presents an academic overview of the professional achievements, research contributions, and scholarly activities of Ui Wook Hwang of Kyungpook National University. His research portfolio encompasses molecular evolution, mitochondrial genomics, phylogenetics, marine biology, zoology, and biodiversity science. The profile also highlights his institutional leadership roles, publication record, international collaborations, and participation in scientific organizations relevant to the biological sciences community.[1]

Keywords

Molecular phylogenetics, evolutionary biology, mitochondrial genomics, zoology, biodiversity science, marine biology, taxonomy, genomic epidemiology, biological systematics, phylogeography.

Introduction

Ui Wook Hwang has maintained a multidisciplinary academic career centered on evolutionary biology and molecular systematics. His research activities integrate genomic analysis, biodiversity investigation, and evolutionary interpretation within zoological and biological sciences. In addition to scientific publication activities, he has held numerous academic leadership positions at Kyungpook National University and within national scientific organizations in the Republic of Korea.[2]

His academic development includes international scholarly experience as a visiting scholar at Harvard University and research training in Germany. These experiences contributed to the development of an internationally engaged research profile emphasizing molecular evolution and comparative genomics.[3]

Research Profile

The academic profile of Ui Wook Hwang demonstrates sustained engagement in higher education, research administration, and scientific leadership. His professional positions include Full Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology at Kyungpook National University, Chair of the Department of Advanced Bioconvergence, Director of the Institute for Phylogenomics and Evolution, and Director of the Korea Herb-Bio Convergence Promotion Institute.[2]

  • Full Professor and Chair, Department of Biology, Kyungpook National University.
  • Chair, Department of Advanced Bioconvergence, Graduate School, Kyungpook National University.
  • Director, BK21 Four KNU Center for Innovative One-Health Leaders.
  • President, The Malacological Society of Korea.
  • Former President, Korean Society of Systematic Zoology.

Research Contributions

The research contributions of Ui Wook Hwang are associated with molecular phylogenetics, mitochondrial genome evolution, marine biodiversity, and evolutionary genomics. His work has contributed to the understanding of species evolution, phylogeographic patterns, and genomic diversity across marine and terrestrial organisms.[4]

His publications include studies on mitochondrial genome evolution in parasitic barnacles, molecular population genetics in East Asian marine species, and genomic analysis of mosquito vectors. Several studies have appeared in internationally indexed journals including Nature, Molecular Biology and Evolution, and Frontiers in Marine Science.[5]

  • Research on mitochondrial genome-based systematics and evolution.
  • Studies concerning marine biodiversity and zoological taxonomy.
  • Comparative genomic investigations in parasitic and marine organisms.
  • Scientific communication related to global bioinformatics and genomic epidemiology.

Publications

Ui Wook Hwang has contributed extensively to molecular phylogenetics, mitochondrial genomics, marine biodiversity, and evolutionary biology through publications in internationally recognized scientific journals. His research explores genomic evolution, phylogeographic diversity, and biological systematics, supporting ongoing advancements in zoological and evolutionary science while strengthening interdisciplinary understanding within contemporary biological research.[4]

  1. Morphology and mitochondrial genome-based analysis of the systematics and evolution of Acanthochitona species. Marine Life Science & Technology, 2026. DOI: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42995-026-00362-9
  2. Evolutionary insights from complete mitochondrial genomes of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens molestus. Animal Cells and Systems, 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19768354.2026.2620255
  3. Accelerated mitochondrial genome evolution in parasitic barnacles driven by adaptive and non-adaptive responses. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf303
  4. Molecular population genetics and phylogeographic studies of Ligia exotica and Ligia cinerascens in East Asia. Frontiers in Marine Science, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1260171
  5. Africa needs more bioinformaticians for population studies. Nature, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-01378-8

Research Impact

The research output of Ui Wook Hwang reflects measurable academic impact within the biological sciences community. His Scopus profile records more than two thousand citations and an h-index of 26, indicating continuing scholarly engagement with his publications across multiple research domains.[1]

His interdisciplinary work linking molecular phylogenetics, biodiversity studies, and genomic analysis contributes to broader scientific understanding in evolutionary biology and zoological systematics. Participation in scientific advisory boards, research foundations, and educational initiatives further reflects his role within academic leadership and scientific administration.[2]

Award Suitability

Ui Wook Hwang has demonstrated significant contributions to scientific research, higher education, and international academic collaboration through his scholarly publications, leadership roles, and work in biological and evolutionary sciences.[3]

His involvement in multidisciplinary biological research, mentorship initiatives, institutional leadership, and internationally indexed scientific publications supports consideration within the framework of the Top Teachers Awards and similar academic recognition programs.[5]

Conclusion

Ui Wook Hwang has developed a substantial academic profile characterized by contributions to molecular evolution, phylogenetics, biodiversity science, and higher education leadership. His scholarly publications, institutional responsibilities, and participation in scientific organizations collectively illustrate a sustained commitment to biological sciences research and academic advancement within both national and international contexts.[1]

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Ui Wook Hwang, Author ID 35074015800. Scopus. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=35074015800
  2. Kyungpook National University. (n.d.). Department of Advanced Bioconvergence and Faculty Information. https://www.knu.ac.kr/
  3. ORCID. (n.d.). Ui Wook Hwang ORCID Record. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9735-8716
  4. Frontiers Media SA. (2023). Molecular population genetics and phylogeographic studies of Ligia exotica and Ligia cinerascens in East Asia. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1260171
  5. Nature Publishing Group. (2022). Africa needs more bioinformaticians for population studies. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-01378-8

