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Pukyong National University Accelerates Transformation into Research-Oriented University with Launch of ‘Pukyong Flagship Research Institute’- Briefing on implementation plan held on September 16 … Full-cycle support from planning and securing national R&D projects to disseminating research outcomes- Strategic research hubs to be established in fields including AI … Target of securing KRW 100 billion in large-scale national R&D projects- Convergence research ecosystem to expand externally through a “Research Pentagon” connecting industry, government, research institutes, and universitiesPukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) is accelerating its transformation into a research-oriented university with the establishment of the Pukyong Flagship Research Institute, a strategic convergence research institute that will oversee interdisciplinary and strategic research. On September 16, Pukyong National University held a briefing on its Comprehensive Implementation Plan for the Transformation into a Research-Oriented University in the conference room of the university administration building. President Sang-Hoon Bae personally led the briefing, presenting five key initiatives, including the establishment of the Pukyong Flagship Research Institute, and sharing the university’s vision and strategic direction for its transformation into a research-oriented university. Pukyong National University is restructuring its research system to respond to the rapidly changing R&D environment driven by AI transformation (AX) and national strategic technologies, while expanding the research capabilities of individual researchers into collective and interdisciplinary research capabilities at the university level. In particular, the university plans to establish a full-cycle research support system encompassing research planning, securing national R&D projects, research implementation, talent development, and the dissemination of research outcomes, with the goal of taking its research competitiveness to the next level. Pukyong National University has already laid a solid foundation for its transformation into a research-oriented university, backed by strong research capabilities. The university ranked first among 25 national universities nationwide in research funding received per full-time faculty member, according to the 2025 disclosure by the Higher Education in Korea information service. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, five fields―including Chemical Engineering (301-350), Environmental Sciences, Business, Economics, and Chemistry―were ranked globally. In addition, the proportion of the university’s papers published in journals within the top 25% by CiteScore reached 64.7% in 2025 and continues to rise. Pukyong National University plans to expand these research strengths into collective and interdisciplinary research capabilities at the university level. To this end, the university will pursue five key initiatives for its transformation into a research-oriented university: △ establishing the Pukyong Flagship Research Institute △ strengthening research capabilities and providing strategic support for securing national R&D projects △ creating a researcher-centered environment that enables researchers to focus on their work △ building an interdisciplinary, research-oriented learning ecosystem △ expanding the research ecosystem and creating a virtuous cycle of research outcomes. Established earlier this month, the Pukyong Flagship Research Institute is an independent research organization directly under the university president. It will serve as an AI-based, full-cycle platform for interdisciplinary research, bringing together the university’s currently dispersed research, education, and administrative capabilities while supporting large-scale national R&D projects from planning and acquisition to implementation and the dissemination of outcomes. In particular, the institute will systematically operate the Arctic Route Innovation Institute and the AI-Ready Innovation Institute under its umbrella. It will also identify outstanding researchers and strategic research areas to establish a virtuous cycle in which research achievements lead to follow-up studies and talent development rather than ending as one-off outcomes. To support this initiative, Pukyong National University has also established a coordinated support system in which the Office of Graduate Studies and Research, created through the reorganization of the existing graduate school and Office of Research Support, and the Industry-University Cooperation Foundation work in close collaboration with the PKNU Flagship Research Institute. Beyond building an internal research ecosystem, the Pukyong Flagship Research Institute will actively extend its capabilities beyond the university. It plans to establish a “Research Pentagon” that expands collaboration with companies, government agencies, government-funded research institutes, and universities in Korea and abroad. Through this framework, the university will create a virtuous cycle of research outcomes by △ expanding joint degree programs with universities in Korea and abroad △ introducing industry-linked degree programs in partnership with companies △ promoting joint research and technology commercialization △ expanding talent exchanges and global networks. Pukyong National University President Sang-Hoon Bae said, “Marking its 80th anniversary this year, Pukyong National University has evolved into a specialized comprehensive national university encompassing interdisciplinary and advanced fields, building on its strong foundations in marine and fisheries sciences, engineering, and other fundamental academic disciplines following the integration of the former National Fisheries University of Busan and Busan National University of Technology. We will continue to make every effort to achieve a major transformation into a world-class research-oriented university capable of advancing R&D in cutting-edge fields for the university, the region, and the nation.”
대외홍보센터 (2026-10-01)COUNT 17Pukyong National University Professor Dae-Seok Kim’s Team Develops High-Power Artificial Muscle by Modifying ‘Molecular Crosslinks’ in Liquid Crystal Elastomers- ‘Anisotropic Crosslinker’ developed to reinforce artificial muscles at the molecular level- More than 30% contraction with high power output … Electrically driven artificial muscle lifts a 1 kg load- Findings published in ‘Angewandte Chemie International Edition,’ a world-renowned international journal in chemistry and materials scienceResearchers at Pukyong National University have developed a high-power artificial muscle capable of maintaining strong force even at high temperatures through a new approach that modifies the structure of the “molecular connection points (crosslinks)” that make up Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs). Professor Dae-Seok Kim’s research team in the Major of Polymer Engineering at Pukyong National University developed a “mesogen-mimetic anisotropic crosslinker” that resembles the rod-shaped liquid crystal mesogens forming the main chains of LCEs. This approach significantly reduces mechanical softening―the tendency of a rigid material to become softer―at high temperatures, a major limitation of conventional liquid crystal artificial muscles. Liquid crystal elastomers are soft and flexible like rubber while also being capable of contracting in response to stimuli such as heat or light, making them promising key materials for artificial muscles and soft robots. However, conventional LCEs tend to soften at the high temperatures where contraction becomes most active, making it difficult for them to sustain sufficient force. To address this issue, the research team focused on the crosslinker, which until now had been regarded simply as a component that connects and fixes polymer chains. In conventional liquid crystal elastomers, elongated, rod-shaped