Prof. Ho Joon Im | Pediatric hematology and oncology | Best Researcher Award

Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine | South Korea

Dr. Ho Joon Im is a distinguished professor of pediatrics and a leading expert in pediatric hematology–oncology, recognized for his impactful contributions to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and childhood bone marrow failure disorders. He completed his medical degree, master’s degree, and PhD at Hanyang University, followed by comprehensive clinical training in pediatrics and specialized fellowship training in pediatric hematology/oncology. His academic career spans several prestigious medical institutions, where he has advanced from clinician to professor while serving in major leadership roles, including directing a prominent children’s hospital. Dr. Im’s research focuses on haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, severe aplastic anemia, transplant immunology, graft engineering, T-cell depletion strategies, and long-term outcomes in pediatric patients. He has authored numerous high-impact publications in international journals and contributed to the development of clinical guidelines and innovative transplantation protocols. His work has significantly improved survival outcomes for children undergoing complex treatments, and he is widely respected for pioneering reduced-toxicity regimens and advancing pediatric transplant methodologies. Dr. Im actively participates in multiple national and international professional societies and is recognized for his dedication to improving standards of care in pediatric hematology–oncology. His career reflects an enduring commitment to research excellence, clinical leadership, and better futures for young patients.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Kim, S.-K., Yoo, J., Lee, J.-H., Lee, H.-E., Ahn, J.-S., Koh, K.-N., Cho, B.-S., Park, S.-K., Im, H. J., Lee, H., & Kong, S.-Y. (2025). Current practices in peripheral blood stem cell processing and cryopreservation: A nationwide survey of Korean transplant centers. Blood Research, 60, Article 41.

Kim, H., Yoon, S. H., Kang, S., Koh, K.-N., Im, H. J., Chu, D., Kim, M. Y., Cho, Y.-U., Hwang, S.-H., & Jang, S. (2025). Improved survival in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia through therapy intensification based on minimal residual disease and protocol-driven early response risk classification. Blood Research, 60, Article 40.

Kang, S. H., Im, H. J., Choi, E. S., Yoon, S.-H., Suh, J.-K., Kim, H., Koh, K.-N., Ko, D.-H., Kim, M., Hwang, S.-H., Cho, Y.-U., & Jang, S. (2025). Upfront haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation using αβ+ T cell-depleted peripheral blood stem cells for pediatric patients with acquired severe aplastic anemia. Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, 31(10), 830.e1–830.e10.

Koh, K.-N., Jun, H. R., Lee, J.-Y., Kim, J.-Y., Yoon, S.-H., Koh, Y.-K., Kang, S.-H., Kim, H., Im, H. J., & Chun, S.-M. (2024). Unraveling the genetic landscape of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in Korean patients: Comprehensive insights from mutational profiles and clinical correlations. Cancer Research and Treatment, 57(3), 873–882.

Kim, S., Han, M., Hwang, H. J., Ahn, Y.-H., Im, H. J., Hwang, S.-H., Koh, K.-N., & Kim, N. (2025). MicroRNA-196a increases apoptosis in B cells through downregulation of FOXO1. Molecules and Cells, 48(7), 100223.