Develops the Off-grid Filtration Technology Removing Over 99% of Nanoplastics Smaller Than 50 nm
Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Prof. BAIK, JEONG MIN
Ultra-Light Ring Delivers Realistic Touch of Virtual Objects to Fingertips
Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Prof. KIM, SUNKOOK
Sunju Kang
Professor Jungho Ahn’s Research Team Develops the World’s First “Patient-Specific Endometrium-on-a-Chip” to Overcome Infertility – Precise three-dimensional reconstruction of patient-derived uterine cells on a chip enables quantitative prediction of implantation potential – Enables selection of personalized therapeutics and monitoring of treatment efficacy, opening a new horizon in infertility treatment ▲ (From left) Professor Jungho Ahn; Professor Youn Jung Kang, CHA University; Gaeun Lee, PhD student; Yukyung Lee, PhD student, CHA University; Hwa Sun Koo, Director, Best of Me Women’s Clinic for Infertility Professor Jungho Ahn’s research team in the Department of Biophysics, in collaboration with Professor Youn Jung Kang’s team at CHA University, has developed the world’s first “patient-derived endometrium-on-a-chip (EoC)” platform that precisely recreates a patient’s uterine tissue on a chip to diagnose infertility and propose personalized treatment strategies. This study has attracted significant attention from the academic community for opening a path toward individualized treatment for patients with infertility and recurrent implantation failure, conditions that have long been difficult to predict. The endometrium is the tissue in which a fertilized embryo implants and develops, and it must reach an optimal state during a specific period, known as the “window of implantation,” to accept the embryo. This condition is referred to as “endometrial receptivity.” Conventional diagnostic methods have relied on limited indicators, such as measuring endometrial thickness or blood flow. As a result, they have struggled to accurately reflect individual patient characteristics and to reliably predict actual implantation potential. To address these limitations, the research team fabricated a microchip by stacking patient-derived cells in three dimensions to create an environment closely resembling the actual endometrium. The chip precisely mimics the patient’s uterine environment and is equipped with a system that quantitatively scores implantation potential (ERS2) by assessing how effectively an embryo can adhere. Through this system, clinicians can determine at a glance whether a patient is currently in a condition suitable for pregnancy or which aspects require improvement, based on quantitative indicators. Notably, the newly developed platform goes beyond diagnosis to enable “personalized treatment prediction” by identifying the most suitable therapeutic agents for individual patients. Using the platform, the research team compared responses to various treatment drugs and found that a specific drug (CXCL12) was most effective in promoting angiogenesis and restoring receptivity in patients with intrauterine adhesions. Furthermore, by tracking actual patient treatment processes on the chip, the team confirmed a significant increase in implantation success scores before and after treatment, thereby demonstrating the platform’s effectiveness. Professor Jungho Ahn stated, “This study is meaningful in that it opens a way to more accurately predict individual implantation potential by precisely recreating actual patient tissue on a chip.” He added, “It represents the first case in which advanced organ-on-a-chip technology has been implemented as a model that can be directly applied to patient treatment in real clinical settings, rather than remaining confined to the laboratory, and it is expected to contribute to improving the success rate of infertility treatment.” The research findings were published on November 25 in the international scientific journal Nature Communications (Impact Factor 15.7) and were supported by research funding programs from the National Research Foundation of Korea and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. ※ Paper Title: Microengineered patient-derived endometrium-on-a-chip for the evaluation of endometrial receptivity and personalised translational medicine ※ Journal: Nature communications ※ DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65406-7
2026-01-06
Professor Hyung Jin Koh’s Consumer Science Laboratory Wins “Director of the Financial Security Institute Award” at the Financial Services Commission D-Testbed with “Voice Phishing Detection AI” ▲ (From left) Seung Jun Roh, Undergraduate Research Student; Sujeong Moon, Master’s Student; Professor Hyung Jin Koh, Department of Consumer Science Seung Jun Roh, an undergraduate research student (Department of Applied Artificial Intelligence), and Sujeong Moon, a master’s student (Department of Consumer Science), both members of Professor Hyung Jin Koh’s Consumer Science Laboratory, achieved outstanding results in the “2025 D-Testbed” program hosted by the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Fintech Support Center, winning the Excellence Award, the Director of the Financial Security Institute Award. The competition is a demonstration program that provides high-quality financial data and analytical environments to verify innovative ideas in the financial sector prior to their application to actual business operations or policy implementation. Out of a total of 40 participating teams, only six were selected as outstanding teams through a rigorous performance evaluation process. The achievement is