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POSTECH Strengthens Its Position as a Global Research University

[Advancing in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, with Five Subjects in the Top 50] POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) has achieved remarkable success in the "2025 QS World Universities Rankings by Subject," further solidifying its status as a global research university. According to the evaluation results announced on March 12, POSTECH was evaluated in 13 out of the 55 subjects analyzed by QS. Among them, 10 subjects ranked within the global top 100, an increase from seven last year, demonstrating significant progress. Notably, the ‘Materials Sciences’ rose from 45th to 24th, Physics & Astronomy from 92nd to 37th, and Mechanical Engineering from 79th to 39th, demonstrating significant growth across basic sciences and engineering/technology fields. The number of subjects ranked within the global top 50 also increased from two last year to five this year. Subjects Social Sciences & Management Engineering & Technology Life Sciences & Medicine Natural Sciences Business & Management Studies Computer Science Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Chemical Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Biological Sciences Medicine Chemistry Environmental Sciences Materials Sciences Mathematics Physics & Astronomy Ranking 251-300 86 43 53 72 39 93 351-400 48 151-200 24 93 37 These achievements are attributed to the successful generational transition of the faculty, which has strengthened research capabilities. Although POSTECH's research funding had stagnated in the mid-2010s, recent data shows that the annual research funding per faculty member now amounts to approximately 1.08 billion KRW (approximately 744,000 USD). This improvement is attributed to the active research conducted by newly appointed faculty members. POSTECH aims to further strengthen its global research competitiveness by developing advanced infrastructure and expanding international collaborations. Meanwhile, POSTECH has retained its position in the global top 50 for ‘Data Science & Artificial Intelligence’ for the second consecutive year. In Korea, only POSTECH, Seoul National University, and Korea University have achieved this distinction. This achievement is attributed to the university’s proactive support for research, including the provision of high-performance GPU resources free of charge to researchers. This support is valued at approximately 840 million KRW (approximately 570,000 USD), based on 2024 commercial cluster costs. Furthermore, a high-performance H200 GPU server is set to be introduced this year, further enhancing the research environment.

Major Domestic Universities Reunite to Realize a Sustainable Campus

[POSTECH invited Korea University, Seoul National University, and Yonsei University to hold the 1st "Sustainable Campus Initiative" workshop from February 16 to 17] [A practical cooperation after the joint declaration of the "Sustainable Campus Initiative" by 4 universities in November 2024] Major universities gathered in Pohang to enhance cooperation to build a sustainable campus. POSTECH's Seong Keun Kim invited presidents of Korea University (President Dong-One Kim), Seoul National University (Honglim Ryu), and Yonsei University (Dong-Sup Yoon) to hold the 1st "Sustainable Campus Initiative" workshop for 2 days from February 16th. This workshop was the 2nd venue of cooperation for building a sustainable campus, following the joint declaration ceremony held in November 2024. It was an opportunity to share sustainability related education, research, and practice methods promoted by each university. Director Woo Kyun Lee of the OJEong Resilience Institute (OJERI) at Korea University introduced research and seminar cases to solve global problems such as climate crisis, while emphasizing the necessity of multidimensional cooperation and convergence centered on researchers. Director Hye-Jin Jung of the Greenhouse Gas and Energy Management Center at SNU depicted student activities as the core element for a sustainable campus, and shared student-led practice examples for nurturing creative green leaders and internalizing sustainable capabilities. In addition, Chairman Shin Ki An of the Institute for Global Engagement & Empowerment at Yonsei University mentioned major problems of modern society such as: polarization, concentration in metropolitan areas, and population extinction. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between researchers as well as connection between global universities, experts in different fields, and members of society. In order to build a sustainable campus and society, Chairman Young Bae of the Institute for Sustainability Research at POSTECH explained the importance of operating regular courses on sustainable management and industrial-educational cooperation projects linked to local industries. He revealed a plan to continuously expanding communication channels to spread sustainability. On the other hand, POSTECH and other 3 universities plan to continue practical cooperation to realize a sustainable campus, such as holding the 2nd workshop at Yonsei University in May.

