NEW BEGINNING, NEW INSPIRATION
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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 26Pukyong 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 32Pukyong 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 124Pukyong 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.”
Pukyong National University Establishes the Global Innovation College for International Students― 400 Students to Be Admitted Across Eight Departments, Expanding Academic Options in AI, K-Culture, and More― University’s First College Dedicated to International Students Aims to Strengthen Global CompetitivenessPukyong National University, led by President Sang-Hoon Bae, will establish the Global Innovation College (GIC) next year, becoming the university’s first college dedicated exclusively to international students. To strengthen the recruitment of international students and provide more systematic support, Pukyong National university recently finalized plans to establish the Global Innovation College. Student admissions will begin in October, with the college set to officially open for the 2027 academic year. Until now, Pukyong National University has recruited and supported international students through its Office of International Affairs and the School of Global Interdisciplinary Studies. With the establishment of the new college, the university plans to broaden academic opportunities and expand support services tailored to the diverse needs of international students. The Global Innovation College will comprise one school and seven departments, offering both English-track and Korean-track programs to meet students’ academic preferences. The college will admit 400 international students annually through a special admissions quota. Incoming students will initially enroll in the School of Global Interdisciplinary Studies and later be assigned to one of the seven departments within the Global Innovation College. Students who meet the requirements for changing majors, including language proficiency standards, may also transfer to departments outside the college. The college’s English-track programs will include the Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, the Department of Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management. Its Korean-track programs will consist of the Department of Global Media and Communication, the Department of K-Culture, the Department of Global Technology Management, and the Department of Global Sustainability Engineering. These programs will broaden students’ academic options across both engineering and humanities-related fields. As the number of international students continues to grow, the university plans to strengthen both its student support system and the quality of education. It will provide more personalized assistance by expanding its administrative support staff, restructuring scholarship programs, and offering mentoring as well as employment and settlement support. At the same time, the university plans to build a more specialized educational environment by placing full-time faculty members at the center of course instruction, developing English-language general education courses, and introducing English- and Chinese-track master’s and doctoral programs. As of April this year, Pukyong National University had 1,707 international students from 63 countries enrolled in degree, non-degree training, and dual-degree programs, including 718 undergraduate students. Through the establishment of the Global Innovation College, the university plans to increase its international student population to approximately 3,000.
Pukyong National University Joins the Supra-Regional University Alliance with 11 Leading Universities Nationwide― Collaborating with Pusan National University, Seoul National University, KAIST, UNIST, and Others to Build a Joint Research and Education Framework for Regional Development and Talent Cultivation in Southeastern KoreaPukyong National University, led by President Sang-Hoon Bae, has joined the Supra-Regional University Alliance alongside leading universities across Korea, including Pusan National University, Seoul National University, KAIST, and UNIST, to promote regional innovation and contribute to balanced national development and the future transformation of higher education. The alliance was established in line with the government’s initiative to cultivate regional talent in connection with national growth engines. It aims to link universities’ growth capabilities with emerging regional industries and build a supra-regional framework for research and educational cooperation. The launch ceremony was held on July 21 at Inmun Maru in the Humanities Building of Pusan National University. The collaboration brings together 11 leading universities nationwide: Pukyong National University, Pusan National University, Seoul National University, Inha University, Hanyang University, KAIST, UNIST, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Changwon National University, Inje University, and the University of Ulsan. The participating institutions signed a preliminary joint agreement and committed to working together to advance the southeastern region and cultivate regional talent. The participating universities plan to pursue cooperation in a wide range of areas, including cultivating regional talent linked to national growth engines; establishing joint research and development and industry-academia-research collaboration frameworks; developing joint curricula and educational systems; sharing educational and research infrastructure and promoting personnel exchanges; and developing regional AI education models and sharing related resources. Through its participation in the Supra-Regional University Alliance, Pukyong National University expects to strengthen research and educational collaboration with leading universities across the country while enhancing the competitiveness of regional strategic industries, including the marine and fisheries sectors, and fostering regional talent. The university also aims to play an active role in promoting the sustainable growth of the southeastern region and building a future-oriented national research ecosystem.
