South Korean Trainee Wins Top Award for Protein Supplement Safety Research

A trainee from South Korea's Research Equipment Specialist Training Program has won a top national award. Lee Myung-chul received the Minister of Science and ICT Award at the International Research Industry Convention 2025. His project focused on analysing protein supplements for accuracy and safety. Lee Myung-chul is currently training at the Institute for Standard Analysis in Incheon. The programme aims to develop engineers with hands-on expertise in research equipment. Each year, the institute recruits new trainees for specialised instruction.

Lee's winning project involved verifying protein levels and detecting heavy metals in supplements. He used techniques like elemental analysis (EA), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). His work secured first place, earning him the Minister's Award. Before joining the programme, Lee graduated from the Department of Biotechnology. The training scheme boasts an employment rate of around 80% for its graduates.

The award highlights Lee's precision in testing protein supplements for quality and contamination. His success also reflects the programme's focus on practical, industry-ready skills. The Institute for Standard Analysis continues to train specialists for research and industrial roles.