POSTECH Professor Chulhong Kim’s Research Team Wins ‘Best Paper Award’ at the World’s Largest Optics Conference

[Awarded the Best Paper at SPIE Photonics West 2025 for advancements in photoacoustic endoscopy technology] [Developed a novel imaging technology that overcomes the limitations of conventional medical endoscopes, demonstrating excellence in the field] Recently, a research team led by Professor Chulhong Kim from the Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and the Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology at POSTECH won the Tomowave Best Paper Award at ‘SPIE Photonics West 2025,’ the world’s largest conference on optics and photonics. Professor Chulhong Kim’s research team (Dr. Jaewoo Kim and Dr. Dasom Heo) received this prestigious award for their joint research with Professor Hee Man Kim’s team at Yonsei University Severance Hospital on the development of ‘Endoscopic ultrasound and photoacoustics (ePAUS)’ technology. In particular, the research team’s miniature transparent ultrasound transducer (TUT) achieved a high frequency of 21 MHz and a wide bandwidth of 62%, effectively addressing both the miniaturization challenges and signal quality issues of conventional endoscopic ultrasound equipment. Dr. Jaewoo Kim, the lead researcher, stated, “We will proceed with clinical trials and advance medical imaging by integrating various imaging technologies, including OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and NIRS (Near-Infrared Spectroscopy).” Professor Chulhong Kim also shared his thoughts on the award, saying, “This recognition highlights the international acknowledgment of POSTECH's pioneering contributions to medical imaging technologies.” Meanwhile, SPIE Photonics West is the world’s largest optics and photonics conference, held annually in San Francisco, USA. It serves as a premier gathering for leading medical imaging researchers from around the world to share the latest advancements in the field. This year’s conference took place on the 30th of last month.

"Alumni’s Heartfelt Gesture for Future Generations" POSTECH Unveils First Renewal of Academic Regalia in 38 Years

[A symbol of intergenerational connection, designed with alumni participation, embodying the university’s identity and spirit of challenge.] [The new academic regalia will debut at the 2024 commencement ceremony on the 7th.] POSTECH will unveil its newly redesigned academic regalia for the first time in 38 years at the university’s commencement ceremony, set to take place on the 7th at the university gymnasium. This special project was made possible through the voluntary participation and support of POSTECH alumni. Beyond financial contributions, alumni actively engaged in the design process, expressing their deep affection for their alma mater and heartfelt encouragement for future graduates. The redesigned academic regalia visually captures the university’s core values and identity. The dominant color, POSTECH Red, is complemented by a harmonious blend of symbolic hues throughout the design, reflecting the creativity, diligence, and pioneering spirit of POSTECHians as they step onto the global stage. It also honors the university’s legacy as Korea’s first research-oriented institution. The wide sleeves of the bachelor's and master’s gowns are inspired by the university’s emblem, the Phoenix, symbolizing the academic ambitions and bold challenges of graduates. Meanwhile, the doctoral gown features sleek, straight lines, evoking strength and resilience, much like steel. The bachelor’s and master’s caps feature a beret-style design, incorporating the imagery of an 'atom,' the fundamental building block of all matter. This design element elegantly symbolizes POSTECH’s academic depth and forward-thinking vision. The redesigned academic regalia has attracted significant attention, especially given that it was crafted by world-renowned designer Sangbong Lie. A university representative commented, “This regalia renewal project is a meaningful initiative that reflects the deep affection alumni have for their alma mater and their heartfelt support for future graduates. POSTECH will continue to nurture its unique culture and traditions, uniting alumni and students in support of the university’s continued growth.” Meanwhile, a total of 827 students will graduate at POSTECH’s 2024 commencement ceremony, including 284 bachelor's, 265 master’s, and 278 doctoral degree recipients. The ‘Founding Chairman’s Award,‘ presented to the top undergraduate student, will be awarded to Dong Yeop Woo from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The ‘Sung Kee Chung Award’ and ‘Keun Soo Chang Award,‘ established through endowments from former President Sung Kee Chung and the late Honorary Professor Keun Soo Chang, will be awarded to Yong Bin Choi from the Department of Physics and Chang Ha Woo from the Division of Interdisciplinary Bioscience & Bioengineering, respectively. Additionally, the ‘Moo Eun Jae Award’, named after POSTECH’s founding president Dr. Ho-gil Kim, will be presented to Tae Young Ko from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering for his contributions to the university’s development as the 2024 Student Body President. The ‘Alumni Association President’s Award’ will go to Sung Yeon Kim from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, while the ‘IT Department Award’ will be presented to Ki Seo Kang from the Department of Electrical Engineering. In his commencement address, President Seung Keun Kim remarked, “Growth begins when we realize how small we are, and this realization comes from encountering giants.” He also encouraged the graduates by saying, “I hope you carry forward the spark ignited at POSTECH and boldly move forward, growing into giants who will one day offer their shoulders for others to stand on.”