Technology Developed to Create Ultrafine Surface Features Below 50 Nanometers―Approximately One-Thousandth the Thickness of a Human Hair―Using Commercial 3D Printers― Pukyong National University Joint Research Team Overcomes the Resolution Limits of Commercial SLA 3D Printers with ‘Nano-Seed’ TechnologyA “Nano-Seed-Assisted Stereolithography (SLA) Technology” has been developed that enables ultrafine surface patterns measuring less than 50 nanometers (nm, one-billionth of a meter)―previously difficult to achieve using commercial stereolithography 3D printers alone―to be formed on complex, free-form three-dimensional structures. The achievement is the result of a joint study led by Professor Woon-Ik Park of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Pukyong National University. The research team included Dr. Tae-Wan Park of Northwestern University, doctoral student Eun-Bin Kang of Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), and master’s graduate Young-Rim Kang of Pukyong National University, in collaboration with Professor Min-Sun Lee’s research team at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) and Dr. Diana Jung’s research team at Stanford University in the United States. The research team successfully created nanopatterns even on the hair and forehead of a Buddha sculpture with a complex geometry, demonstrating that ultrafine surface structures can be integrated with free-form 3D printing in a single process. Stereolithography (SLA) is a widely used 3D printing technology that creates three-dimensional structures by curing liquid resin with light. Although it offers the advantages of smooth surfaces and highly precise geometries, directly producing ultrafine surface structures at the nanometer scale has remained difficult because of light diffraction and the diffusion of photopolymerization reactions within the resin. In practice, the commercial SLA 3D printer used in the study could reliably produce lines only as narrow as approximately 250 micrometers (μm, one-millionth of a meter) without the Nano-Seed technology. By applying the technology, however, the researchers successfully produced ultrafine lines measuring less than 50 nanometers. This represents structures approximately 5,000 times finer than the resolution limit of the commercial printer, equivalent to about one-thousandth the thickness of a human hair. The researchers devised a method in which a “Nano-Seed,” created by replicating nanopatterns from a silicon (Si) master mold onto a thin polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) film, is attached to the 3D printer’s build plate. An ultrathin inorganic barrier layer approximately 30 nanometers (nm) thick is then formed over the Nano-Seed. This barrier prevents the resin from mixing with the Nano-Seed and confines the photocuring reaction to the interface, allowing the nanopatterns to be transferred with high precision. Using this method, the researchers precisely produced a variety of nanopatterns―including dots, holes, waves, and cross-shaped structures―ranging in size from 250 nanometers to 2 micrometers. They also successfully created ultrafine line patterns measuring less than 50 nanometers. In addition, the nanopatterns were formed uniformly over areas as large as 45 by 75 millimeters (mm), nearly the size of a business card, demonstrating the technology’s potential for large-area processing. The research team further validated the practicality of the technology by applying it to actual 3D-printed structures. While it has traditionally been difficult to fabricate nanometer-scale surface features on complex three-dimensional objects with free-form curved surfaces, the researchers successfully created nanopatterns on the hair and forehead of a Buddha sculpture using the newly developed technique. They demonstrated not only the fabrication of a separate nanopatterned component that could be assembled onto the sculpture, but also the direct production of a fully integrated Buddha sculpture containing nanopatterns during the printing process without any additional assembly. This achievement demonstrates that nanopatterns, which previously required post-processing or separate assembly, can now be incorporated directly into the 3D printing process. The technology therefore integrates nanometer-scale surface patterning and the fabrication of complex three-dimensional structures into a single manufacturing process. This study represents a successful integration of nanopatterning and 3D printing technologies, highlighting its potential applications in a wide range of fields, including surfaces with optical properties, anti-counterfeiting security markings, and biomimetic surfaces designed to control adhesion and fluid behavior. Professor Woon-Ik Park said, “This study is significant because it demonstrates that nanometer-scale surface structures can be produced by precisely controlling the printing interface without modifying the optical components of a commercial 3D printer. We expect the technology to be applied to the fabrication of optical and photonic surfaces, anti-counterfeiting markings, biomimetic structures, and various functional 3D-printed components.” Dr. Tae-Wan Park, doctoral student Eun-Bin Kang, and master’s graduate Young-Rim Kang contributed equally to the study as co-first authors. The co-authors included master’s student Yu-Na Kim, undergraduate student Yu-Jin Kang, Professor Kang-Jun Baek, and Professor Sung-Dae Kim of Pukyong National University; Professor Hoo-Young Jung of UNIST; and Professor Seung-Sae Hong of the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). Corresponding author Professor Woon-Ik Park is jointly affiliated with Pukyong National University, UC Davis, and RANO-M Co., Ltd. The study was conducted as part of a research project funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT and administered by the National Research Foundation of Korea. The findings were recently published online in the international academic journal 『Small Structures』 under the title ‘Sub-50 nm Surface Nanopatterning via Nano-Seed Assisted Stereolithography.’
