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

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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

Muslima Khatun | Synthetic Biology | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Muslima Khatun | Synthetic Biology | Women Researcher Award

Senior Scientific Officer at National Institute of Biotechnology, (NIB), Bangladesh.

Dr. Mst. Muslima Khatun is a Senior Scientific Officer at the National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB), Bangladesh. She specializes in plant genetic engineering, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, and molecular biotechnology. Her research focuses on improving crop resilience, food security, and phytoremediation through advanced biotechnological tools. Dr. Khatun has worked extensively in academia and research institutions, collaborating on projects worldwide. She has received numerous fellowships, including a Visiting Research Scholar Fellowship at Pennsylvania State University, USA. Passionate about innovation, she is actively involved in mentoring young scientists and has contributed significantly to molecular biology and biotechnology research.

professional profiles📖

ORCID

Education 🎓

Dr. Mst. Muslima Khatun earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), India, and Dhaka University, Bangladesh, focusing on mitochondrial small heat shock protein genes for abiotic stress tolerance in eggplant. She obtained her M.Sc. in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering from Islamic University, Bangladesh, with a CGPA of 3.83/4.00, and her B.Sc. in the same field from the same university, graduating with first-class honors. Her academic journey has been defined by a deep interest in molecular genetics, proteomics, metabolomics, and synthetic biology, which she has pursued with dedication and excellence.

work Experience💼

Dr. Khatun has an extensive research background spanning over a decade. She currently serves as a Senior Scientific Officer at NIB, Bangladesh, where she leads research on molecular biotechnology, plant stress adaptation, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. She was a Visiting Research Scientist at Pennsylvania State University, USA, working on abiotic stress impacts on Theobroma cacao through proteomics and metabolomics. Additionally, she served as Project Director for an Annual Development Project (ADP) funded by the Government of Bangladesh, establishing advanced proteomics and metabolomics research facilities. Her previous roles include Research Scientist at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), India, and Scientific Officer at NIB, contributing to genetic engineering, abiotic stress tolerance, and pro-vitamin A enhancement in crops.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Khatun has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Women’s Young Investigator Travel Award (WYITA) from the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) in 2025 and the Institutional Integrity Award (2021-2022) from NIB, Bangladesh. She was awarded a Visiting Research Scholar Fellowship by Penn State Plant Sciences Institute, USA, and received the Doctoral Fellowship from Bangabandhu Science and Technology Fellowship Trust (2020-2023). She was also honored by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for her outstanding achievements in science and technology. Additionally, she has received research fellowships from NAM S&T Centre, India, and Indo-Bangladesh collaborative projects.

 

Research Focus

Dr. Khatun’s research is centered on plant genetic engineering, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, and synthetic biology. She is particularly interested in developing high-yielding and stress-tolerant crops through precision breeding. Her work involves understanding the complex molecular networks in plant-biotic and abiotic stress interactions and implementing genome editing for crop improvement. She has contributed significantly to transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics. Her projects include CRISPR/Cas9 editing of rice starch enzymes for diabetes-friendly rice, metabolic profiling using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, and the development of synthetic endolysins as potent antimicrobials.

Skills 💡

Dr. Khatun possesses expertise in genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9), plant molecular biology, transcriptomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics. She has hands-on experience in metabolomics using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, plant tissue culture, and genetic transformation. Her skillset includes experimental design, grant writing, manuscript preparation, data analysis, and supervising research teams. She is proficient in using advanced biotechnological tools such as Digital Droplet PCR, high-performance chromatography techniques, and fluorescence microscopy. Additionally, she has experience in research project management, laboratory setup, and conducting training programs for scientists and students.

 

Conclusion✅

Dr. Mst. Muslima Khatun is a highly deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her groundbreaking work in plant biotechnology, leadership in scientific research, and international recognition highlight her as a top contender. While she excels in academic and applied research, expanding her impact on policy and industry applications could further enhance her contributions to global food security and sustainable agriculture.

 

📚Publications to Noted

 

An Improved Agrobacterium Mediated Transformation and Regeneration Protocol for Successful Genetic Engineering and CRISPR/Cas9 Based Genome Editing in Eggplant

Authors: M. M. Khatun, Bhabesh Borphukan, Iftekhar Alam, C. A. Keya, Haseena Khan, M. K. Reddy, Md. Salimullah

Year: 2022

Mitochondria-Targeted SmsHSP24.1 Overexpression Stimulates Early Seedling Vigor and Stress Tolerance by Multi-Pathway Transcriptome-Reprogramming

Authors: M. M. Khatun, Bhabesh Borphukan, Iftekhar Alam, C. A. Keya, Saaimatul Huq, V. Panditi, Haseena Khan, M. K. Reddy, Md. Salimullah

Year: 2021

First Report of Colletotrichum siamense Causing Leaf Spot in Aloe vera in Bangladesh

Authors: Rumana Azad, Amir Hamza, M. M. Khatun, et al.

Year: 2020

In Vitro Regeneration of Two High-Yielding Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Varieties of Bangladesh

Authors: M. M. Khatun

Year: 2018

Additive Effect of Coconut Water with Various Hormones on In Vitro Regeneration of Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.)

Authors: M. M. Khatun, P. K. Roy, Abdur M. Razzak

Year: 2018

Evaluation of Genetic Fidelity of In Vitro-Propagated Aloe vera Plants Using DNA-Based Markers

Authors: M. M. Khatun, T. Tanny, S. Yesmin, M. Salimullah, I. Alam

Year: 2018

In Vitro Clonal Propagation of BARI Ada-1 (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)

Authors: M. M. Khatun

Year: 2016

Standardization of In Vitro Sterilization Procedures for Micropropagation of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)

Authors: M. M. Khatun

Year: 2016