The Sukyoungbae Science Foundation, led by Chairman Suk Young-bae, announced on the 29th that it has launched the inaugural Osulloc Conference 2026: Genome Evolution. This international conference, themed around ‘Genome Evolution,’ is scheduled from April 29 to May 2 at the Osulloc Tea Factory in Jeju. The gathering features 35 participants, including 18 eminent scholars invited from around the world and 17 local bioscience researchers, aimed at enhancing collaborative discourse and partnerships in crucial scientific fields.

In line with its founding philosophy of 'another sky beyond the sky,' the Sukyoungbae Science Foundation has been dedicated to supporting young researchers who will lead the future of fundamental bioscience since its establishment in 2016. Over the past decade, the Foundation has selected 31 bioscientists as 'SUHF Fellows,' providing not only research funding but also creating a robust long-term research infrastructure. This initiative is pivotal to the advancement of the domestic bioscience research ecosystem, moving beyond mere financial support to fostering an environment conducive to independent and creative research endeavors.

The Osulloc Conference differentiates itself by being an exclusive, intimate event rather than a large scale convention, where all participants are housed in the same location to promote continuous engagement through presentations and discussions. This format encourages informal idea exchanges and explores new possibilities for collaborative research, making it pivotal for networking and scholarly engagement. The focus this year includes a diverse array of topics centered on genomics, covering subjects such as the origins of life, evolutionary biology, human migration, mutation occurrence, and advancements in genomic technologies.

Co-hosted by notable early-career scientists from the Foundation, including Lee Jung-ho from KAIST Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, and Joo Young-seok from the same institution, the conference enjoys participation from distinguished scholars at leading research institutions in the United States, the UK, and Japan. Key debates are spearheaded by experts such as Mike Stratton from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Charles Lee from The Jackson Laboratory, ensuring high-caliber intellectual exchange.

Chairman Suk Young-bae emphasized the importance of fostering connections among researchers on the occasion of the Foundation's 10th anniversary: “Recognizing the significance of creating a platform for researchers to meet and connect, we initiated the Osulloc Conference. Just like the barren tea fields of Jeju have flourished, I believe that the journey of a scientist also parallels a process of transcending moments of uncertainty.” He further expressed hope that the conference would serve as a catalyst for opening new avenues for researchers, affirming the Foundation's continued commitment to supporting ambitious scientific endeavors.

This inaugural event signals a strategic pivot in how scientific research can be integrated with collaborative frameworks, potentially reshaping funding mechanisms and fostering innovative ideas. The focus on building a sustainable research environment indicates a growing recognition of the importance of community-based research ecosystems in the competitive landscape of global bioscience, thereby enhancing stakeholder engagement and long-term scientific impact.