Pukyong National University Selected as a Participating Institution in the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Next-Generation Engineers Development Program― To Contribute to Building a Supra-Regional Industry-Academia Cooperation Network across Korea’s Eastern and Southwestern Regions Pukyong National University has been selected as a participating institution in the ‘Next-Generation Engineers Development Program,’ newly established by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity (KOFAC). Through the program, the university will join the construction of a supra-regional industry-academia cooperation platform across Korea’s eastern and southwestern regions, led by Pusan National University. On July 16, the Ministry of Science and ICT and KOFAC announced that Pusan National University and Yonsei University had been selected as the lead institutions for the ‘Next-Generation Engineers Development Program,’ an initiative aimed at innovating engineering education at science and engineering universities. Pukyong National University was selected as a participating institution in the Pusan National University consortium, alongside Kunsan National University and Mokpo National University. Launched this year, the program is designed primarily to help science and engineering students develop practical skills that can be immediately applied in corporate settings. Under the program, students directly undertake research projects aimed at solving real-world challenges proposed by companies, with support provided by their universities and the government. The consortium, comprising Pusan National University, Pukyong National University, Kunsan National University, and Mokpo National University, plans to establish a supra-regional industry-academia cooperation platform across Korea’s eastern and southwestern regions, focusing on four regionally specialized fields, including advanced robotics and manufacturing and next-generation energy. Its strategic technology areas include artificial intelligence (AI), advanced robotics and manufacturing, aerospace and marine technologies, secondary batteries, hydrogen, and next-generation nuclear power. Drawing on its research capabilities in marine and fisheries sciences as well as a wide range of advanced fields, Pukyong National University is expected to play a key role in fostering the next generation of engineers. The consortium aims to foster more than 1,000 professionals capable of addressing regional challenges over the next five years by transforming industry issues into customized, practice-oriented projects and providing specialized hands-on training. Participating institutions, including Pukyong National University, are expected to operate practical curricula that draw on each university’s areas of strength. Lee Jun-Bae, Director General for Future Talent Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, “Science and engineering universities are the cradle of scientific and technological talent who will drive innovation in advanced technologies such as AI, making innovation in science and engineering education essential.” He added that the ministry would actively support the lead universities selected this year so that they can serve as exemplary models for innovation in science and engineering education.
대외홍보센터 (2026-08-03)COUNT 82Pukyong National University, Hosts Pukyong International Summer School (PKNU ISS) for ‘119 Students from Nine Countries’― Students from 19 universities to live together in campus housing for two to four weeks― Participants to take global courses and experience Korean culture through K-pop dance, Korean cooking, marine sports, and morePukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) launched the 2026 PKNU International Summer School (PKNU ISS) on July 20, bringing together 119 participants: 103 international students from 19 universities across nine countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, China, and Japan, as well as 16 Pukyong National University students. Following the opening ceremony, the program will be offered in two sessions―a four-week course from July 20 to August 14 and a two-week course from August 3 to 14―to accommodate participants’ schedules and the academic calendars of their home universities. To facilitate the international students’ arrival and adjustment to life in Korea, Pukyong National University’s Office of International Affairs is providing customized support, including pickup services at Gimhae International Airport and Busan Station, shared residence-hall accommodation with Pukyong National University students, and a buddy program. Beginning July 21, participants will take part in a wide range of Korean cultural activities, including pottery making, K-pop dancing, Korean cooking, calligraphy, taekwondo, traditional cultural experiences, makgeolli brewing, and a temple stay. In addition, participants will visit some of Busan’s most iconic cultural and tourist attractions, including Haeundae Blueline Park, SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium, Busan X the Sky, Songdo Marine Cable Car, and the Busan City Tour. They will also experience Busan’s maritime culture by enjoying marine sports such as rafting boats and banana boats at Gwangalli Beach, located near the university campus. Alongside the cultural activities, students will take global courses taught in English. The four-week program offers elective courses such as Understanding International Relations, Sport Scuba Diving and the Underwater Environment, and Basic Korean, as well as the required course Global Culture II. Students in the two-week program will take Learning Korean through K-Culture and Global Culture I. Participants can earn up to four academic credits. First launched in 2009, the PKNU International Summer School (PKNU ISS) has become one of Pukyong National University’s flagship international exchange programs, attracting students from Korea and around the world each year. The program provides international students with opportunities to experience the Korean language, Korean culture, and Busan’s unique maritime environment firsthand, while offering Pukyong National University students valuable opportunities to strengthen their global competencies through interaction with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through the program, Pukyong National University aims to help participants not only build academic knowledge in the classroom but also gain a broad understanding of Korea’s traditional and contemporary culture, as well as Busan’s maritime culture. By combining academic learning with immersive cultural experiences, the university seeks to foster mutual cultural understanding and cultivate a global perspective among all participants.