Director KOH Gou Young of the Center for Vascular Research within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and Distinguished Professor at KAIST Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering has been elected as a foreign member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO). He is the second Korean scientist to receive this honor, following Director KIM V. Narry of the IBS Center for RNA Research and Distinguished Professor at Seoul National University.

Director Koh is renowned for his pioneering research in vascular and lymphatic systems, including elucidating waste clearance pathways in the brain and survival strategies of cancer cells in lymph nodes. His contributions have earned him global recognition as a leading physician-scientist, as well as a mentor to future medical scientists. In 2023, he was awarded the 'Korea's Top Scientist Award' in acknowledgment of his achievements.

Established in 1964, EMBO is an international scholarly organization representing the field of molecular biology. It aims to promote cooperation and advancement in the field, supporting talented researchers at various career levels, facilitating information exchange, and encouraging scientific publications to help scientists achieve their highest research potential.

Each year, EMBO elects outstanding scientists who have made significant contributions to the life sciences. Currently, the organization includes over 2,100 of the world’s top researchers, with 92 Nobel Prize winners among its members.

This year, 120 new members from 37 countries were elected to EMBO, with 100 selected from the organization’s 24 member states and 20 elected as foreign members from 13 non-member states. Director Fiona WATT of EMBO praised the newly elected members, stating, “The newly elected members have made tremendous contributions to fundamental life science research, and their work has led to innovations that improve lives and living conditions globally. As EMBO celebrates its 60th anniversary, we commend the roles played by our members in enhancing international life science research and contributing to EMBO's mission.”

Director Koh will commence his official activities at the EMBO Members’ Meeting in Heidelberg, Germany, from October 29 to November 1.