liquid crystal mesogens in the main chains are aligned in a specific direction, while the crosslinkers connecting these chains are generally flexible or lack a distinct directional structure. Starting from the idea, “If liquid crystal chains have directionality, why not design the crosslinkers connecting them to resemble liquid crystal mesogens as well?” the team designed a new crosslinker called PBB-TT, featuring an elongated, rigid core structure similar to that of liquid crystal mesogens. This transformed the crosslinks from simple “connection points” that hold chains together into “molecular reinforcement points” that work in harmony with the liquid crystal molecules to support and transmit force. Importantly, the new crosslinker incorporates not only a rigid structure but also flexible linking segments, preventing the material from becoming excessively stiff and restricting the movement of the liquid crystals. As a result, the LCE maintained its mechanical strength at high temperatures while preserving the large contraction characteristic of liquid crystal elastomers. The developed artificial muscle contracted by more than 30% even while supporting an actual load and maintained stable performance over repeated actuation cycles. An artificial muscle incorporating an electrical heating structure also successfully lifted a 1 kg load. The research team also utilized the material’s remaining photoreactivity to develop a technique for directly bonding LCE films to one another without using a separate adhesive. Using this technique, the researchers fabricated not only electrically driven artificial muscles but also a soft gripper capable of grasping and releasing objects. They also confirmed that damaged artificial muscles could be rejoined to recover most of their original performance. The significance of this study lies in redesigning the molecular structure of the liquid crystal elastomer itself, rather than adding separate reinforcing materials such as carbon nanotubes or graphene. While conventional LCE networks combine directionally aligned liquid crystal mesogens with non-directional crosslinks, the new approach designs the crosslinkers themselves to resemble the liquid crystal mesogens in the main chains, thereby integrating the directionality of the entire network and the transmission of force at the molecular level. Professor Dae-Seok Kim explained, “The main chains of liquid crystal elastomers already contain directionally aligned, rod-shaped mesogens, but conventional crosslinkers have largely been limited to simply connecting the chains. The key to this study was to give the crosslinkers a directional structure resembling that of liquid crystal mesogens, transforming simple molecular connection points into reinforcement points that actually support and transmit force.” He added, “For artificial muscles to perform actual work, they must not only produce large movements but also maintain sufficient force while moving. This study demonstrates the potential of high-power liquid crystal artificial muscles through a new molecular design strategy based on the structure and directionality of crosslinkers, and we expect the approach to be extended to a wide range of applications, including soft robots and wearable actuators.” The paper presenting the findings, titled “Mesogen-Mimetic Anisotropic Crosslinkers for Load-Bearing Liquid Crystal Elastomer Artificial Muscles,” was published on September 8 in Angewandte Chemie International Edition (IF 17.6), a world-renowned international journal in the fields of chemistry and materials science.
Pukyong National University and Japan’s AIST Jointly Develop Iron-Copper-Silver Composite Powder with Ferromagnetism and High Electrical Conductivity- Korea-Japan joint research achievement … Expected to be used as a conductive filler for semiconductor test sockets- Superior electrical conductivity compared with conventional nickel powder demonstrated … Patent applications underway in Korea and abroad Pukyong National University and Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) have jointly developed an iron (Fe)-copper (Cu)-silver (Ag) composite powder that combines ferromagnetism with high electrical conductivity through international collaborative research. As demand for high-performance conductive materials continues to grow with the miniaturization of semiconductors and the increasing number of pins, the newly developed material is expected to have potential applications as a conductive filler for next-generation semiconductor test sockets. Professor Han-Sang Kwon’s research team in the Major of Materials System Engineering at Pukyong National University jointly developed the Fe-Cu-Ag composite powder with researchers including Dr. Kwang-Jae Park of AIST’s Multi-Materials Research Institute and characterized its magnetic, electrical, and mechanical properties. The research findings were presented on September 11 at the 87th Autumn Meeting of the Japan Society of Applied Physics in Sapporo, Japan. The research team produced the Fe-Cu-Ag composite powder by combining ferromagnetic Fe with Cu and Ag, both of which have high electrical conductivity. In particular, the team designed an Fe:Cu:Ag mass ratio of 3:5:2 and applied gas atomization and thermal plasma methods to synthesize micro-composite powder with an average particle size of approximately 50 μm and nano-composite powder of approximately 100 nm, respectively. The developed composite powders exhibited higher electrical conductivity than nickel (Ni) powder, which is widely used in conventional semiconductor test sockets. Their saturation magnetization, a measure of the maximum magnetization a material can attain, was also higher than or comparable to that of Ni (approximately 57 emu/g), reaching approximately 63 emu/g for the micro-composite powder and 56 emu/g for the nano-composite powder. The micro-composite powder also recorded a Vickers hardness of 127 HV, higher than the 100-110 HV of Ni powder, demonstrating its potential for superior mechanical properties as well. The key to this study lies in utilizing the immiscible nature of Fe, Cu, and Ag to create a composite microstructure in which Fe provides magnetic functionality, while Cu and Ag provide high electrical conductivity. In the micro-composite powder, Fe and Cu were dispersed within an Ag-based matrix, while the nano-composite powder formed a structure in which Fe was concentrated at the center of the particles, with Cu and Ag distributed toward the outer regions. These properties are expected to make the material suitable for use as a conductive filler in elastomer-based semiconductor test sockets. Because conductive fillers provide the electrical connection between semiconductor terminals and testing equipment, they require not only high electrical conductivity but also appropriate mechanical strength and durability. In particular, the use of ferromagnetic materials makes it possible to apply a magnetic field during manufacturing to align conductive particles in the desired direction. Professor Han-Sang Kwon said, “This study presents a new material design strategy that can overcome the limitations of conventional materials by combining the ferromagnetism of Fe with the high electrical conductivity of Cu and Ag in a single composite powder. Going forward, we plan to expand its potential applications beyond semiconductor test sockets to a wide range of electronic and electrical materials in which conductive pathways can be controlled using magnetic fields.” The research team plans to optimize the powder’s composition, particle size, and microstructure for application in actual silicone rubber-based test sockets and evaluate its contact resistance, durability under repeated use, and signal transmission characteristics. Patent applications for the technology are currently underway in Korea and abroad, and the team plans to pursue its commercialization for materials used in semiconductor testing processes.
