생화학분자생물학회

Yoon Lim

University of South Australia

yoon.lim@unisa.edu.au

As one of the YSP Fellowship awardees, I had the extraordinary privilege of participating in the 2025 Young Scientist Program (YSP) before the FAOBMB 2025 in Busan, South Korea—my hometown. This prestigious event, held May 18-20 at Prestige Biopharma IDC, brought together over 60 early-career researchers and PhD students from across 16 countries for what would prove to be a truly transformative experience combining cutting-edge science with meaningful connections.

Professor Jun Kim (FAOBMB President) is giving a welcome speech at the YSP opening ceremony.

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The heart of YSP2025 lay in its exceptional scientific program. Participants were organised into seven dynamic research themes: vascular/development, metabolism, neuroscience, multi-omics, proteome, cancer/biotechnology, and immunology. The format was brilliantly designed—each of us presented both oral presentations and posters, creating a perfect synergy where short talks provided research snapshots, and poster sessions allowed for deep, detailed discussions about specific questions.

Welcome reception. From left: Yoon Lim (University of South Australia), Pamali Fonseka (La Trobe University), Bong-Kiun Kang (Seoul National University, KSBMB President), Francesca Alves (The University of Melbourne) and Daniel Fox (Monash University and the University of Melbourne)

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But the true highlights were the plenary lectures from Professor Marcia Haigis (Harvard University) and Professor Kazutoshi Mori (Kyoto University). These weren't just academic presentations—they were deeply personal journeys of scientific discovery. Professor Haigis touched my heart when she shared her story, growing up partly in Korea, and how finding the right mentors ignited her passion for science. Professor Mori's story was even more compelling—his account of challenging a high-profile scientist in protein quality control was both courageous and inspiring.

From both speakers, I learned a fundamental truth: success in science requires unwavering confidence and trust in our research, and steady dedication to our vision, regardless of the obstacles we face.

YSP2025 brilliantly demonstrated that great science happens not just in formal presentations, but in the spaces between. 

The networking opportunities were invaluable, creating connections that extend far beyond the three-day program. Conversations that began during coffee breaks continued through collaborative discussions that may well shape future research partnerships. Our tour of the IDC facilities and IDC seminar revealed how state-of-the-art biotech hubs operate in real-world drug discovery and development—a fascinating glimpse into where our research might lead

The social program was thoughtfully crafted: a vibrant K-pop dance performance, a warm welcome reception, a scenic city tour through Songdo's beautiful beach area, and an intimate hot pot dinner on our final night together.

K-POP dancers from Dong-A University are performing.

These were not just "fun activities"—they were opportunities to discuss our science in relaxed settings, and to build the personal connections that make scientific collaboration meaningful and lasting.

I am deeply grateful to the YSP co-chairs, Associate Professor Sung-Min Ahn and Assistant Professor Kyung-Sun Heo, along with all committee members who created such an inspiring and stimulating program. My thanks also go to IDC for providing an outstanding venue that perfectly supported both our scientific ambitions and community building.

The multi-omics team at the YSP.  From left: Hossain Muhammad Mosaraf (University of Chittagong), Yoon Lim, Seungchan An (Seoul National University), Farah Izana Abdullah (Halal Products Research Institute), Fangting Zuo (East China University of Science and Technology), Min Kyoung Lee (Ewha Women University), Darmawi Darmawi (University of Riau), Eun Young Jeon (Seoul National University) and Hae Seung Lee (Pusan National University).

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YSP2025 reminded me why I chose science: not just for the research itself, but for the community of curious, dedicated people working together to push the boundaries of knowledge. This program did not just highlight my career—it renewed my passion for the scientific journey ahead.