Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Professor Jae-ik Han (College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine) received a Commendation from the Minister of Environment for his contributions to advancing national wildlife disease management policy, responding to current disease issues, and training specialized personnel.

Professor Han played a central role in implementing the Ministry of Environment's wildlife disease management policies and responding to current disease issues. In particular, he was highly commended for contributing to the development of professionals in the field through his operation of the 'Specialized Graduate School for Training Wildlife Disease Professionals.'

He also made significant contributions to strengthening the national eco-health safety net by taking a leading role in establishing Korea's wildlife disease investigation and surveillance systems, including the development of the domestic avian influenza surveillance system and surveys of disease occurrence.

Currently, Professor Han is responsible for the fields of wildlife medicine and exotic animal medicine at the JBNU College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to undergraduate and graduate education, he provides specialty animal care at the Animal Medical Center and serves as director of the Jeonbuk Wildlife Rescue Center, overseeing wildlife medical treatment and rescue activities.

As the person responsible for operating the Ministry of Environment's Specialized Graduate School for Training Wildlife Disease Professionals, he has led national wildlife disease control and biodiversity conservation policies.

Professor Jae-ik Han commented, 'This award recognizes the results of the field-centered research and education that the JBNU College of Veterinary Medicine and the Wildlife Rescue Center have built together,' adding, 'Going forward, I will continue to contribute to creating an ecological society where people and nature coexist by responding to zoonotic infectious diseases and wildlife diseases.'