Professor Sei Kwang Hahn of POSTECH Appointed Editor-in-Chief of ‘Biomaterials Research’

[Strengthening the global influence of K-journals as the editor-in-chief of a leading academic journal in biomaterials.] Professor Sei Kwang Hahn of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology at POSTECH has been appointed as the Editor-in-Chief of ‘Biomaterials Research,’ a globally recognized journal in the field of biomaterials-based convergence research. His term runs until 2027, with the possibility of reappointment for up to five additional years, extending through 2029. This journal is the official journal of the Korean Society for Biomaterials (KSBM) and is published by the Science Partner Journal (SPJ) Publishing Company of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). For the past three consecutive years, it has been ranked as a Q1 journal in the biomaterials and biomedical engineering categories of the global academic database ‘Web of Science.’ Professor Hahn’s appointment as Editor-in-Chief is expected to lead to a significant turning point in research and academic development in this field. Since joining POSTECH in 2005, Professor Hahn has demonstrated academic excellence in biomaterials and innovative convergence research, publishing over 200 papers in top-tier journals such as ‘Nature Reviews Materials,’ ‘Nature Photonics,’ and ‘Advanced Materials.’ Based on these achievements, he has been selected as a Fellow of the International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering (IUSBSE) (2024), a Member of the National Academy of Engineering of Korea (2020), and a Full Member of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology (2025). He has also actively contributed as an Associate Editor for ‘Biomaterials’ and ‘Heliyon’ and as a Guest Editor for ‘Advanced Materials’ and the ‘Journal of Controlled Research.’ Professor Hahn stated, “Drawing on my experience in publishing papers and serving as an editor for top international journals, I will elevate Biomaterials Research into a world-class journal on par with Advanced Materials and Biomaterials, spearheading the era of globally influential K-journals.”

"Globally Recognized K-Regenerative Medicine!" Professor Jinah Jang of POSTECH, First Korean Recipient of Biomaterials

[Recognized by the international academic community for her research in regenerative medicine and biomaterials.] [Selected alongside Professor Wei Tao of Harvard Medical School, USA.] Professor Jinah Jang of POSTECH’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Life Sciences, Department of Convergence IT Engineering, and Graduate Institute of Convergence Technology has become the first Korean to receive the ‘Biomaterials Award for Young Investigator 2025’ from ‘Biomaterials,’ a globally renowned academic journal in the field of regenerative medicine and biomaterials. This marks the first time a Korean researcher has received this award, a recognition of Professor Jang’s outstanding research capabilities in regenerative medicine and biomaterials on the international stage. As part of the award, she will receive a prize of $1,000 and will have the opportunity to present her research at ‘TERMIS-EU 2025 (European Chapter of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society),’ which will be held in Germany this May, fostering further engagement with the global academic community. A leading expert in 3D bioprinting, Professor Jang is at the forefront of research that utilizes this technology to create artificial organs using bioinks tailored for specific tissues. Her work has opened new possibilities in regenerative medicine for treating intractable diseases, and in particular, she was honored with this award for her research on ‘stem cell-based cardiac muscle patches’ for heart disease patients. In her acceptance speech, Professor Jinah Jang stated, “Our research, which utilizes decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) as a bioprinting material, has led to groundbreaking advancements in biomaterials and regenerative medicine”. She also expressed her unwavering commitment to developing fundamental technologies that can be practically applied across various fields, ultimately enhancing the quality of human life. This award was established in 2021 by ‘Elsevier,’ the publisher of ‘Biomaterials,’ to recognize young researchers who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of regenerative medicine and biomaterials. Each year, only two researchers worldwide are selected, and this year, Professor Jinah Jang was jointly awarded alongside Professor Wei Tao of Harvard Medical School, USA.

Professor Wonbin Hong of Electrical Engineering Wins the 29th Young Engineer Award from the National Academy of Engineer

Professor Wonbin Hong from the Department of Electrical Engineering at POSTECH has been awarded the 29th Young Engineer Award by the National Academy of Engineering of Korea. Professor Hong was selected for this award in recognition of his successful commercialization of the foundational ‘Antenna in Package’ technology used in 5G applications and for being the first in the world to invent an ‘Antenna on Display,’ pioneering a revolutionary approach to wireless terminal antenna design. The National Academy of Engineering of Korea Young Engineer Award is presented annually to engineering professionals who have significantly contributed to Korea's industrial development in engineering technology, research, education, and management. The award evaluates candidates based on their overall career achievements rather than a single accomplishment, and eligibility is limited to individuals under 50 years of age.

