South Korean trainee wins top science award for protein supplement safety research

A trainee from South Korea's Research Equipment Specialist Training Program has won a top national award. Lee Myung-chul, a scholar from the Department of Biotechnology, received the Minister of Science and ICT Award at the International Research Industry Convention 2025. His project focused on analysing protein supplements for quality and safety, using advanced techniques like EA, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and ICP-OES to quantify protein levels and detect heavy metals.

Lee Myung-chul, currently training at the Institute for Standard Analysis in Incheon, won first place with his project, Quantification of Protein and Detection of Heavy Metals in Protein Supplements. The Research Equipment Specialist Training Program, led by Professor Yong-sun Kim, combines theoretical study with practical experience to develop skilled engineers with hands-on expertise. The Institute for Standard Analysis reports an average graduate employment rate of around 80%.

Professor Kim highlighted the program's impact, noting that trainees gain strong technical abilities. Lee's achievement reflects the training's effectiveness in preparing specialists for real-world research challenges. The award recognises Lee Myung-chul's work in improving supplement safety through precise analysis, and his success underscores the program's role in producing capable research equipment engineers. Graduates from the initiative continue to secure high employment rates in the field.