대외홍보센터 (2026-10-01)COUNT 22Pukyong National University Professor Min-Seok Kwak’s ‘DNA Ultrasound Molecular Switch’ Study Selected as Cover Article for International Journal ‘Chem’- Technology uses DNA to transmit ultrasonic force and selectively break only targeted molecular bonds- Enables precise mechanochemical reactions … Expected applications in drug delivery, biosensors, and moreProfessor Min-Seok Kwak’s research team in the Department of Chemistry at Pukyong National University has developed a new “DNA ultrasound molecular switch” platform that uses DNA to precisely transmit the mechanical force of ultrasound to specific molecular bonds, enabling selective activation of targeted bonds. The study uses DNA not as a biomolecule but as a precise molecular tool for transmitting mechanical force. Following its online publication on March 3, the research attracted attention in Korea and abroad and has now been recognized for its academic excellence by being selected as the Cover Article for the September 2026 issue (Vol. 12, No. 9) of Chem, a world-renowned journal in the field of chemistry. Published by Cell Press, Chem is a leading journal covering all areas of chemistry and selects only one study per issue to feature on its cover. The paper, titled “DNA-mediated force transmission for precise and efficient mechanochemical activation,” lists Dr. Gyu-Rin Kim of Pukyong National University as the first author, with Professor Min-Seok Kwak of Pukyong National University and Professor Andreas Herrmann of RWTH Aachen University in Germany as corresponding authors. Professors Hyun-Wook Kang and Hae-Gyun Lim of the Major of Biomedical Engineering at Pukyong National University also participated as co-researchers. The research team overcame the limitations of conventional mechanochemical techniques by utilizing the structural properties of the DNA double helix to concentrate the mechanical force generated by ultrasound at specific sites. Experiments showed that the team successfully cleaved specifically designed force-responsive molecular bonds with high selectivity and efficiency without damaging the DNA itself. In particular, DNA structures longer than 250 base pairs (bp) achieved a cleavage rate of 99.9% at the target site within 15 minutes. In experiments using 1 MHz low-intensity ultrasound under skin-like conditions, the system also consistently achieved more than 80% selective cleavage without DNA damage, demonstrating its potential for applications in actual biological environments. A key feature of the study is the ability to control the magnitude of transmitted mechanical force by adjusting the length of the DNA. Using PCR, the researchers varied the DNA length from 100 to 1,000 base pairs and found that longer DNA transmitted greater force to the target molecule. These findings provide a foundation for designing molecular-level mechanical reactions by controlling experimental parameters such as ultrasound frequency and DNA length. The newly developed technology has the potential to be extended to a wide range of biomaterial applications, including ultrasound-triggered drug release systems, biosensors, and mechanically responsive therapeutic materials, as it enables specific molecular bonds to be activated at targeted locations by applying ultrasound externally. The cover of the September 2026 issue of Chem illustrates the principle behind the study through the metaphor of piloting a submersible. It depicts a researcher turning dials representing ultrasound frequency and DNA length to precisely activate a single targeted molecular bond in an aqueous environment. Against a backdrop of ultrasound operating underwater, the DNA double helix is portrayed as a force-transmission device, while the mechanophore at the center of the DNA represents the target site where the ultrasonic force is concentrated. The cover also visually captures a key feature of the study: the ability to control the mechanochemical activation of a targeted molecular bond by adjusting parameters such as ultrasound frequency and DNA length. Professor Min-Seok Kwak said, “If conventional polymer-based mechanophores are like hammers that distribute force broadly, this DNA-based mechanophore is more like a surgical scalpel that precisely targets a specific molecular bond. We expect this platform combining ultrasound and DNA to eventually develop into a precision therapeutic technology capable of releasing drugs at the desired location inside the body at the right time.” The research team plans to further expand the platform by integrating it with various biomaterials, including DNA nanostructures and nanoparticle assemblies, for applications such as ultrasound-activated drug delivery systems, biosensors, and mechanically responsive therapeutic materials. The study was supported by the Nano and Materials Technology Development Program and the Regional Innovation Leading Research Center Program funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea.
Korea-China Joint Study on the Effects of Educational Drama on Core Competencies to Be Published in International Journal- Study demonstrates educational drama’s effectiveness in enhancing creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills- Paper by Pukyong National University and Changzhi University research team accepted for publication in ‘Frontiers in Psychology’A study has found that educational drama can have an overall positive effect on enhancing students’ key competencies, including creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Doctoral students Yuan Li and Xinyuan Zhang of the Department of Education Consulting at Pukyong National University Graduate School and Professor Gyun Heo of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Industries Education systematically analyzed the effects of educational drama on students’ key competencies in their paper, “The Effects of Educational Drama on Students’ Key Competencies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” The paper has been accepted for publication in the Educational Psychology section of Volume 17 (2026) of Frontiers in Psychology, an SSCI-indexed international journal, and is currently awaiting final publication. The study is significant in that it evaluates the effects of educational drama through a meta-analysis synthesizing multiple controlled studies, rather than relying on individual cases. The research team systematically searched major academic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest Central, while using Google Scholar as a supplementary source to review studies on educational drama published through 2025. Of the 1,855 studies initially identified, the team selected 27 controlled studies that examined the effects of educational drama on key competencies such as creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration, and conducted a meta-analysis of data from a total of 2,239 participants. The analysis found that educational drama had an overall positive effect on enhancing students’ key competencies, including creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. The findings suggest that participation-centered educational drama activities, such as role-playing, scenario-based activities, improvisation, and collaborative interaction, can contribute to improving students’ thinking, expressive, and interpersonal skills. Professor Gyun Heo said, “This study is significant in that it quantitatively synthesizes the educational value of educational drama from the perspective of 21st-century key competencies. In particular, its publication in an SSCI-indexed international journal provides international academic evidence supporting the effectiveness of educational drama in enhancing key competencies.” Meanwhile, Yuan Li, a member of the research team, has been dedicated to research since coming to Pukyong National University from China through the Global PKNU Graduate Degree Program for Faculty and Staff of Overseas Universities. Li is currently an associate professor in the Department of Journalism and New Media at Changzhi University in China, while pursuing a doctoral degree in the Department of Education Consulting at Pukyong National University Graduate School. With support from the 2025 PhiNX Graduate Student Research Encouragement Scholarship Program for Academic Fields in Need of Protection and the GPKNU Research Promotion Scholarship, Li has achieved notable research outcomes, including publishing a first-author paper in the KCI-indexed Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education. To date, Li has published two papers in KCI-indexed journals. In addition, Xinyuan Zhang has been dedicated to research since coming to Pukyong National University from China through the Global PKNU Graduate Degree Program for Faculty and Staff of Overseas Universities. With support from the 2025 PhiNX Graduate Student Research Encouragement Scholarship Program for Academic Fields in Need of Protection and the GPKNU Research Promotion Scholarship, Zhang has achieved notable research outcomes, including publishing a first-author paper in the KCI-indexed Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education. To date, Zhang has published two papers in KCI-indexed journals. Professor Gyun Heo, who supervised the study, has conducted research focusing on educational technology, AI-based education, big data analytics, and advanced quantitative research methodologies, while mentoring graduate students and early-career researchers in publishing papers in international and domestic academic journals. This achievement is regarded as an example of Pukyong National University’s global research competitiveness, demonstrating the international expansion of the educational research capabilities accumulated by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Industries Education at the undergraduate level and the Department of Education Consulting and Department of Fisheries and Marine Human Resources Development at the graduate level.