particularly significant in that a university research team composed of undergraduate and master’s students received recognition for both technological capability and social value amid strong participation from companies actively operating in the financial industry. The award-winning team, advised by Professor Hyung Jin Koh, proposed a “Voice Phishing Detection AI Model Based on Behavioral Pattern Data.” To overcome the limitations of existing rule-based detection methods, the team designed a model that enables AI to detect voice phishing in real time by comparatively analyzing financial consumers’ long-term and short-term transaction patterns. Empirical results showed that derived variables from long- and short-term transaction patterns demonstrated statistically significant predictive power for voice phishing detection, confirming that the proposed design contributed to improved detection performance. The study further revealed that financially vulnerable groups, such as older adults and women, face a higher risk of becoming targets of voice phishing crimes. The research team demonstrated that detection accuracy can be dramatically improved by simultaneously considering key demographic variables, including age and gender, as well as interaction effects between these variables and other factors. Professor Hyung Jin Koh of the Department of Consumer Science, who supervised the students, stated, “This award represents the outcome of interdisciplinary research in which undergraduate and graduate students formed a team to address real-world financial issues using AI technology.” He added, “Building on this achievement, our laboratory will continue to pursue leading research in the field of Financial AI Agents that support and protect financial consumers’ decision-making.” Meanwhile, Professor Hyung Jin Koh’s Consumer Science Laboratory conducts research on advanced financial technologies, including financial artificial intelligence, fintech, and Financial AI Agents, through the convergence of finance, AI, and consumer science. The laboratory focuses on cultivating practice-oriented interdisciplinary talent by enabling students to take the lead in research projects and solve real-world financial problems using data and AI.
2026-01-05
Six Achievements Selected for the “2025 National R&D Best Performance Top 100,” Demonstrating SKKU’s Status as a Research-Centered Institution – Unparalleled Research Capacity Proven in Key Future Technologies Such as Lithium Batteries, Cancer Treatment, and AI - Innovative Outcomes Across All Academic Fields, from Mechanical and Materials Engineering to Life and Marine Sciences and Convergence Research ▲ (From the top left) Professors Ho Seok Park, Hoon Kim, Hong Hee Won, Yong Taik Lim, Dong Gyu Cho, and Hyunseung Choo Six research achievements by faculty members of SKKU have been selected for the “2025 National R&D Best Performance Top 100,” hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT, clearly demonstrating the University’s overwhelming strength as one of Korea’s leading research-centered institutions. The National R&D Best Performance Top 100 is a program that recognizes research outcomes supported by government funding that show outstanding academic value and economic impact. This year, the University earned recognition for innovative research achievements across diverse academic fields, including mechanical and materials engineering, life and marine sciences, and convergence research. ▶ Innovative Research for Future Energy and the Treatment of Intractable Diseases In the field of mechanical and materials engineering, Professor Ho Seok Park was selected for developing a “high-capacity, high-stability lithium-ion battery anode material based on high-entropy silicon alloys.” This technology is expected to play a key role in extending battery lifespan and enhancing safety in applications such as electric vehicles. In the life and marine sciences field, which recorded the largest number of selected achievements, research aimed at improving human health stood out. Professor Hoon Kim identified the presence of “large-scale ecDNA” found in recurrent or metastatic cancers, suggesting a new direction for cancer treatment. Professor Hong Hee Won revealed the interaction between genetic factors and lifestyle habits in obesity, laying the groundwork for personalized disease prevention. Professor Yong Taik Lim subsequently achieved a milestone by developing the world’s first dynamics-based anticancer immunotherapy platform, maximizing the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Professor Dong Gyu Cho was also recognized for his excellence in research after introducing an “exosome-based technology” that safely delivers gene-editing tools into the brain for the treatment of dementia. ▶ Leading Convergence Technologies Toward Coexistence Between Humans and AI Finally, in the convergence field, Professor Hyunseung Choo was selected for his research titled “Fundamental Superintelligence Technologies and Convergence Research in Human-AI Engineering for Future Humanity.” This study received high praise for securing core technologies that enable artificial intelligence to cooperate intelligently with humans and mutually evolve in future societies. President Ji Beom Yoo stated, “These achievements are the result of the SKKU's faculty members’ relentless challenges combined with an innovative research environment,” and emphasized, “SKKU will continue to provide full support to generate world-class research outcomes that address critical challenges facing humanity and lead future industries.”
