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When I first came to the United States to pursue my graduate studies, I did not yet fully understand toxicology as a discipline. Through my master’s and doctoral training, particularly after entering North Carolina State University, I was introduced to toxicology in a meaningful way and began to see how this field connects rigorous science with real-world impact on human health. That training shaped not only my scientific foundation, but also my sense of purpose.

My entry into the pharmaceutical industry began when Greg Wagner hired me at SUGEN. There, I started my career as a toxicologist working on small-molecule drug development. It was my first opportunity to see how toxicology directly supports drug discovery and patient safety, and it opened the door to a lifelong career in industry.

For the past 25 years at Ionis Pharmaceuticals, working closely with Scott Henry, I have had the opportunity to contribute to the field of oligonucleotide therapeutics. During this time, many novel drugs have been successfully developed and approved, and they are now treating patients with serious and often life-threatening diseases. Seeing these therapies reach patients has been deeply meaningful and remains the most rewarding part of my career.

I recognize that none of this would have been possible without the scientific community, mentorship, and professional opportunities that organizations like SOT provide. Early in my career, attending SOT meetings broadened my perspective, connected me with colleagues, and reinforced the importance of community in science.

That belief led me to establish the Tae-Won Kim Scholarship Award in collaboration with the SOT Korean Toxicologist Association in America (KTAA) Special Interest Group. The goal of this award is to support graduate students and postdoctoral researchers by reducing financial barriers and helping them engage more fully in the toxicology community. Supporting the SOT Endowment is my way of giving back and paying it forward, so the next generations of toxicologists can continue advancing research and develop therapies that improve the lives of patients.

About Tae-Won Kim

Tae-Won Kim, PhD, received his doctoral training in environmental and molecular toxicology from North Carolina State University, where his research focused on skin carcinogenesis. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California San Francisco, specializing in tumor metastasis and oral carcinogenesis. During his early training as an international scientist, he developed a strong appreciation for the role of scientific community, mentorship, and professional engagement in shaping a successful career.

Dr. Kim began his pharmaceutical industry career at SUGEN, as a toxicologist working on small-molecule drug development, and later joined Ionis Pharmaceuticals (formerly ISIS Pharmaceuticals). Over the past 25 years at Ionis, he has contributed to the development and approval of multiple oligonucleotide-based therapies that now treat patients with serious diseases. He is currently Vice President of Toxicology at Ionis Pharmaceuticals and is a strong advocate for trainee development and mentorship. Through the Tae-Won Kim Scholarship Award, established in collaboration with the SOT Korean Toxicologist Association in America (KTAA) Special Interest Group, he supports the next generation of toxicologists by promoting access to scientific meetings, professional networking, and career development opportunities.