Vibrio Testing That Once Took a Full Day Can Now Be Completed in Just One Hour- Pukyong National University Researchers Develop On-Site Diagnostic Technology for Vibrio Bacteria- Paper-Based Diagnostic Device Automates Complex Genetic Testing Researchers at Pukyong National University have developed a paper-based diagnostic device capable of detecting Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially fatal foodborne bacterium found in seafood such as oysters, on site in approximately one hour. Unlike conventional commercial test kits, which rely on laboratory-based testing that requires specialized equipment and trained personnel, the newly developed portable device mechanically automates the processes of genetic amplification and detection. This allows the device to be used relatively easily in the field or at small-scale facilities. Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium found in seawater and seafood. Infection can occur through the consumption of contaminated raw oysters and other seafood or through open wounds, potentially causing sepsis and tissue necrosis. Rapid detection and management are particularly important because the bacterium can be fatal for people with liver disease or weakened immune systems. Commercial real-time PCR kits currently widely used for food safety testing can identify multiple Vibrio species with high accuracy. However, the testing process is complex, requiring samples to be cultured for a certain period and then analyzed using PCR equipment in a specialized laboratory. Results typically take about a day, while the need for expensive equipment and trained personnel limits the use of these methods in field settings. The device, developed by a research team including doctoral student Won Han of the Department of Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering at Pukyong National University as the first author and Professor Joong-Ho Shin of the Major of Biomedical Engineering as the corresponding author, addresses the limitations of conventional testing methods. After a sample is collected from an oyster’s gills using a swab and its DNA is extracted, the sample and buffer solution are placed on a paper pad inside the device. Once the spring mechanism is wounded, the device operates automatically, sequentially carrying out genetic amplification and detection reactions. The device minimizes complex fluid handling and multi-step manual procedures. After approximately one hour, the test result can be determined simply by visually checking the test line that appears on the paper strip. No complex equipment is required, other than maintaining a temperature of approximately 37°C. In pure cultures, the device was able to detect as little as a single bacterial cell per reaction. It also reliably identified contamination in oysters raised in seawater artificially contaminated with Vibrio bacteria. In addition, the device was able to distinguish the target bacterium from other closely related Vibrio species. The paper-based reaction pads maintained their performance with little degradation even after being stored at room temperature for several weeks. The researchers said, “While existing commercial PCR kits are designed primarily for laboratory-based testing, this device focuses on automating the testing process so that it can be used relatively easily in the field or at small-scale facilities.” They added, “By changing the reagents to target specific pathogens, we expect the device could also be applied to the detection of a wide range of pathogens.” The study, titled “Field-Deployable Paper-Based Detection of Vibrio vulnificus via Mechanically Automated Sequential RPA/CRISPR-Cas12a,” was published in the August issue of ACS Sensors (IF 10.9), an international journal in the field of sensor research. The study was supported by the Core Research Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Academic Research Support Program for Science and Engineering Fields of the Ministry of Education (including the Doctoral Student Research Incentive Program and the University-Focused Research Institute Support Program - Marine Bionics Convergence Technology Center), and the Ministry of Education’s BK21 Program (Smart Healthcare Program for New Seniors).
대외홍보센터 (2026-09-08)COUNT 96Pukyong National University Participates in Korea-U.S. Joint International R&D Project on Shipbuilding and Marine Technology- Professor Jae-Min Lee’s Research Team to Develop Next-Generation Digital Ship Design TechnologyProfessor Jae-Min Lee’s research team in the Major of Mechanical Systems Engineering at Pukyong National University will participate in a Korea-U.S. joint international research project in the shipbuilding and marine sector. Pukyong National University will participate as a joint research and development institution, alongside Seoul National University, the lead institution, in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s project titled “Development of Multi-Fidelity-Based Integrated Ship Design Optimization Technology for Fluid, Structural, and Production Systems.” The project, conducted as a Korea-U.S. joint international research initiative, is part of the international cooperation sector of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s 2026 Shipbuilding and Marine Industry Technology Development Program. It is linked to the MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again) initiative, a framework for cooperation between the Korean and U.S. shipbuilding industries. The project is led by Seoul National University, with Pukyong National University participating as a joint research and development institution alongside GIST, Korea Maritime & Ocean University, Dong-A University, Chungnam National University, and the Research Institute of Medium & Small Shipbuilding. Industry participants include Hanwha Ocean, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Systems. Overseas institutions, including the University of Iowa, the University of Michigan, and Italy’s CNR-INM, are also participating. The project will receive KRW 9 billion in funding through 2030. Its goal is to establish a next-generation integrated ship design framework that combines performance, productivity, and verifiability, applying an advanced digital design platform to conventional shipbuilding technologies. Pukyong National University will receive approximately KRW 400 million in research funding through the project and will be responsible for optimizing ship production and construction strategies. The university will conduct research and development aimed at predicting welding deformation and improving productivity. Key research areas will include △ analyzing the production characteristics of ship structures and welded joints, △ developing technology to predict welding deformation at the block level, and △ establishing a welding deformation database based on empirical data and developing design-support technologies. The international joint research project is expected to help secure core technologies for national ship design while creating a new growth engine for the shipbuilding industry through Korea-U.S. cooperation. It is also expected to accelerate process innovation and productivity improvements at shipbuilding sites, promote the commercialization of core technologies, and generate significant benefits for the local economy.
