Professor Kwak Suryang of the Department of Convergence Bioengineering at Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) has been named to the “2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists” list, jointly announced by Stanford University and Elsevier. The “World’s Top 2% Scientists” list identifies the top 2% of researchers with the highest research impact in each academic field by comprehensively analyzing researchers’ citation metrics and research achievements based on Elsevier’s Scopus database.
 
Professor Kwak has been conducting interdisciplinary research that designs functional microorganisms and biomaterials based on synthetic biology and computational biology, and verifies their precision medical efficacy using multi-omics approaches. Notable achievements include a study elucidating the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation on the gut microbiome and the antibiotic-resistant gene pool (resistome) (Microbiome, 2020) and a study that metabolically engineered yeast cell wall oligosaccharides to elucidate and enhance their prebiotic functions (Biomaterials, 2022).
 
Currently, Professor Kwak’s laboratory is conducting research in two areas—“Microbiome Restoration and Optimization” and “Production of Microbial-Based Functional Materials”—with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.
 
First, in the “Microbiome Restoration and Optimization” field, the team is evaluating the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics on the human gut microbiome through clinical and multi-omics analyses, and is developing designer probiotics with therapeutic or diagnostic functions.
 
In the “Production of Microbial-Based Functional Materials” field, the team is identifying novel biosynthetic genes from metagenomic data and developing precision fermentation technologies to produce high-value health functional and pharmaceutical materials. Additionally, the team is conducting research on next-generation antimicrobial platforms that modify yeast cell surface substances to support beneficial gut bacteria or selectively control specific pathogens.
 
Professor Kwak’s research is also aligned with “KMU VISION 2035: EDGE,” the mid- to long-term development plan that Kookmin University is pursuing in celebration of its 80th anniversary. Kookmin University has designated biotechnology as one of its eight specialized fields and is strengthening its related educational and research capabilities. In particular, Professor Kwak’s research—based on synthetic biology and computational biology—is expected to contribute to strengthening interdisciplinary research capabilities in the biotechnology field by extending basic research on microorganisms and biomaterials into the fields of precision medicine and healthcare.
 
Professor  Kwak Suryang stated, “I am grateful and delighted that the achievements we have built together with my lab students and domestic and international collaborators have been recognized,” adding, “I will continue to develop this research to bridge the gap between the laboratory and industry and to include clinical validation, so that the microorganisms and materials designed in our lab can lead to tangible improvements in human health.”

△ Photo: Professor Kwak Suryang, Department of Convergence Bioengineering, Kookmin University