American Research Foundation Establishes

‘Han-Mo Koo Memorial Award’

 

 

In 2010, the Van Andel Institute (VAI), a non-profit research foundation located in the state of Michigan, established the Han-Mo Koo Memorial Award to commemorate the legacy and scientific achievements of Yonsei alumnus Han-Mo Koo.

 

After graduating from Yonsei’s Department of Biology in 1986, Koo went to the U.S. and received his Ph.D. from Rutgers University in New Jersey. He then received post-doctoral training at the National Cancer Institute. In 1999, Koo was invited to join the newly-established VAI as one of its lead researchers. Koo soon became a pioneer in the field of cancer pharmacogenetics, leading research on the identification of genetic targets for the development of cancer treatments for melanoma and pancreatic cancer. Sadly, in May 2004, Koo passed away after a six-month battle with cancer.

 

Each May, the VAI gives out its Han-Mo Koo Memorial Award to an outstanding scientist who contributes to enhancing human health and human lives. This year’s recipient was Dr. Matthew L. Meyerson of Harvard Medical School. An internationally renowned researcher, Dr. Meyerson was awarded for building on Koo’s research.