대외홍보센터 (2026-09-08)COUNT 114Pukyong National University Partners with Virginia Tech to Foster Global Engineering Talent- International Academic Exchange to Expand, Including Student Exchange Programs Beginning Next YearPukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) has partnered with Virginia Tech in the United States to foster globally competitive engineering talent. President Sang-Hoon Bae recently visited Virginia Tech and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for international academic exchange with Guru Ghosh, Vice President for Outreach and International Affairs. Building on the agreement, the two universities plan to launch student exchange programs beginning next year while also pursuing joint research among faculty and researchers in engineering fields, further strengthening their international cooperation network. By partnering with Virginia Tech, one of the leading research universities in the United States, Pukyong National University expects to strengthen the operation of its AX Innovation College, which will be newly established next year, and accelerate its efforts to cultivate outstanding engineering talent. Through the AX Innovation College, one of the university’s key future development strategies, Pukyong National University plans to respond to the rapid digital transformation and the growing adoption of artificial intelligence technologies while systematically fostering AI convergence talent who will lead future industries. In addition, following his visit to Virginia Tech, President Sang-Hoon Bae visited Auburn University at Montgomery, an existing MOU partner, to discuss expanding international exchange. On August 5, he also attended the 2026 US-Korea Conference on Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship (UKC) in Orlando, Florida, where he worked to build networks with scientists and attract highly skilled professionals in science and engineering.
Pukyong National University Earns Top Ratings in National University Development Project, Secures KRW 19.2 Billion- Receives S and A Ratings in the 2026 Performance EvaluationPukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) received the highest ratings of S and A, respectively, in the performance management and educational innovation performance categories of the 2026 National University Development Project Performance Evaluation conducted by the Ministry of Education. The National University Development Project is a major government-funded initiative supported by the Ministry of Education to foster future talent who will drive regional development through the autonomous innovation of national universities. The Ministry of Education evaluates each university’s innovation initiatives and implementation performance annually and allocates project funding based on the results. Following this year’s evaluation, Pukyong National University secured a total of KRW 19.2 billion in project funding, including performance-based incentives. Pukyong National University received high marks in several areas. The university established the Sustainability Performance Management Center, a dedicated organization for performance management, to systematically link its development strategies with institutional performance and continuously enhance its Institutional Research (IR) system, which was recognized as a best practice. Other highly rated initiatives included △ promoting the full-scale introduction of modular track curricula reflecting student needs, △ providing systematic support for the School of Open Major, and △ jointly operating advanced academic programs with other universities in the region. Following this outstanding achievement, Pukyong National University plans to continue pursuing educational innovation initiatives aimed at cultivating interdisciplinary future talent, building on its specialized strengths in basic academic fields, including marine and fisheries sciences, as well as advanced fields such as AI. Pukyong National University President Sang-Hoon Bae said, “Building on the funding secured through this project, we will continue to pursue innovations that students can directly experience while doing our utmost to strengthen the university’s education and research capabilities and cultivate future talent.”
Pukyong National University Selected for Ministry of Education’s ‘APEC Academic Exchange Program’- School of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies to Lead the Program … Pukyong National University Selected as the Sole Institution among Four-Year Universities Nationwide- International Joint Research and Student Exchange Activities with Japan, Thailand, and the United States to Continue through 2027Pukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) has been selected as an implementing institution for the 2026 APEC Academic Exchange Program, jointly promoted by the Ministry of Education and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Institute for International Education. The program aims to strengthen the foundation for international cooperation in higher education through joint research and student exchanges among universities across APEC economies. One four-year university nationwide is selected to receive support under the program. The project will run for two years through December 2027, with an annual budget of approximately KRW 100 million. Pukyong National University will carry out the project under the leadership of the School of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies. Professor Chang-Yu Hong of the school will serve as the principal investigator and lead the project under the theme of “Youth Human Resource Development and Strengthening Future Employment Competencies.” By combining Busan’s strengths as a maritime and port city with Pukyong National University’s educational and research capabilities, the project aims to propose a “Blue Economy-Linked Future Employment Model for Youth.” To this end, international mixed research teams comprising Korean and international students will conduct joint research and field projects on topics such as youth employment, regional entrepreneurship, and youth mobility. More than 100 students from Korea and abroad will participate in the project, including approximately 40 Pukyong National University students, such as those from the School of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies, and around 60 students from overseas partner universities. The university will organize a student hackathon with Fukuoka University in Japan on topics including smart ports, conduct joint research with Thammasat University in Thailand on climate change adaptation and green transition in the ASEAN region, and study strategies for encouraging young people to settle in local communities with Iowa State University in the United States. Through these activities, the university plans to establish an international joint research and student exchange network connecting Korea, Japan, Thailand, and the United States, with Busan serving as the hub. The School of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies at Pukyong National University plans to build on its experience in international exchange and global education, accumulated through the education of international students and exchanges with universities in Korea and abroad, and expand these capabilities into multilateral academic cooperation across Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies. Through the project, the school aims to move beyond internationalization centered primarily on student exchanges and establish a new model of international cooperation that integrates joint research, international mixed research teams, global field studies, hackathons, and other activities. Professor Chang-Yu Hong, the principal investigator, said, “Using APEC as a broader platform for international cooperation, we will leverage Busan’s strengths as a maritime and port city to develop an international academic exchange model in which young people across APEC economies can work together to explore solutions for future employment and regional innovation.”