Patrycja Anna Glogowski | Biotechnology | Research Excellence Award

Mrs. Patrycja Anna Glogowski | Biotechnology | Research Excellence Award

IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna | Italy

Mrs. Patrycja Anna Glogowski is a biomedical researcher specializing in mitochondrial biology, cardiometabolic disorders, and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Her research focuses on the role of mitochondrial respiratory complexes, bioenergetic dysfunction, and supramolecular organization in conditions such as hypertension-related stroke, cardiac hypertrophy, hypoxia/reoxygenation injury, and mitral valve degeneration. She has developed strong expertise in molecular biology and mitochondrial physiology, working extensively with advanced techniques including nucleic acid extraction, PCR-based methods, next-generation sequencing, proteomics, mitochondrial isolation, and cellular bioenergetic profiling. Her scientific contributions emphasize the translational relevance of mitochondrial dysfunction in complex human diseases, with particular interest in how alterations in oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthase activity influence disease susceptibility and progression. In addition to cardiovascular research, she has contributed to molecular parasitology studies, demonstrating interdisciplinary competence. Her work supports the development of new therapeutic targets aimed at improving mitochondrial performance and cellular resilience under pathological stress. She has presented her findings in international scientific forums and continues to contribute to high-impact, collaborative research initiatives. According to Scopus, her research impact includes 5 documents, 11 citations, and an h-index of 3, while Google Scholar records 11 citing documents reflecting growing recognition of her work within the scientific community. Her consistent contributions to mitochondrial medicine and molecular pathology demonstrate strong potential for a Research Excellence Award, reflecting both innovation and scientific rigor.

Publication Profile

Scopus 

Featured Publications

  • Cugliari, A., Algieri, C., Glogowski, P. A., Granata, S., Cotugno, M., Bernardini, C., Lopa, C., Litterio, M., Pietrangelo, D., Trombetti, F., Fabbri, M., Rubattu, S., & Nesci, S. (2025). The function and supramolecular assembly of the mitochondrial respiratory complexes underlie hypertension-related stroke susceptibility in a model of complex human disease. Biofactors.

  • Algieri, C., Bernardini, C., Cugliari, A., Granata, S., Trombetti, F., Glogowski, P. A., Fabbri, M., Morciano, G., Pedriali, G., Pinton, P., & Nesci, S. (2024). Melatonin rescues cell respiration impaired by hypoxia/reoxygenation in aortic endothelial cells and affects the mitochondrial bioenergetics targeting the F1FO-ATPase.

  • Granata, S., Bernardini, C., Glogowski, P. A., Romito, G., Salaroli, R., Algieri, C., Cugliari, A., Fabbri, M., Trombetti, F., Zannoni, A., & Nesci, S. (2024). Mitochondrial bioenergetic dysfunction linked to myxomatous mitral valve degeneration explored by PBMCs metabolism analysis.

  • Algieri, C., Cugliari, A., Glogowski, P. A., Granata, S., Fabbri, M., Trombetti, F., Bacci, M. L., & Nesci, S. (2025). Inside-out submitochondrial particles affect the mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening under conditions of mitochondrial dysfunction.

  • Caffara, M., Tedesco, P., Davidovich, N., Rubini, S., Luci, V., Cantori, A., Glogowski, P. A., Fioravanti, M. L., & Gustinelli, A. (2023). Molecular and morphological studies on Contracaecum rudolphii A and Contracaecum rudolphii B in great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) from Italy and Israel.

Alena McQuarter | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Alena McQuarter | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Loma Linda University | United States

Ms. Alena McQuarter is an emerging researcher in integrated biological sciences whose work bridges cancer biology, immunology, and translational medicine with a focus on discovering novel therapeutic strategies for hard-to-treat malignancies. As a Ph.D. researcher in Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, her scientific contributions center on ovarian and thyroid cancers, where she investigates the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, novel surface biomarkers, and molecular mechanisms driving tumor progression and immune evasion. Through her research in the Khan Lab, she has contributed to advancing the understanding of microRNA signatures, racial disparities in prognostic markers, and the immunosuppressive microenvironment influencing therapeutic resistance in ovarian cancer. Her work also explores immunotherapeutic pathways, including immune-modulating targets such as VEGF-related mechanisms and iNKT cell activation. Beyond laboratory research, she brings interdisciplinary insight by connecting biomedical innovation with educational and community-based scientific engagement, aiming to expand representation and access in STEM. She has presented her research at major scientific conferences, contributing posters, keynote sessions, and interdisciplinary discussions in cancer research and infectious disease. Her publication record continues to grow, with measurable scholarly impact reflected in early citation activity, She is recognized for advancing research that integrates molecular oncology, health equity, and translational immunology, contributing to scientific dialogue on precision medicine for diverse populations. Her trajectory reflects a strong commitment to scientific innovation, academic leadership, and equitable STEM advocacy, positioning her as a promising young scientist contributing meaningfully to global biomedical research. She is widely recognized for excellence in research innovation and impactful scientific contributions, making her a strong nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Featured Publications

Muinde, J. M., Yamauchi, C. R., Cruz, J., McQuarter, A. A., Miller, K., Sharma, U., Schiff, S., Kremsky, I., Mirshahidi, S., Carter, C. S., et al. (2025). MicroRNA signatures in serous ovarian cancer: A comparison of prognostic marker targets in African Americans and Caucasians. Diseases, 13(11), 360.