Prof. Jung-Hye Roe

President of the National Research Foundation of Korea
Chair, School of Biological Sciences

Seoul National University

Prof. Jung-Hye Roe is a professor at the SNU College of Natural Sciences and currently serving as the sixth and first female president of the National Research Foundation of Korea, the country’s largest research funding organization. Professor Roe received her undergraduate degree in microbiology from Seoul National University (SNU), graduating as the top student in the College of Natural Sciences, and her doctoral degree in molecular microbiology from the University of Wisconsin. In 1986, she was hired as the first female professor in experimental science at SNU’s College of Natural Sciences while still in her twenties. As both one of the world’s leading authorities in life sciences and the holder of posts such as the head of SNU’s Office of Research Affairs, a member of the national-level Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology, and the president of Basic Research United, Professor Roe has been at the forefront of university and social development. She has also been continuously involved in the advancement of gender equality in the university, serving as the chair of the SNU Women Faculty Council and the first chair of the SNU Diversity Council.