Professor Se-Kwon Kim stands as a preeminent leader in marine biotechnology with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. He currently serves as a Professor at Hanyang University while maintaining significant contributions through his previous role as Senior Professor at Pukyong National University. As Director of the Marine Bioprocess Research Center, he has established himself as a pioneering figure in harnessing marine resources for human health applications. His academic journey has been dedicated to exploring the vast potential of ocean-derived compounds that cannot be replicated in terrestrial organisms. This strategic focus has positioned him at the forefront of translating marine biochemistry into practical solutions for global health challenges.
With an impressive scholarly output comprising more than 550 research papers, 140 patents, and over 50 authored or edited books, Professor Kim's scientific contributions have significantly advanced the field of marine-derived biomaterials. His groundbreaking development of the first continuous chitooligosaccharides production system utilizing enzymatic processes and membrane bioreactor technology represents a major technical achievement with wide-ranging applications. This innovative system enables the production of precisely calibrated molecular weights of COS with demonstrated biological activities including anticancer, antioxidant, antihypertension, and anti-dementia properties. The practical impact of his research is evident in the successful technology transfer to industry for mass production and commercial applications of marine-derived health products.
Professor Kim's work has yielded numerous commercially viable products including hair growth tonics and liver health supplements that demonstrate the tangible benefits of marine biotechnology. His research philosophy centers on the sustainable utilization of underexploited marine resources such as crustaceans, algae, and fish found abundantly along the southern Korean peninsula. By investigating how these marine organisms can be refined into valuable biomaterials, he continues to expand the frontiers of food science and chemistry with direct health applications. His ongoing projects focus on developing new functional foods and therapeutic agents while training the next generation of scientists in marine biotechnology. Professor Kim remains dedicated to unlocking the full potential of marine resources to address pressing global health challenges through innovative scientific approaches.