Korea University, Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and POSTECH Hold a Joint Declaration Ceremony, Affirming Their Commitment to the “Sustainable Campus Initiative”

[Sharing their vision for sustainability and actively fostering collaboration to address global challenges such as climate change] Four leading universities in Korea have underscored the importance of ESG (Environment, Society, and Governance) management and education as a means to address global crises such as climate change, resource depletion, and carbon emissions while fostering a sustainable society. As part of this commitment, they have agreed to implement initiatives including the “paperless campus” actively. “Sustainability” is increasingly recognized as a critical priority for future generations, extending beyond environmental protection to encompass social responsibility, educational value, and technological innovation. Moreover, there is a growing consensus that universities worldwide must play a pivotal role in advancing a sustainable society. The collaboration of four Korean universities in this effort is exceptionally rare and is expected to serve as a significant stepping stone in promoting eco-friendly policies across Korea’s universities. Korea University, Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and POSTECH jointly held a “declaration ceremony for the Sustainable Campus Initiative” at the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) conference room in Jeong-dong, Seoul, on November 27 at 5 p.m. The event was attended by university leaders including Dong-One Kim, President of Korea University; Hong-Lim Ryu, President of Seoul National University; Dong-Sup Yoon, President of Yonsei University; and Seong Keun Kim, President of POSTECH. In line with this declaration, the four universities committed to key goals such as establishing a “green campus,” “carbon-neutral campus,” and “paperless campus.” They aim to create a resource-efficient, eco-friendly campus by focusing on reducing carbon emissions, promoting resource recycling, digitizing administrative processes, and building eco-friendly infrastructure—pillars of ESG management. Additionally, they plan to address the climate crisis by implementing actionable carbon reduction strategies including the adoption of renewable energy sources. The initiative also emphasizes expanding sustainability-focused education and research while offering a variety of programs that enable practical application, supporting all members of universities in working together to shape a sustainable future. Notably, the universities plan to foster knowledge sharing and resource collaboration through inter-university partnerships, enhance engagement with local and national communities to promote a sustainable society, and actively pursue opportunities to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a global scale in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute. This declaration ceremony has garnered significant attention as it transcends a standard joint statement by universities. It establishes a foundation for addressing global challenges and providing an opportunity to define the environmental and social responsibilities of universities.

POSTECH Professor Wonbin Hong, First Korean Elected as an IEEE AP-S Administrative Committee Member

[The world's largest electrical and electronic society names Professor Wonbin Hong as its first Korean administrative committee member in the field of electromagnetic wave] Professor Wonbin Hong from POSTECH's Department of Electrical Engineering has been appointed as a member of the Administrative Committee (AdCom) of the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society (IEEE AP-S), the world’s largest academic society for electrical and electronic engineering. This marks the first time a member of the IEEE AP-S AdCom has been selected from Korea. This year, four administrative committee members were chosen through the IEEE AP-S voting process with Professor Hong elected to represent the Asia-Pacific region (Region 10). His three-year term will commence on January 1, 2025. Professor Hong's election reflects his distinguished achievements including being Korea’s first IEEE Fellow in the field of antennas, winning multiple best paper awards at leading AP-S conferences, serving as editor-in-chief for numerous journals and conferences, and contributing to technical committees. These accomplishments were all considered key factors in his election. Professor Wonbin Hong, who has been teaching at POSTECH since 2016, earned his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Michigan in the United States. Following his election as an administrative committee member of the IEEE AP-S, Professor Hong stated, “I feel a great sense of responsibility as the first Korean to be elected to the IEEE AP-S administrative committee. As electromagnetic wave and antenna technologies are foundational to electrical and electronic engineering, I will strive to advance research in this field through my activities at IEEE AP-S.” IEEE, the world’s most prestigious technical professional organization in electrical, electronics, computer, and communications fields, boasts 400,000 members across 160 countries. IEEE AP-S, specifically focused on electromagnetic wave technology, is the largest academic society in its field, with 12,000 members worldwide.

POSTECH Launches Graduate School of Quantum Science and Technology

[Committing 24.2 billion won over 9 years to develop 180 PhD-level experts in quantum information science] POSTECH held the opening ceremony for the Graduate School of Quantum Science and Technology (Principal Professor Yoon-Ho Kim of POSTECH) on October 31 at the POSCO International Center. Quantum information science is poised to drive innovation across multiple industries, including semiconductors, medicine, biotechnology, and mobility, as a key technology in the age of artificial intelligence. This launch marks a significant milestone as the first step in Gyeongsangbuk-do’s initiative to “develop a quantum technology workforce.” POSTECH has been chosen for the Ministry of Science and ICT's Quantum Graduate School Support Project. With a total investment of 24.2 billion won, the school will develop and implement a specialized quantum curriculum, aiming to train 180 PhD-level experts over the next 9 years.