ASAN Medical Prizes Announce 2025 Winners for Excellence in Medicine
Seoul, Tuesday, 21 January 2025.
Professors Karl Deisseroth and Ahn Myung-ju honored for groundbreaking work in optogenetics and lung cancer treatments. Ceremony to take place on March 18 in Seoul.
Pioneering Innovations in Basic Medicine
Professor Karl Deisseroth of Stanford University has been recognized for his revolutionary contributions to optogenetics, a field he founded that has transformed neuroscience research [1]. Over the past two decades, Deisseroth developed genetic technology that enables control of biological tissue cells using light-responsive proteins [2]. His groundbreaking 2005 publication in Nature Neuroscience demonstrated successful behavioral control in mice using blue-light protein transplanted from green algae into nerve cells [2]. Deisseroth’s work has garnered over 10,000 citations, marking its profound impact on biological research [1].
Clinical Excellence in Oncology
Professor Ahn Myung-ju from Samsung Medical Center has earned recognition for her exceptional contributions to lung and head and neck cancer treatment [1]. Her most notable achievement came in 2023 with the publication of clinical trial results for tarlatamab in the New England Journal of Medicine, addressing small cell lung cancer, a particularly aggressive form with historically poor survival rates [1][2]. Her research has been instrumental in advancing targeted therapies and immuno-oncology treatments, leading to significant breakthroughs in patient care [1].
Fostering Next-Generation Medical Innovation
The ASAN Foundation has also recognized emerging talent with its Young Medical Person Award, designated for scholars under 45 years of age [2]. Recipients include Professor Park Yong-keun (44) of KAIST, who developed advanced holography technology for 3D imaging of cells and tissues, and Professor Choi Hong-yoon (38) of Seoul National University Hospital, who combines nuclear medicine molecular imaging with AI applications [1]. Their selection reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting innovative approaches in medical research and clinical practice.
Award Ceremony and Recognition
The prestigious awards ceremony is scheduled for March 18, 2025, at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul [1][2]. The Foundation has allocated substantial prizes to recognize these achievements, with Professor Deisseroth receiving $250,000, Professor Ahn awarded 300 million won, and Professors Park and Choi each receiving 50 million won [1][2]. This recognition represents a total investment of approximately 534722.222 million won in advancing medical science [1].