In 2022 and 2023, 40 years after the establishment of the first SNU cell line, and 30 years after the establishment of KCLRF's Korean Cell Line Bank, the foundation, in collaboration with the Cancer Research Institute, awarded the SNU-Cell Line Research Award to a scientist who contributed to the advancement of life sciences through notable research using SNU cell lines.
In 2022, the award was presented to Professor Yoo-Sun Kim from Ajou University School of Medicine for her paper, RIPK3 Activation Induces TRIM28 Derepression in Cancer Cells and Enhances the Anti-tumor Microenvironment. Molecular Cancer 2021;20:107. In 2023, the award was presented to Professor Jung-Won Lee from Seoul National University College of Pharmacy for her paper, Transmembrane 4 L Six Family Member 5 Senses Arginine for mTORC1 Signaling. Cell Metabolism 2019;29:1306-1319.
Starting in 2024, to promote a broader range of research involving domestic cell lines, organoids, and stem cell lines, KCLRF will expand its awards program by the introduction of 2 new awards. In honor of Chairman Shin Sun Ho, a supporter of the foundation's mission, KCLRF will present the Shin Sun Ho Korean Cell Line Research Award to a scientist who has contributed to the advancement of life sciences using domestic cell lines, organoids, or stem cell lines, and the Shin Sun Ho Young Investigator Award to young researchers who have achieved outstanding research outcomes using these materials.
『The Shin Sun Ho Korean Cell Line Research Award』
Eligibility: Scientists who have published a paper as a corresponding author in a high-impact SCIE journal (Impact Factor ≥ 20, based on the latest JCR data, including e-published articles) between 2020 and 2025, utilizing cell lines, organoids, or stem cell lines established in Korea.
If there are multiple corresponding authors for the paper, the application will be considered a joint submission, and the prize money will be evenly distributed among the corresponding authors. Alternatively, if the co-corresponding authors reach an agreement, one representative corresponding author may be designated as the award recipient.
Award: Certificate and prize of 10 million KRW
Award Date and Location: December 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM, 2th Floor, Samsung Cancer Research Building, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University
Submission Materials: Curriculum vitae and PDF of the nominated paper. Submit via email.
Submission Deadline: November 30, 2025
Contact: kclresearchaward@gmail.com, 02-3668-7905, 7914
『The Shin Sun Ho Young Investigator Award』
Eligibility: Graduate students or graduates under the age of 45 who have published a paper as the first author in a high-impact SCIE journal (Impact Factor ≥ 10, based on the latest JCR data, including e-published articles) between 2020 and 2025. The paper must utilize cell lines, organoids, or stem cell lines established in Korea, and the applicant must have a recommendation from the corresponding author.
If there are multiple first authors, the application will be considered a joint submission, and the prize money will be evenly distributed among the first authors. Alternatively, if the co-first authors reach an agreement, one representative first author may be designated as the award recipient.
Award: Certificate and prize of 5 million KRW
Award Date and Location: December 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM, 2nd Floor, Samsung Cancer Research Building, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University
Submission Materials: Curriculum vitae, PDF of the nominated paper, and Recommendation letter from the corresponding author. Submit via email.
Submission Deadline: November 30, 2025
Contact: kclresearchaward@gmail.com, 02-3668-7905, 7914