2025-12-26
Professor Juhee Cho of SAIHST Receives the Prime Minister's Award Professor Juhee Cho of the Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology(SAIHST) received the Prime Minister's Award at the “2025 Government Awards for Contributors to Health and Medical Technology Promotion,” held on November 27 at the Four Seasons Hotel. Marking its 24th year, the Government Awards for Contributors to Health and Medical Technology Promotion is the most prestigious honor in the field of health and medical technology, hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The award is presented to individuals and organizations that have achieved outstanding accomplishments in advancing Korea’s health and medical technology and fostering the health industry. Notably, the evaluation encompasses not only research achievements but also policy and industrial impact, further underscoring the award’s significance. Professor Cho is a leading clinical epidemiologist in Korea who has spearheaded research on the quality of life of cancer survivors and patient-centered cancer care. She has scientifically identified the physical, psychological, and social challenges faced by patients after cancer diagnosis and treatment, providing evidence to improve these experiences. Her research demonstrated the impact of distress at diagnosis on lung cancer prognosis and clarified the psychological and social effects of appearance changes and chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Based on these findings, she established evidence supporting the use of cooling caps to prevent permanent hair loss from chemotherapy, continuing her work that centers on patient experience. By utilizing national public big data and hospital clinical data, she has analyzed various health risks among cancer survivors, including secondary cancers and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, thereby presenting the need for tailored follow-up and surveillance strategies. She has also actively conducted multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research, contributing to studies on secondary hematologic malignancies among breast cancer survivors, precision medicine–based surgical strategies for lung cancer patients, and improvements to international staging systems. Her work has been published in internationally renowned journals such as the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) and JAMA Oncology, earning high recognition globally. Professor Cho’s contributions extend beyond research. She has helped develop programs supporting cancer patients’ return to work, participated in the amendment process of the Cancer Control Act to strengthen cancer survivor care, and provided policy consultation. She has also proposed personalized care models utilizing digital health and bio–big data, thereby connecting academic achievements to practical policy and institutional improvements. This Prime Minister’s Award comprehensively recognizes her contributions to patient-centered research across the entire life cycle of cancer patients and survivors, as well as her impact on national cancer control policies and system development.
