2024 New Year's Message

Dear Esteemed Members of the Korean Society of Stem Cells, and Domestic and International Stem Cell Researchers, Greetings on this auspicious day of the 'Blue Dragon Sea' in the year of Gapjin (甲辰年) 2024. As we welcome the new year, I extend my heartfelt wishes for good health and success to each one of you.

Reflecting upon the challenges and triumphs of 2023, it was a pivotal year marked by the collective efforts of former Chairman Kim Jae-ho and past presidents. Despite the hurdles posed by the prolonged COVID-19 crisis, their dedication bore fruit with the successful annual conference held in August at BEXCO, Busan. The record-breaking participation and vibrant booths underscored the strength of our society, hitherto not fully realized.

In 2024, I am optimistic that our society will continue to evolve both qualitatively and quantitatively. While the era of COVID-19 may be concluding, I anticipate potential difficulties arising from unilateral R&D discussions by the government. However, recognizing crises as opportunities, I, as the president, am committed to ensuring that our members face no obstacles in their research pursuits.

Starting with the Winter Conference, I aim to chart the course for upcoming conferences through collaborative workshops with full-time and current chairpersons of the steering committee. Continuous educational symposiums, such as the Spring and Fall events, will be organized to facilitate practical research. The pinnacle will be the successful hosting of the annual conference in August 2024, surpassing the achievements of the previous year.

The meticulous selection of the 14th Korean Society of Stem Cells chairpersons and members reflects their devotion and fidelity to the society. Beyond traditional roles like research presentations and information exchange, we aspire to contribute significantly to the training and education of human resources, aligning with the Advanced Regenerative Biology Act.

In 2024, our external standing is expected to elevate through collaborations with the Korea-China-Japan trilateral Federation of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (AASCRM), the International Society of Stem Cells (ISSCR), and the Singapore Society of Stem Cells (SCSS), with whom we signed an MOU in 2021. Gratitude is extended to over 60 sponsors, including Thermo, Satorius, BMS, and EXEL Therapeutics, ensuring stable financing. The KASCRM's support, comprising about 30 companies related to stem cell regeneration, will play a pivotal role in future clinical and industrial advancements. We anticipate expanding existing awards, such as the EXEL Therapeutics Next-Generation Researcher Award and the Ungbee Next-Generation Researcher Award. Encouraging participation from government agencies, including the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the pan-ministerial renewable medical technology development project group, the Advanced Regenerative Medical Clinical Project group, the Korea Research Foundation of the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (Korea Health Industry Promotion Agency), will contribute to the qualitative and quantitative growth of our society.

Our restructured website aims to enhance information exchange and communication, ensuring systematic membership management for increased participation and satisfaction. Active involvement of young scientists, female scientists, overseas researchers, and local researchers is anticipated.The IJSC Journal will undergo efforts for a qualitative leap forward and enhanced status under the guidance of the dedicated editorial board.The 14th Korean Stem Cell Society, with its potential for continuous development, is dedicated to growth and progress in collaboration with the 14th generation management team. I seek your warm interest and support on this journey.

May the year of the blue dragon (甲辰年) bring happiness and success to each one of you.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

President of the Korean Stem Cell Society Choi Dong-ho