Professor Dongil Chung from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at UNIST has been honored with the Young Researcher Award for 2024 by the Korean Brain Society of Human Brain Mapping (KHBM).
Founded in 2002, the KHBM aims to enhance the understanding of the human brain by identifying the brain regions involved in various brain diseases and cognitive behaviors, as well as seeking clues to treat numerous behavioral, neurological, and mental health disorders. The society comprises members from diverse academic fields, including medical professionals, cognitive scientists, and psychologists.
Since 2004, the KHBM has annually recognized emerging researchers under the age of 40 who have demonstrated outstanding research achievements through the Young Researcher Award.
Professor Chung received this accolade in recognition of his groundbreaking research findings that illuminate the brain regions associated with decision-making. His recent work has garnered significant attention in the academic community by challenging the prevailing notion that individuals prefer riskier decisions when they are aware of others’ attention.
Professor Chung stated, “Understanding the neuroscience of decision-making is fundamental to addressing various delinquent behaviors and social problems.” He added, “This award will motivate us to concentrate even more on related research.”
The award presentation ceremony occurred during the Autumn Annual Conference held at Korea University on November 2, 2024. The event featured a keynote speech by Professor Bung-Nyun Kim of Seoul National University, a leading figure in pediatric psychiatry, as well as special lectures by Hakwan Lau, Head of IBS, and Professor Kendrick Kay from the University of Minnesota.