2025-12-09
4 SKKU Scholars Named to Education Ministry’s 2025 Top 50 Research Achievements, the Highest Nationwide - Recognized for exceptional research achievements in both the Humanities & Social Sciences and Science & Engineering fields ▲ From left: Professor Kyungho Kim (Institute of East Asian Studies), Professor Han Jung Lee (Department of English Language and Literature), Professor Sungeun Chung (School of Media and Communication), Professor Jaeki Jeong (Department of Energy Science) Our university achieved a remarkable milestone as four of our faculty members were selected for the Ministry of Education’s “2025 Top 50 Outstanding Academic Research Achievements.” The selected scholars are Professors Kyungho Kim (Institute of East Asian Studies), Han Jung Lee (Department of English Language and Literature) and Sungeun Chung (School of Media and Communication) in the Humanities & Social Sciences field, and Professor Jaeki Jeong (Department of Energy Science) in the Science & Engineering field. This represents the highest number of selections among all universities nationwide, reaffirming the exceptional research excellence of our faculty. The “Top 50 Outstanding Academic Research Achievements” program has been implemented since 2006 to identify and broadly disseminate excellent research outcomes that have made significant contributions in their respective academic fields. Selections are made annually across three categories: Humanities & Social Sciences, Science & Engineering, and Korean Studies. This year, a total of 245 candidate achievements were submitted through open applications and recommendations, based on research outputs from the 2024 Academic Research Support Program. After a comprehensive evaluation of originality, excellence, and academic contribution, 50 achievements were selected. Professor Kyungho Kim, who has long explored the culture and thought of East Asia, was recognized for his work conducted under the Humanities Korea Plus (HK+) Project. His research offers new interpretations of diverse themes—such as institutions, gender, translation, and art—centered on shared historical and lived experiences across East Asia. Professor Han Jung Lee was selected for her research analyzing how the structural complexity of Korean noun phrases in everyday conversation affects communication, and for identifying the key principles that govern the use of linguistic structures. Professor Sungeun Chung was recognized for research examining how people’s emotional responses to “underdog success narratives” influence empathy and sharing behavior on social media, thereby identifying psychological mechanisms underlying empathy and sharing on digital platforms. Professor Jaeki Jeong, selected in the Science & Engineering category, was recognized for his research on developing high-efficiency perovskite optoelectronic devices based on ICT convergence, highlighting their potential contributions to the field of eco-friendly energy materials. The selected “Top 50 Outstanding Academic Research Achievements” will be compiled into a results booklet and published on the Ministry of Education’s website (https://moe.go.kr).
2025-12-08
2025 Seoul RISE General Universities Council Performance Forum Held - Led by Council Chair Professor Janghyun Kim… Sharing Regional Innovation Achievements in Seoul The Seoul RISE General Universities Council (Chair: Professor Janghyun Kim), together with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Institute, held the 2025 Seoul RISE General Universities Council Performance Forum on Monday, December 1 at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas. The forum commemorated the first year of the Seoul RISE initiative and brought together all 26 general universities in Seoul to share university-led regional innovation achievements and discuss future development strategies. The RISE (Regional Innovation System & Education) initiative is a major Ministry of Education policy that transfers authority for implementing higher education financial support programs from the central government to local governments. This enables support for university innovation tailored to regional needs. Selected universities are carrying out initiatives that contribute to regional development by building diverse innovation models in collaboration with their local communities. The Seoul RISE General Universities Council consists of 26 Seoul-based general universities and aims to establish joint strategies that strengthen inter-university cooperation and build a regional innovation ecosystem across the city. The forum featured: ▲Exhibitions showcasing RISE achievements from each university ▲Presentations of outstanding outcomes from individual projects ▲A collaboration meeting with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Institute Participants also engaged in in-depth discussions on aligning these initiatives with Seoul’s municipal policies. Notably, the exhibition of outstanding achievements from the 26 universities illustrated the accomplishments of the first year of the Seoul RISE initiative, strengthening platforms for inter-university sharing and laying a foundation for expanding regional innovation. Professor Janghyun Kim, Chair of the Seoul RISE General Universities Council, stated, “This year’s achievements clearly demonstrate the Seoul RISE vision of universities taking the lead in driving innovation across local communities and industries. We will continue to contribute to strengthening Seoul’s future competitiveness through inter-university collaboration and fostering young talent.” Ju Yong-tae, Director-General of Economic Policy at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, remarked, “The achievements of our universities are a key driving force behind Seoul’s urban innovation. The city will continue working closely with universities to expand an innovation ecosystem where young people can grow and industries can advance.” Moving forward, the Seoul RISE General Universities Council plans to institutionalize regular exhibitions and presentations of achievements, further expand inter-university collaboration, and actively promote the dissemination of outstanding results. The council will also strengthen cooperation among industry, academia, research institutions, and government to expand the innovation ecosystem throughout Seoul.
