Jo Wankyu, Inaugural President of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, Passes Away

A Pioneer in Biology and Science Administration
Passes Away at 98

Jo Wankyu, a pioneering figure in Korean biology and the inaugural president of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, passed away in the early hours of July 13. He was 98 years old.

The Korean Academy of Science and Technology announced that its first president, Jo, passed away peacefully at 3:30 a.m. on this day.

Jo Wankyu, the inaugural President of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology. Provided by the Academy

A trailblazer in basic biological research, Jo served as the 18th president of Seoul National University, the 32nd Minister of Education, and the inaugural president of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, leaving a profound mark on the advancement of science, technology, and education in Korea. In recognition of these contributions, he was designated a National Scientist of Korea in 2017.

Born in 1928 in Hwanghae Province, Jo graduated from the Department of Biology at Seoul National University and earned both his master's and doctoral degrees from his alma mater. Appointed as a professor at Seoul National University in 1968, he contributed to the development of developmental biology by elucidating key mechanisms regulating the maturation process of mammalian oocytes and developing new culture methods for oocytes and embryos. Over 36 years of teaching, he mentored more than 50 students, who are known as the "Seollang disciples," named after his pen name, and who continue to lead research in developmental biology both domestically and internationally.

In addition to his research, Jo made significant contributions to science and technology policy and educational administration. In the 1980s, he led the enactment of the Genetic Engineering Promotion Act, laying the institutional foundation for biotechnology research in Korea. In 1991, he established the Korea Bio Industry Organization, promoting industry-academia collaboration and the growth of the bio industry. He also served as president of the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies and as chairman of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) Korea Support Committee, contributing to the advancement of science and technology and the expansion of international cooperation.

Notably, upon the founding of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology in 1994, Jo became its inaugural president, playing a pivotal role in expanding international academic exchanges and elevating the status of Korea's science and technology community.

To honor his lifetime achievements, Jo's funeral will be held in accordance with the protocols of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.