Pukyong National University Researchers Develop Light-Activated Microneedle Soft Robot for Remote Injection in Future Smart Livestock Farming- Professor Dae-Seok Kim’s Team Publishes Findings in the International Materials Chemistry Journal Advanced Functional MaterialsA joint research team at Pukyong National University has developed a new soft actuator technology that generates a rapid, powerful force from a light-responsive soft material to insert microneedles into the skin. The research team, led by Professor Dae-Seok Kim and master’s student Chae-Won Lee of the Major of Polymer Engineering, together with Professor Seung-Hyun Park and integrated master’s and doctoral student Nan-Kyung Kim of the Major of Human Bio-Convergence, successfully developed a high-output remote microneedle actuation system that combines a light-responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), magnets, and a snap-through structure. Liquid crystal elastomers are soft and flexible like rubber yet can change their shape in response to external stimuli such as light or heat, making them promising key materials for soft robots and artificial muscles. However, conventional liquid crystal elastomers have limitations in that they deform relatively slowly and have difficulty generating large amounts of force instantaneously. To overcome these limitations, the researchers utilized the snap-through phenomenon, in which a structure that stores elastic energy―like an inverted umbrella or a bent hairpin―suddenly “snaps” into a reversed configuration once it reaches a critical point. The researchers fabricated an azobenzene-based liquid crystal elastomer that responds to light in a bow-shaped arch structure. When exposed to ultraviolet light, changes in the molecular alignment within the material caused elastic energy to accumulate. Once the stored energy reached a critical level, the structure rapidly snapped through, generating fast motion. The team then incorporated the attractive force of permanent magnets to lower the threshold for snap-through and enable the stored energy to be released more rapidly and powerfully. The maximum speed, which was approximately 140 mm per second when driven by light alone, increased to approximately 332 mm per second after the magnets were incorporated. The maximum actuation force also increased by approximately 14.6 times. This does not mean that the magnets drive the device on their own. Rather, as the light-deformed liquid crystal elastomer approaches its critical point, magnetic force amplifies the final release of stored energy. In this way, the system structurally overcomes the low-output limitations of conventional soft actuators while preserving the flexibility and remote controllability of soft materials. The research team also combined the developed actuator with fine, precisely fabricated polymer microneedles and verified their skin insertion performance. When exposed to light, the arch-shaped structure rapidly snaps downward, delivering a strong instantaneous impact to the microneedles and driving them into the skin. Experiments showed that the microneedles were successfully inserted not only into gelatin structures designed to mimic skin, but also into actual pig skin tissue. In the pig skin, the microneedles reached an average depth of approximately 364 μm (micrometers), and a fluorescent substance used to simulate a drug was observed spreading around the insertion sites. The researchers also confirmed that the insertion depth and diffusion area of the substance could be controlled by adjusting the length and number of microneedles in the array. The technology is considered to open up the possibility of “active smart livestock farming,” moving beyond conventional smart livestock systems that primarily monitor animal health through sensors to systems capable of performing actual treatment when needed. In the future, combining a reusable liquid crystal elastomer？magnet module with replaceable microneedle cartridges could enable the technology to be expanded into an automated precision treatment system. Professor Dae-Seok Kim said, “The key to this study is that small molecular-scale deformations induced by light are amplified through a snap-through structure and magnetic force, converting them into a strong mechanical impact.” He added, “We expect this technology to find applications not only in smart livestock farming, but also in a wide range of fields requiring precise and remote control, including wearable medical devices, biointerfaces, and soft robotics.” The paper presenting the research findings, titled “Snap-Through-Driven Liquid Crystal Elastomers for High-Power Remote Microneedle Actuation toward Smart Livestock Systems,” was published online on August 7 in 『Advanced Functional Materials』(IF: 19.9), a leading international journal in the field of materials science.
“Hope Pukyong National University Continues to Strengthen Its Standing as Busan’s Leading Specialized National University”-Young-Ok Seo, CEO of Fine Technology, Donates KRW 500 Million to Pukyong National UniversityPukyong National University alumna Young-Ok Seo, CEO of Fine Technology Co., Ltd., has donated KRW 500 million to her alma mater in celebration of its 80th anniversary. Young-Ok Seo, who entered Pukyong National University’s Department of Chemical Engineering in 1975, presented the development fund to President Sang-Hoon Bae on the morning of August 10 at Pukyong National University administration building, asking that it be used to support the university’s continued advancement. CEO Seo said, “I believe that contributing to the development of local universities is also one of the responsibilities of businesses. As Busan is receiving increasing attention, I hope Pukyong National University will further strengthen its standing as a leading specialized comprehensive national university representing Busan.” CEO Seo has long taken the lead in supporting the development of her alma mater. In 2015, she became the first woman in Pukyong National University’s history to be elected president of the Alumni Association, serving as its 10th president. She returned to serve once again as the 14th president in 2023. Having already donated approximately KRW 300 million in development funds to the university, she readily joined this year’s donation relay marking the university’s 80th anniversary. CEO Seo is a prominent local entrepreneur recognized as one of Korea’s first-generation venture success stories, having built a globally competitive company from a one-person startup. She began her entrepreneurial career by founding Union Chemical in 1987 and has since pioneered the industrial semiconductor tape sector. Following the establishment of Fine Technology in 1998, she expanded the company’s presence in global markets and contributed to Korea’s economic development, including receiving the 10 Million Dollar Export Tower award. She is also widely respected as an opinion leader in the local community for her efforts to promote mutual growth with numerous venture companies and her dedicated social contribution activities. CEO Seo said, “As the standing of my alma mater continues to rise, alumni like me who are active in society also feel a growing sense of pride. I am grateful to the faculty, staff, students, and all members of the university who continually devote themselves to its development, and I will continue to bring together the support of fellow alumni for the advancement of our alma mater.” As Pukyong National University continues its donation relay in celebration of its 80th anniversary this year, CEO Young-Ok Seo became the 47th donor to participate. The university plans to use the development fund to help realize its future vision, including initiatives for a research-oriented university, the AX Innovation College, and the Global Innovation College.