2025-12-02
표면 구조 제어 신기술로 안정한 고효율 페로브스카이트 태양전지 개발 - 표면 결정 성장 경로 제어로 효율·안정성 동시 향상 - 세계 최고 수준 인증효율 26.87% 달성, 상용화 기술 한 단계 도약 화학공학과 유삼만 박사와 박남규 교수 연구팀이 페로브스카이트 태양전지의 효율과 안정성을 동시에 향상시키는 새로운 표면 제어 기술을 개발했다고 밝혔다. 이번 기술을 적용한 태양전지는 세계 최고 수준인 인증 효율 26.87%를 달성했으며, 연구 결과는 에너지 분야 최고 권위 학술지인 네이처에너지(Nature Energy)에 2025년 11월 21일자로 게재됐다. 연구팀은 기존 페로브스카이트 태양전지의 성능을 떨어뜨리던 표면 결함과 전하 손실 문제를 해결하기 위해, 후처리 용액에 아주 소량의 N-메틸피롤리돈(NMP)을 첨가하는 방식을 적용했다. 이 과정에서 태양전지 표면에 새로운 형태의 ‘중간상’이 형성되며, 일반적으로 나타나는 결정 전환 경로와는 다른 방향으로 결정이 성장하도록 유도되는 사실을 확인했다. 그 결과 태양전지 표면 품질이 크게 향상돼 전하 손실을 최소화할 수 있었다는 점에서 기존 기술과 차별성이 있다. 연구팀이 개발한 공정을 적용한 다양한 소자에서도 우수한 성능이 확인됐다. 단일 소자 최고 효율 27.19% (인증 26.87%) 미니모듈 인증 효율 23.00% 올-페로브스카이트 탠덤 셀 인증 효율 29.08% 이는 현재 보고된 p-i-n 구조 페로브스카이트 태양전지 가운데 최고 수준의 기록이다. 또한 65°C에서 2,500시간 연속 구동 후 초기 효율의 96%를 유지하는 등 장기 안정성도 입증돼 상용화 가능성을 크게 높였다. 박남규 교수는 “이번 연구는 단순히 표면 결함을 줄이는 수준을 넘어, 결정이 형성되는 과정 자체를 조절하는 새로운 접근법을 제시한 것”이라며 “향후 페로브스카이트 대면적 모듈 및 양산 공정에도 적용될 수 있어 중요한 기술적 전환점이 될 것”이라고 말했다. 이번 성과는 페로브스카이트 태양전지의 상용화에 가장 큰 걸림돌로 꼽히던 계면 손실·내구성 문제를 동시에 해결했다는 점에서 의미가 크며, 차세대 태양전지 분야의 핵심 기술 경쟁력을 확보한 연구로 평가된다.
2025-11-26
IBS and University of Cambridge Launch Joint Research Lab for Quantum Technology ▲Commemorative photo taken on July 25 in front of the Cambridge Graphene Centre during the IBS Global Partner Lab plaque unveiling ceremony. The IBS Center for van der Waals Quantum Solids has established a Global Partner Laboratory at the Cavendish Laboratory of the University of Cambridge, UK, and held an official plaque unveiling ceremony on July 25 (local time). The two institutions will use this Partner Lab as a strategic hub to begin full-scale joint research aimed at realizing next-generation quantum technologies in the fields of quantum materials and devices. ▲Plaque unveiling at the IBS Global Partner Lab in the Cavendish Laboratory. (From left) Science Attaché Byung-Hyun Park, Professor Hyun-Suk Shin, Director Mete Atature, and Researcher Dongwoo Kang. The Global Partner Lab is a new international joint research platform introduced by IBS in 2024. It establishes collaborative labs within world-renowned basic science institutions, building long-term and stable research partnerships. It supports continuous joint research based on complementary strengths between IBS and its partners. This Cambridge Partner Lab is led by the IBS Center for van der Waals Quantum Solids, directed by Professor Hyun-Suk Shin (SKKU Department of Energy Science). The lab will focus on the development of advanced technologies such as spin qubit control using 2D quantum heterostructures and magnetic quantum crystal structures, aiming to pioneer high-precision quantum control and integration techniques that are currently difficult to realize. Combining IBS’s expertise in 2D materials and heterostructure growth with Cambridge’s precision qubit measurement/control and quantum sensing technologies, the two institutions will collaborate on breakthrough quantum information technologies. The research will be conducted jointly by IBS, the Cavendish Laboratory, the Cambridge Graphene Centre, and the Henry Royce Institute. ▲Researchers discussing the direction of the joint research at the Cambridge Graphene Centre on July 25. This newly established Partner Lab will serve as a permanent outpost for ongoing collaboration between Korean and UK researchers. Through practical and sustained cooperation, it is expected to accelerate the localization and advancement of world-class quantum measurement and control technologies, helping secure leadership in the fields of quantum computing and sensors. The plaque unveiling ceremony was attended by key figures including Mete Atature, Director of the Cavendish Laboratory; Andrea Ferrari, Director of the Graphene Centre; Manish Chhowalla, Director of the Henry Royce Institute; as well as Hyun-Suk Shin, Director of the IBS research center; Dongwoo Kang, Principal Policy Researcher at IBS; and Byung-Hyun Park, Science Attaché at the Korean Embassy in the UK. Mete Atature, Director of the Cavendish Laboratory, commented: "This joint research with IBS presents a great opportunity to amplify the strengths of both institutions in the quantum field. We look forward to the collaboration and its future outcomes." Do-Young Noh, President of IBS, stated: "The Global Partner Lab is a new IBS model designed to go beyond short-term exchanges and establish long-term international research collaborations. Through synergy with Cambridge’s world-class research capabilities, we aim to advance basic science and nurture future research leaders."
