Dewey D.Y. Ryu, professor of biochemical engineering, has been awarded the 2004 Ho-Am Prize in Engineering. The prize, which includes a citation, gold medal and cash award of 100 million Korean won (approximately $86,000), is presented by the Ho-Am Foundation of Seoul, South Korea.

Ryu was recognized for combining fundamental biological sciences with engineering principles to design industrial-scale processes for biotechnology products of economic and medical importance, according to the award citation. The prize was presented in June at a ceremony in Seoul.

"In order for me to be worthy of the honor bestowed on me through the Ho-Am Prize, I have renewed my resolve to dedicate myself to further advancement of adult stem cell research by using a biomolecular engineering approach for the benefit of mankind," Ryu said.

At Davis since 1982, Ryu is director of the Biochemical Engineering Program. The program carries out research and teaching related to industrial processes in biochemistry and biotechnology. The program offers both graduate and undergraduate courses.

Ryu is widely recognized as a leader in establishing a new area of biotechnology, biomolecular engineering, which brings together basic biological sciences and engineering principles to focus on a detailed understanding of processes in living organisms. He has played a leading role in designing industrial-scale processes for manufacturing anti-biotics, enzymes, nutritional supplements, food additives and other products for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries.

Most recently, his research has focused on technology for growing therapeutic adult stem cells. Found in very small numbers in tissues such as bone marrow, adult stem cells have the potential to develop into a wide range of cell types. They could form the basis for new cures and treatments for chronic and genetic diseases, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, spinal cord injury, and conditions related to aging.