Pukyong National University and Korea Maritime & Ocean University to Offer Joint Master’s and Doctoral Degree Programs-Programs to begin in the second semester, with new courses for marine and fisheries professionals, including Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries personnel, to be developed next yearPukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) and Korea Maritime & Ocean University (President Dong-Geun Ryu) will jointly operate degree programs to cultivate professionals in marine and fisheries science and technology. Following the signing of a Mutual Cooperation Agreement for Advancing Marine and Fisheries Development in April, the two universities signed an Agreement on the Operation of Joint Graduate Degree Programs for Training Professionals in Marine and Fisheries Science and Technology in July. Through the agreement, they will jointly operate academic programs and foster talent tailored to policy needs. Since April, the two universities have conducted internal demand surveys to establish the joint graduate degree programs and selected the Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering at Pukyong National University and the Department of Marine Engineering and Department of Marine Engineering Systems at Korea Maritime & Ocean University as participating departments. The programs will begin in the second semester of this year, allowing graduate students in these departments to earn master’s or doctoral degrees from both universities. Beginning with mechanical systems (marine engineering), a key field in advanced shipbuilding, the two universities plan to gradually expand the number of departments participating in the joint degree programs. By linking their respective educational and research capabilities, they aim to establish a system for cultivating professionals in marine and fisheries science and technology. In particular, to foster professionals who can support the government’s marine and fisheries policies and Busan’s strategic initiatives, the two universities conducted a survey of educational needs among employees of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Based on the needs identified in the policy field, they will jointly develop customized curricula and begin offering them in 2027. The newly developed joint degree programs are expected to enhance the expertise of current marine and fisheries professionals through practice-oriented education that links marine and fisheries policy with science and technology. They are also expected to contribute to strengthening the nation’s capacity to implement marine and fisheries policies. Pukyong National University and Korea Maritime & Ocean University plan to continue expanding cooperation in joint degree programs, research, education, and personnel exchanges, while working together to cultivate future talent who will lead the marine and fisheries sector and strengthen national competitiveness.
Pukyong National University Develops High-Capacity Anode Material for Next-Generation Sodium-Ion Batteries-Professor Kyung-Ho Kim’s Research Team Achieves High-Rate, High-Capacity Performance Using Abundant Raw Materials-Findings Published in the International Journal ‘Advanced Science’Professor Kyung-Ho Kim’s research team in the Major of Materials Science and Engineering at Pukyong National University has developed a new anode material that can overcome the limitations of hard carbon anodes used in commercial sodium-ion batteries, particularly their relatively low capacity and limited high-rate performance. The team developed a new magnesium phosphide (MgP₄) anode material based on magnesium (Mg) and red phosphorus (P), both of which are abundant resources with relatively stable supply chains. They then applied a stepwise carbon-compositing technique in which a small amount of MgP₄ is incorporated into a hard carbon matrix. The approach was inspired by graphite？silicon composite anode technology, which is widely used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. In lithium-ion batteries, a commercialized approach involves incorporating a small amount of high-capacity silicon into lower-capacity graphite to increase energy density. Sodium-ion batteries have attracted attention as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to their cost competitiveness and safety. However, because they use sodium ions instead of lithium ions, silicon cannot exhibit the same high-capacity characteristics. This makes it difficult to directly apply the composite anode strategy used in lithium-ion batteries. To address this challenge, the research team introduced magnesium phosphide (MgP₄), formed by alloying magnesium (Mg) with red phosphorus (P), a potential alternative to silicon, to overcome the flammability and low electrical conductivity of red phosphorus. By incorporating MgP₄ into hard carbon through a stepwise compositing process, the team successfully improved both capacity and high-rate charge？discharge performance while maintaining the excellent stability and processability of hard carbon. Professor Kyung-Ho Kim said, “This study confirmed the potential of hard carbon-based composite anodes. If the performance of the composite is further improved through additional modification and particle-size control of high-capacity compounds while minimizing the amount added to hard carbon, we expect it could develop into a next-generation hard carbon composite anode platform following the single hard carbon anodes currently at the commercialization stage.” The research team included Professor Kyung-Ho Kim of Pukyong National University as the corresponding author, post-master’s researcher Si-On Ha as the first author, master’s student Dong-Won Kim, doctoral student Do-Yeon Lee of Seoul National University, Dr. Won-Sik Kim, Professor Sung-Hyun Hong, and Dr. Min-Gyu Lee of Northwestern University in the United States. The study was supported by the Individual Basic Research Program and the Innovation Research Center (IRC) Program funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea. The paper presenting the findings, titled “MgP4/CNT-Graphene Embedded in Hard Carbon Matrix as a High-Capacity Anode for Next-Generation Sodium-Ion Batteries,” was published in the July issue of ‘Advanced Science’ (IF 14.1), a leading international journal in materials engineering and interdisciplinary science.
