From left, Director C Justin LEE of the Center for Cognition and Sociality and Associate Director KIM Chang Young of the Center for Correlated Electron Systems

The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) is proud to announce that Director C Justin LEE of the Center for Cognition and Sociality and Associate Director KIM Chang Young of the Center for Correlated Electron Systems have both been honored with the '2023 Korea Science Award'.

The Korea Science Award rewards scientists who have achieved outstanding research accomplishments at a global level, contributing to the advancement of basic science research activities in Korea.

Director C Justin Lee's research focuses on severe reactive astrocytes^*, which are abnormally enlarged star cells in the brain. These cells generate toxic substances like hydrogen peroxide and induces dementia by causing the death of nerve cells. Furthermore, star cells produces inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), suppressing dopaminergic neurons and causing Parkinson's disease. His research on astrocytes is acclaimed for elucidating the causes of degenerative brain diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's, potentially leading to new strategies for treatment.

Vice Director KIM Chang Young has developed the world's first method for measuring the electronic structure of a single atomic layer thin strongly correlated material^*, which is an ideal two-dimensional system. His research demonstrates that even the same material can exhibit entirely different properties by controlling the dimensionality. By manipulating the structural changes and electric fields of atomic thin film materials, his work contributes to the development of various components and materials with new properties.

The award ceremony took place on November 9th during the opening ceremony of the '2023 Science and Technology Expo' at the National Science Museum of Korea. The event included the presentation of several awards, including the Korean Science Awards, Korean Engineering Awards (2 recipients), Young Scientist Awards (4 recipients), and Scientist of the Month Awards (6 recipients).

IBS Public Relations Team
William I. Suh

* astrocyte: Star-shaped non-neuronal cells that make up more than half of the cells in the brain

* strongly correlated material: A substance that exhibits unusual phenomena as electrons move strongly and interact with each other