KAIST, South Korea's leading science and technology university, announced Sunday that Distinguished Professor Lee Sang-yup of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, who also serves as Vice President for Research, has been appointed Co-Editor-in-Chief of *Current Opinion in Biotechnology*, a globally authoritative biotechnology review journal. His term runs through December 2028 and may be renewed by mutual agreement.
The appointment is significant as it represents international recognition of Lee's accumulated academic achievements and global research leadership in biotechnology, placing him in a pivotal role overseeing the editorial direction of a major world-class academic journal.
*Current Opinion in Biotechnology*, published by global academic publisher Elsevier, is a leading review journal that has surveyed the latest research trends across all areas of biotechnology since its founding in 1990. The journal exclusively publishes review-by-invitation papers, in which top experts in each field systematically analyze and present research developments from the past three to five years.
The journal covers not only Lee's primary areas of expertise — metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, industrial biotechnology, and bioenergy — but also a wide range of fields including pharmaceutical biotechnology, analytical biotechnology, and environmental biotechnology. More recently, it has spotlighted emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence-based bio research, sustainable biomanufacturing, and the microbiome.
Ranked in the top quartile (Q1, top 25%) in the biotechnology and applied microbiology category, the journal is considered one of the first references global researchers consult to stay abreast of the latest research trends.
As Co-Editor-in-Chief, Lee will set the journal's academic direction, plan key review topics, and invite world-renowned researchers to serve as guest editors or authors — a role that directly shapes the journal's quality and influence. In invitation-based review journals, the editor-in-chief's academic insight and global network are considered core elements of a journal's competitiveness.
Lee is a world-renowned scholar who pioneered the field of systems metabolic engineering and has led the development of technologies for producing chemicals, fuels, and materials using microorganisms. He has generated numerous research outcomes with industrial applications, contributing not only to academic advances in biotechnology but also to building a sustainable bioeconomy.
"I accepted this appointment because it is an important opportunity to contribute to surveying the latest research trends in biotechnology and presenting future directions," Lee said. "I will strive to contribute to academic progress as well as sustainable bio-industry development through collaboration with global researchers."
Lee is expected to play a significant role in surveying global biotechnology research trends and charting future research directions. At the same time, the appointment is expected to further elevate the international standing of bio research in Korea and across Asia. Lee also serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of *Metabolic Engineering*, the top journal in the metabolic engineering field.
KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung said, "Professor Lee Sang-yup's appointment as Co-Editor-in-Chief is a prime example of KAIST's world-class research competitiveness and academic standing. KAIST will continue to lead global research and contribute to the advancement of future science and technology."