AI-Powered Breakthrough in Protein Design Wins 2025 ASPIRE Prize

South Korea- A young scientist from the Republic of Korea has been awarded the 2025 APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research, and Education (ASPIRE) for pioneering the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in protein design to accelerate the development of sustainable medicines and materials.

Dr Minkyung Baek, assistant professor at Seoul National University, focuses her research on AI-powered protein structure prediction and design, helping accelerate vaccine development and expand access to advanced research methods.

“Our AI tool, RoseTTAFold, helps scientists ‘see’ the shapes of proteins, which are the building blocks of life,” said Dr Baek. “By understanding these shapes, researchers can design better vaccines, discover new medicines, and even create proteins that nature hasn’t made before. This means faster progress in tackling diseases and developing treatments that could improve lives across the region.”

This year’s prize theme, “Toward AI-Bio Convergence: AI-based Inclusive Biotechnology Solving Social Challenges,” reflects the growing importance of cross-disciplinary research in tackling global challenges. The convergence of biotechnology with artificial intelligence is expected to transform industries, from pharmaceuticals and agriculture to energy and climate science.

“The convergence of AI and biotechnology is opening new pathways to solve health and societal challenges,” said Hazami Habib, Chair of APEC’s Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI). “Dr Baek’s work demonstrates how convergence of technologies and international collaboration can accelerate discovery and encourage scientific excellence by addressing real-world social challenges through cross-border, interdisciplinary efforts.”

The ASPIRE Prize, which includes USD25,000, is sponsored this year by the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea. The announcement of this prize was made in Incheon, last month, on the margins of the Third APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings.

“AI-bio convergence is a strategic priority for our region’s next decade of innovation,” said Hyuk-Chae Koo, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea. He stressed that by supporting young scientists and researchers who share tools and insights widely, APEC economies can lay stronger foundations for resilient health systems, competitive industries, and evidence-based policymaking. He reaffirmed the importance of building an inclusive innovation ecosystem where everyone can grow together by fostering young scientists/researchers and promoting regional cooperation.

“I would like to emphasize that ASPIRE plays a vital role in fostering young scientific leaders and strengthening regional innovation networks,” said Ji-Woong Yoon, President of Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) of the Republic of Korea. He noted that 2025 ASPIRE theme reflects the APEC regions’ collective aspiration to find sustainable and inclusive solutions.

ASPIRE is awarded annually to young scientists and researchers who demonstrate excellence in research and international cooperation. It is administered by APEC’s Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation, contributing to APEC’s vision of an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.

Administered by the PPSTI, ASPIRE honors early-career scientists who combine research excellence with international cooperation, advancing APEC’s long-term vision for an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific.