Young-Hee Kang | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Young-Hee Kang | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Hallym University, South Korea

Dr. Young-Hee Kang, Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher and academic in the field of nutrition and metabolic diseases. With a career spanning over three decades, she has made significant contributions to understanding the role of nutrition in chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and respiratory disorders. Currently serving as a Chair Professor at Hallym University, Dr. Kang has held various leadership positions, including Dean of Academic Affairs, Brain Korea 21 Plus Team Director, and President of the Korean Nutrition Society. Her research has been widely recognized through prestigious awards, and she has been actively involved in national and international scientific communities. Through her extensive work in nutritional science, she has influenced both academic research and public health policies, making her one of the leading figures in the field.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Kang completed her Ph.D. in Nutrition from Rutgers University, USA, in 1988, following her M.Sc. in Nutrition from Drexel University and a B.Sc. in Food and Nutrition from Seoul National University, Korea. Her academic journey reflects a strong foundation in nutrition science and metabolism, which has guided her research and teaching career. Throughout her education, she gained expertise in biochemical and clinical nutrition, which later became the cornerstone of her work in understanding oxidative stress, inflammatory diseases, and metabolic disorders. Her studies in the U.S. and Korea have provided her with a global perspective on nutrition research, enabling her to contribute to both local and international scientific advancements in public health and disease prevention.

Professional Experience

Dr. Kang has an impressive academic and research career, having held various leadership positions at Hallym University, where she has served as Department Chairperson, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Director of Brain Korea 21 Research Teams. She has also contributed as a visiting scholar at the University of Hospital Grosshadern in Germany and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in the U.S. Her professional experience extends beyond academia, as she has been involved in editorial boards, scientific committees, and policy advisory groups, ensuring that her research findings translate into real-world applications. As a Fellow of The Korean Academy of Science and Technology, she has played a key role in advancing research, education, and innovation in nutrition science, positioning herself as a thought leader in the field.

Research Interests

Dr. Kang’s research focuses on the role of nutrition in metabolic diseases, with particular emphasis on atherosclerosis, diabetic complications, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia. Her work explores the mechanisms of lipoprotein oxidation, endothelial apoptosis, and macrophage phenotypes, providing critical insights into how diet influences chronic disease progression. Additionally, she has investigated plant-based bioactive compounds and their therapeutic effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disorders. Her research has led to the development of novel dietary interventions, advancing the understanding of functional foods and personalized nutrition. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, she continues to explore innovative approaches to disease prevention and health promotion, impacting both academia and public health policy.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Kang has received numerous prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions to nutrition science. Notable honors include the Korean Nutrition Society Achievement Award (2021), the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition Academic Award (2020), and the World Vision President Award (2018). She has also been recognized by The Korean Academy of Science and Technology as a Fellow (2014) and received the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs Minister’s Award (2013) for her contributions to food and health research. Additionally, her work has been highlighted by Faculty of 1000 Biology for its impact on nutrition and metabolism research. With a distinguished record of accomplishments, Dr. Kang remains a leading figure in the field, continuously advancing scientific knowledge and improving global health through her research.

Conclusion

Dr. Young-Hee Kang is a highly accomplished researcher with exceptional contributions to nutrition, metabolic diseases, and public health. Her strong research impact, leadership, and numerous awards make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Further international recognition and industry collaborations could further solidify her standing as a leading global scientist.

Publications Top Noted

  • Kim, D.Y., Park, S.-H., Yoon, Z., Kim, J., Kang, M.-K., & Kang, Y.-H. (2024). Eucalyptol ameliorates retinal microvascular defects through modulating ER stress and Angiopoietin–Tie signaling in diabetic eyes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147826

  • Oh, M.-S., Kim, S.-I., Sim, Y.E., Park, S.-H., Kang, M.-K., Kang, I.-J., Sung, L.S., & Kang, Y.-H. (2023). Cirsium Setidens water extracts containing linarin block estrogen deprivation-induced bone loss in mice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021620

  • Kim, S.-I., Park, S.-H., Na, W., Shin, Y.C., Oh, M.-S., Sim, Y.E., Zheng, Y., Kim, A.H., Kang, I.-J., & Kang, Y.-H. (2022). Dietary collagen hydrolysates retard estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss through blocking osteoclastic activation and enhancing osteoblastic matrix mineralization. Biomedicines. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061382

  • Na, W., Kang, M.-K., Park, S.-H., Kim, D.Y., Oh, S.Y., Oh, M.-S., Park, S., Kang, I.-J., & Kang, Y.-H. (2021). Aesculetin accelerates osteoblast differentiation and matrix-vesicle-mediated mineralization. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212391

  • Kang, M.-K., Kim, D.-Y., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., Na, W., Park, S.-H., Park, K., Kim, J.-I., Kim, A.-H., et al. (2021). Dietary collagen hydrolysates ameliorate furrowed and parched skin caused by photoaging in hairless mice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116137

  • Lee, E.-J., Na, W., Kang, M.-K., Kim, Y.-H., Kim, D.-Y., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., Park, S., Park, K., et al. (2021). Hydroxycoumarin Scopoletin inhibits bone loss through enhancing induction of bone turnover markers in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. Biomedicines. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060648

  • Kim, Y.-H., Kang, M.-K., Lee, E.-J., Kim, D.-Y., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., Na, W., Shim, J.-H., Kang, I.-J., et al. (2021). Astragalin inhibits cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary thrombosis and alveolar inflammation and disrupts PAR activation and oxidative stress-responsive MAPK-signaling. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073692

  • Oh, S.-Y., Kim, Y.-H., Kang, M.-K., Lee, E.-J., Kim, D.-Y., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Na, W., Kang, I.-J., & Kang, Y.-H. (2021). Aesculetin inhibits airway thickening and mucus overproduction induced by urban particulate matter through blocking inflammation and oxidative stress involving TLR4 and EGFR. Antioxidants. DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030494

  • Na, W., Lee, E.-J., Kang, M.-K., Kim, Y.-H., Kim, D.-Y., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., & Kang, Y.-H. (2020). Aesculetin inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption through blocking ruffled border formation and lysosomal trafficking. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228581

  • Kang, M.-K., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., Na, W., & Kang, Y.-H. (2020). Tangeretin ameliorates glucose-induced podocyte injury through blocking epithelial to mesenchymal transition caused by oxidative stress and hypoxia. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228577

  • Kim, D.Y., Kang, M.-K., Lee, E.-J., Kim, Y.-H., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., Na, W., & Kang, Y.-H. (2020). Eucalyptol inhibits amyloid-β-induced barrier dysfunction in glucose-exposed retinal pigment epithelial cells and diabetic eyes. Antioxidants. DOI: 10.3390/antiox9101000

  • Oh, S.-Y., Kim, Y.-H., Kang, M.-K., Lee, E.-J., Kim, D.-Y., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Na, W., & Kang, Y.-H. (2020). Aesculetin attenuates alveolar injury and fibrosis induced by close contact of alveolar epithelial cells with blood-derived macrophages via IL-8 signaling. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155518

  • Oh, H., Park, S.-H., Kang, M.-K., Kim, Y.-H., Lee, E.-J., Kim, D.-Y., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., Na, W., Sung, L.S., et al. (2020). Asaronic acid inhibited glucose-triggered M2-phenotype shift through disrupting the formation of coordinated signaling of IL-4Rα-Tyk2-STAT6 and GLUT1-Akt-mTOR-AMPK. Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu12072006

  • Lee, E.-J., Kang, M.-K., Kim, Y.-H., Kim, D.-Y., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., Na, W., & Kang, Y.-H. (2020). Coumarin ameliorates impaired bone turnover by inhibiting the formation of advanced glycation end products in diabetic osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Biomolecules. DOI: 10.3390/biom10071052

 

Harry Jarrett | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Harry Jarrett | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Head of Science and Research at Heights, United Kingdom

Dr. Harry Jarrett is a passionate scientist with a focus on nutritional research, particularly in the context of chronic disease prevention. He believes that optimizing nutrition can significantly reduce the risk of prevalent health issues. With a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from Ulster University and a strong academic background, Dr. Jarrett has combined clinical and research expertise to contribute to the field of nutrition. His work spans various roles, including his current position as Head of Science and Research at Heights, where he leads human intervention trials and drives product development. Additionally, Dr. Jarrett has substantial experience in the medical field, including his work as a COVID-19 Research Laboratory Coordinator during the pandemic. His career is a testament to his commitment to advancing nutrition science and its real-world applications, striving to make significant contributions to improving public health through research and innovation.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Jarrett completed his PhD in Nutritional Sciences at the Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health at Ulster University, where he focused on gene-environment interactions in blood pressure and stroke risk. His thesis investigated how riboflavin can lower systolic blood pressure, a significant finding in hypertension research. Prior to his PhD, he earned a Master’s degree in Exercise and Health Sciences from the University of Exeter, with a focus on nutrition’s impact on mental health and neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Jarrett also completed a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences from the University of Exeter, graduating with first-class honors. His academic journey has been marked by strong achievements, including a postgraduate scholarship, distinction profile, and recognition for his contributions to research. Throughout his education, Dr. Jarrett has demonstrated a deep commitment to exploring the intersections between nutrition, health, and disease prevention.

Professional Experience

Dr. Jarrett’s professional experience spans several prestigious institutions and roles. Currently, he serves as Head of Science and Research at Heights, where he is responsible for the strategic direction and execution of research projects, including human intervention trials focused on nutrition and health. He also coordinates the translation of scientific findings into products and marketing strategies. From 2021 to 2024, Dr. Jarrett worked as a COVID-19 Research Laboratory Coordinator at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, where he managed clinical trials during the pandemic and was responsible for writing protocols, securing ethical approvals, and overseeing research quality. He also held a postdoctoral position at the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food and Nutrition Research, where he led investigations into cardiovascular disease risk factors using data from the UK Biobank. Additionally, Dr. Jarrett has contributed to academia by mentoring students and delivering lectures on nutrition and B-vitamin biochemistry.

Research Interests

Dr. Jarrett’s primary research interest lies in the relationship between nutrition and chronic disease prevention, with a particular focus on cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation. His work has explored how micronutrients, especially B-vitamins like riboflavin, can impact blood pressure and metabolic function, offering new avenues for non-pharmacological interventions. His PhD research focused on understanding gene-environment interactions, specifically how certain genetic variations can influence an individual’s response to nutritional interventions. Dr. Jarrett is also interested in how nutrition can mitigate the effects of age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions and mental health disorders. His ongoing research involves human intervention trials to assess the efficacy of nutritional supplements in improving health outcomes. Additionally, he is involved in investigating large datasets, such as those from the UK Biobank, to uncover insights into the broader epidemiological relationships between diet and health.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Harry Jarrett has received numerous accolades throughout his academic and professional career, reflecting his exceptional research contributions. Notably, he was awarded the Best Poster award at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) conference for his work on folic acid and one-carbon metabolism. He also earned the Broadening Horizons Travel Bursary from Ulster University and a top-ranking young investigator abstract at the British and Irish Hypertension Society conference. Dr. Jarrett’s commitment to research excellence has earned him recognition from his peers and colleagues. His PhD research, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has been widely cited and demonstrates his capacity to contribute to significant scientific advancements. Additionally, he has received honors such as the Postgraduate Commendation from the University of Exeter, further acknowledging his academic excellence and dedication to the field of nutrition science.

Conclusion

Dr. Harry Jarrett is a well-rounded and accomplished researcher with a clear impact in the field of nutrition science. His combination of robust academic background, hands-on clinical experience, leadership in research, and commitment to advancing public health makes him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By enhancing his cross-disciplinary collaborations and expanding the visibility of his research, Dr. Jarrett has the potential to make even greater contributions to the field in the future.

Publications Top Noted

  • The Role of the Gut Microbiome and Probiotics in Sports Performance: A Narrative Review Update

    • Author(s): Harry Jarrett, Sophie Medlin, James C. Morehen
    • Year: 2025
    • Citation: Jarrett H, Medlin S, Morehen JC. The Role of the Gut Microbiome and Probiotics in Sports Performance: A Narrative Review Update. Nutrients. 2025;17(4):690. doi: 10.3390/nu17040690.
  • Survival of Probiotic Bacterial Cells in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract and the Effect of the Surviving Population on the Colonic Microbial Community Activity and Composition

    • Author(s): Marlies Govaert, Chloë Rotsaert, Chelsea Vannieuwenhuyse, Cindy Duysburgh, Sophie Medlin, Massimo Marzorati, Harry Jarrett
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Govaert M, Rotsaert C, Vannieuwenhuyse C, Duysburgh C, Medlin S, Marzorati M, Jarrett H. Survival of Probiotic Bacterial Cells in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract and the Effect of the Surviving Population on the Colonic Microbial Community Activity and Composition. Nutrients. 2024;16(8):2791. doi: 10.3390/nu16162791.
  • Magnesium in Human Health and Disease: A Review of Our Current Understanding

    • Author(s): Harry Jarrett, Ryan McNally, Anna Hernández-Rubio, Sally Brett, Luca Faconti
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Jarrett H, McNally R, Hernández-Rubio A, Brett S, Faconti L. Magnesium in Human Health and Disease: A Review of Our Current Understanding. EC Nutrition. 2024;23(7):2303-2315.
  • Association of dietary flavan-3-ol intakes with plasma phenyl-γ-valerolactones: analysis from the TUDA cohort of healthy older adults

    • Author(s): Donato Angelino, Aoife Caffrey, Helene McNulty, Chris IR. Gill, Pedro Mena, Alice Rosi, Katie Moore, Leane Hoey, Michelle Clements, Eamon Laird, et al.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citation: Angelino D, Caffrey A, McNulty H, Gill CIR, Mena P, Rosi A, Moore K, Hoey L, Clements M, Laird E, et al. Association of dietary flavan-3-ol intakes with plasma phenyl-γ-valerolactones: analysis from the TUDA cohort of healthy older adults. Am J Clin Nutr. 2023;118(2):426-438. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.06.006.
  • Vitamin B-6 and riboflavin, their metabolic interaction, and relationship with MTHFR genotype in adults aged 18-102 years

    • Author(s): Harry Jarrett, Helene McNulty, Catherine Hughes, Kristina Pentieva, James J. Strain, Anne Molloy, Aileen McCann, et al.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citation: Jarrett H, McNulty H, Hughes CF, Pentieva K, Strain JJ, Molloy A, McCann A, et al. Vitamin B-6 and riboflavin, their metabolic interaction, and relationship with MTHFR genotype in adults aged 18-102 years. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022;116(6):1422-1431. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac240.
  • Validity of plasma phenyl-γ-valerolactones as novel biomarkers of dietary (poly)phenols: Preliminary analysis from the VALID project

    • Author(s): B. Parmenter, K. Moore, D. Angelino, D. Del Rio, H. McNulty, A.M. Molloy, C. Cunningham, M. Ward, B. Pucci, H. Jarrett, et al.
    • Year: 2018
    • Citation: Parmenter B, Moore K, Angelino D, Del Rio D, McNulty H, Molloy AM, Cunningham C, Ward M, Pucci B, Jarrett H, et al. Validity of plasma phenyl-γ-valerolactones as novel biomarkers of dietary (poly)phenols: Preliminary analysis from the VALID project. Proc Nutr Soc. 2018;77(3):234-243. doi: 10.1017/s0029665118001040.
  • Blood pressure and hypertension in relation to cognitive performance in older Irish adults from the TUDA cohort: Preliminary analysis

    • Author(s): Harry Jarrett
    • Year: 2018
    • Citation: Jarrett H. Blood pressure and hypertension in relation to cognitive performance in older Irish adults from the TUDA cohort: Preliminary analysis. J Hum Hypertens. 2018;32(5):319-326. doi: 10.1038/s41371-018-0089-5.
  • Effect of B-vitamin Supplementation on Cognitive Performance and Brain Function in The BrainHOP Trial

    • Author(s): Katie Moore, Catherine Hughes, Kirsty Porter, Leanne Doherty, Pramod Gaur, Fergal Tracey, Maurice O’Kane, Harry Jarrett, Mary Ward, Leanne Hoey
    • Year: 2018
    • Citation: Moore K, Hughes C, Porter K, Doherty L, Gaur P, Tracey F, O’Kane M, Jarrett H, Ward M, Hoey L. Effect of B-vitamin Supplementation on Cognitive Performance and Brain Function in The BrainHOP Trial. Age Ageing. 2018;47(5):702-710. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afy141.35.