“Measuring the Tendency to Start Tasks Early Rather Than Procrastinate―Scientifically”― Pukyong National University Research Team Develops the Proactive Initiation Scale; Study Accepted for Publication in an SSCI-Indexed International Journal Unlike procrastination―the tendency to delay tasks―a scale has been developed to measure precrastination among Chinese university students. Precrastination refers to the tendency to begin or complete tasks or subgoals as early as possible, even when doing so requires additional effort or cost. A research team comprising doctoral student Peng Zhang of the Department of Educational Consulting at the Graduate School of Pukyong National University, Research Professor Soon-An Hyun of the Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education Research Institute, and Professor Gyun Heo verified the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Precrastination Scale (PS-C) in their paper, “Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Precrastination Scale.” The paper has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, an SSCI-indexed international journal published by SAGE, and is currently undergoing the final publication process. The journal specializes in psychological and educational assessment, as well as the development and validation of measurement instruments. The researchers developed the Chinese version of the Precrastination Scale (PS-C) to measure the tendency to begin tasks early rather than delay them and verified its psychometric reliability and validity. To do so, they conducted item analysis and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses using data from 648 university students in Beijing, Shanxi Province, and Guizhou Province, China. Of these participants, 277 completed the same assessment again four weeks later. The analysis showed that the newly developed scale demonstrated high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The researchers also confirmed a single-factor structure that measures precrastination as a single trait, as well as gender measurement invariance, indicating that the scale can be applied using the same criteria to both male and female students. In addition, students with higher levels of precrastination tended to procrastinate less, consider future consequences more carefully, and regulate their behavior more effectively, supporting the scale’s criterion-related validity. The researchers noted, however, that beginning tasks as early as possible is not always the most efficient approach. Students with a strong tendency toward precrastination may therefore benefit from training in prioritizing more important tasks, while those with a weaker tendency may require support in time management and behavioral implementation to help them begin assignments on time. Professor Gyun Heo said, “This study is meaningful in that it has established a highly reliable and valid psychometric instrument for measuring precrastination among Chinese-speaking university students.” He added, “Its publication in an SSCI-indexed international journal also demonstrates the potential for the international expansion of education-based research on psychometric instrument development.” Meanwhile, doctoral student Peng Zhang, a member of the research team, has been devoted to his research since coming to Pukyong National University from China through the Global PKNU Graduate Degree Program for Overseas University Faculty and Staff. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the Department of Educational Consulting at the Graduate School of Pukyong National University while also serving as a researcher at L-liang University in China, where he continues to study adolescent emotional processing, educational psychology, and psychometrics. Supported by the 2025 PhiNX Graduate Student Research Scholarship Program for Protected Academic Disciplines, Zhang published a first-author paper in the KCI-indexed . To date, he has published three papers in KCI-indexed journals. In June, he also achieved publication as the first author of an SSCI-indexed international journal article on cognitive bias in shy adolescents. Research Professor Soon-An Hyun earned a Ph.D. in Education from the Department of Educational Consulting at the Graduate School of Pukyong National University. She was subsequently selected as a 2026 Humanities and Social Sciences Academic Research Professor by the National Research Foundation of Korea and is currently conducting research as an academic research professor at Pukyong National University’s Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education Research Institute, headed by Professor Hyo-Heon Won, with five years of research support. She also works to strengthen students’ capabilities by teaching related courses in the undergraduate Department of Fisheries and Marine Industries Education and the graduate Department of Educational Consulting. Having previously served as an academic research professor at institutions including Tongmyong University and Sunchon National University, she has devoted herself to research in educational technology, AI education, educational assessment, adolescent cognition and emotion, and psychometrics. In this study, Soon-An Hyun contributed to the interpretation of the data and enhanced the paper’s theoretical and methodological rigor. She has recently produced numerous research outcomes in Korea and abroad, including the publication of two papers in SCIE- and SSCI-indexed journals this year alone. Professor Gyun Heo, who supervised the study, has conducted research primarily in the fields of educational technology, AI-based education, big data analytics, and advanced quantitative research methodology. He has also mentored graduate students and early-career researchers in publishing their work in both international and domestic academic journals. This achievement is regarded as a demonstration of the global research competitiveness of Pukyong National University, reflecting the international expansion of the expertise in educational psychology and psychometrics cultivated by the undergraduate Department of Fisheries and Marine Industries Education, headed by Professor Tae-Ho Lee, and the graduate Department of Educational Consulting and Department of Fisheries and Marine Human Resources Development.
대외홍보센터 (2026-08-03)COUNT 169Pukyong National University Joins Six National Universities to Launch the Fisheries and Marine U-Belt Council, a Nationwide Supra-Regional Alliance― Pukyong National University, Kangwon National University (Gangneung), Kunsan National University, Mokpo National University, Chonnam National University (Yeosu), and Jeju National University Join the Initiative― Council Launched in Busan to Identify Shared Agendas Connecting Korea’s Seas and Collaborate on Government-Funded ProjectsPukyong National University, led by President Sang-Hoon Bae, held the Launch Ceremony and First Working-Level Meeting of the Fisheries and Marine U-Belt Council at Homers Hotel in Busan over two days, July 23 and 24. Around 40 officials involved in the Regional Growth Talent Development System (Anchor) Project attended the event. They represented six national universities specializing in fisheries and marine sciences across Korea: Pukyong National University, Kangwon National University (Gangneung), Kunsan National University, Mokpo National University, Chonnam National University (Yeosu), and Jeju National University. Participants held working-level discussions to identify shared agendas and establish a framework for cooperation. The six universities formed the council following the Mutual Cooperation Agreement for Establishing a Supra-Regional Governance Framework Specialized in Fisheries and Marine Affairs, signed on May 13. The participating universities agreed to jointly address fisheries and marine issues that are difficult for any single university or individual sea area to tackle alone, including rising sea temperatures and subtropicalization, the decline of fishing communities, and the expansion of offshore wind power. They also discussed six proposed collaborative projects submitted by the respective universities. Among them, the proposal to establish a coastal marine environment observation belt and digital twin for the Korean Peninsula aims to connect the six universities’ research vessels and observation infrastructure to create Korea’s first longitudinal coastal dataset. The network would span the East Sea off Gangwon, the West Sea off Gunsan, the archipelagic waters of the southwest coast near Mokpo, the South Sea off Busan and Yeosu, and the subtropical waters around Jeju. Other proposals discussed included cultivating talent through joint capstone design programs in offshore wind power and developing a blue food value chain relay covering seeds, aquaculture, materials, processing, and commercialization. Following the identification of joint agendas at this meeting, the council plans to gather feedback from each university and convene a second working-level meeting to finalize the scope of the projects, designate lead universities, and establish implementation schedules. Pukyong National University’s Anchor Project Office has been appointed as the council’s inaugural chair institution, while the second working-level meeting is scheduled to take place at Chonnam National University’s Yeosu Campus in November. Once the joint agendas are finalized, the council plans to launch small-scale pilot projects at each university. Based on the results, the participating institutions will jointly pursue multi-ministerial funding opportunities offered by agencies including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Ministry of Education, as well as matching support from the five participating metropolitan and provincial governments. As the council’s inaugural chair institution, Pukyong National University plans to expand its role in operating key observation sites in the South Sea region and supporting the commercialization and export of research outcomes. These efforts will draw on the university’s industry？academia cooperation assets, including its approximately 330,000-square-meter Open-UIC Field Campus, 151 tenant companies, the Blue Food contract-based department, the Smart Aquaculture Big Data Center, and the marine finance cluster. An official from Pukyong National University’s Anchor Project, formerly the RISE Project, said, “By connecting the strengths of the six universities into a single belt, we can jointly secure educational and research resources that would be difficult for individual universities to obtain on their own.“ The official added, “Through this council, we will continue to develop concrete forms of cooperation so that students can gain field-based learning opportunities spanning Korea’s coastal waters, while regional companies can access a full-cycle industry？academia cooperation network.”