2025-08-04
Dr. Youngdae Shim Receives Outstanding Dissertation Award from the Materials and Fracture Division of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers ▲(From left) Dr. Youngdae Shim and Professor Eunho Lee Dr. Youngdae Shim (advisor: Professor Eunho Lee) was awarded the Outstanding Dissertation Award by the Materials and Fracture Division of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers (KSME) in recognition of the excellence of his doctoral dissertation, published in 2024. The award-winning dissertation, titled “A Study on Real-Time Prediction of Mechanical Properties Based on Electromagnetic-Mechanical Coupled Response Characteristics for Hairpin Motor Fabrication,” explores methods for predicting the yield strength of metallic materials using electromagnetic sensors. The research combines continuum mechanics modeling that accounts for electromagnetic-mechanical coupling and micro-scale crystal plasticity simulations. ▲ Award certificate Through this study, an algorithm was developed to predict mechanical yield strength from the impedance values of electromagnetic sensors, using micro-scale material properties. The research was supported by Hyundai MOBIS, and the developed system has been successfully transferred and applied to actual electric motor production lines. Building on this achievement, Dr. Shim is currently continuing his research as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the United States.
2025-07-03
College of Economics Signs Academic Exchange Agreement with World-Renowned Toulouse School of Economics (TSE) The College of Economics at Sungkyunkwan University (Dean: Kim Sung-hyun) has signed an academic exchange agreement with the Toulouse School of Economics (TSE), a globally renowned institution for economics education and research. This agreement is expected to further strengthen academic collaboration between the two institutions and open a new chapter in global economics education and research. TSE, located in Toulouse in southern France, is one of the world’s leading centers for economics. It ranks 8th globally in the IDEAS/RePEc rankings and 16th in Economics in the 2024 Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects. The school boasts an exceptional faculty that includes numerous distinguished scholars, notably Professor Jean Tirole, recipient of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. TSE faculty members consistently publish in top-tier journals such as Econometrica, American Economic Review, Journal of Political Economy, and Quarterly Journal of Economics. TSE's programs are research-oriented and primarily focused on graduate-level education. With approximately 2,400 students from over 90 nationalities, the institution is highly international. In addition, TSE engages in policy advising and collaborative research with bodies such as the French Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the European Commission. The newly signed academic exchange agreement includes the following areas of collaboration: ▲Student exchange programs between the two institutions▲Academic exchanges involving faculty, graduate students, and researchers▲Joint research projects and seminar hosting. Both institutions are currently developing detailed implementation plans to initiate actual student and researcher exchanges starting in 2026. Moving forward, they aim to build a sustainable and effective framework for continued cooperation.
2025-06-10
