연구/산학
PKNU Research 1000
총 1/13
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Gyun Heo | Some Regions See an Increase in the Number of Schools Despite Declining School-Age Populations
Some Regions See an Increase in the Number of Schools Despite Declining School-Age Populations- Pukyong National University research team analyzes changes in school-age populations and school numbers across 228 local governments nationwide over a 10-year period- School-age populations declined in 89.47% of regions, while the number of schools increased in 46.05% … Findings published in an SSCI-indexed international journalA recent study has found that although school-age populations are declining nationwide, the number of schools does not necessarily change in the same direction, with significant regional disparities. In particular, the number of schools has actually increased in many regions experiencing declining school-age populations, suggesting that the allocation of educational resources in an era of low birth rates is not determined solely by changes in student numbers. A research team comprising Xinyuan Zhang, a doctoral student in the Department of Educational Consulting at Pukyong National University’s Graduate School, Shishang Yang of Yuncheng Vocational and Technical University in China, and Professor Gyun Heo of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Industries Education at Pukyong National University analyzed the spatial relationship between changes in school-age populations and adjustments in the number of schools in South Korea, as well as evolving patterns of educational resource allocation, in their paper titled “Spatial mismatch and logical transition of basic education resource allocation in South Korea.” The paper was published in the October 2026 issue (Volume 126) of International Journal of Educational Development, an international journal indexed in the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). Using long-term data and spatial analysis at the local government level nationwide, the study examined the relationship between declining school-age populations due to low birth rates and changes in the number of schools. The research team analyzed changes in the school-age population, defined as those aged 5 to 19, and the number of schools across 228 local governments in South Korea from 2014 to 2024. Using data from Statistics Korea and regional statistical sources, the researchers examined long-term trends and applied regression analysis and geographic information system (GIS)-based spatial statistical analysis to investigate regional relationships between changes in school-age populations and the allocation of educational resources. The findings revealed that school-age populations declined in 89.47% of local government areas nationwide, while changes in the number of schools varied considerably by region. Notably, 105 of the 228 regions (46.05%) experienced an increase in the number of schools despite declining school-age populations. These findings suggest that school distribution in an era of low birth rates is influenced not simply by changes in student numbers, but also by various factors, including new town development, the establishment of industrial zones, population migration, and regional development policies. The study also found that 99 regions (43.42%) experienced declines in both school-age populations and the number of schools, while 23 regions (10.09%) recorded increases in both. Only one region saw a decrease in the number of schools despite an increase in its school-age population. Spatial analysis revealed that declines in school-age populations were concentrated in parts of central Seoul and the surrounding areas of the Seoul metropolitan region, while relatively strong population growth was observed in the outer metropolitan areas, including southern Gyeonggi Province, and in certain industrial cities. The number of schools also showed distinct spatial patterns, with increases concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area and around major metropolitan cities, while clusters of declining school numbers appeared in eastern and certain non-metropolitan regions. These findings highlighted a spatial disparity characterized by a “West-Strong, East-Weak” pattern. In particular, the research team found that regions attracting young people and families through new town development or the relocation of industrial facilities tend to establish schools proactively in anticipation of future demand. In contrast, in regions experiencing sustained population decline, school mergers and closures, along with reductions in educational facilities, could weaken local communities and potentially accelerate further population outflows. Professor Gyun Heo said, “The significance of this study lies in its empirical demonstration, based on 10 years of data from 228 local governments nationwide, that changes in school-age populations and adjustments in the number of schools do not necessarily follow the same patterns across regions. In particular, the findings highlight the need for educational resource allocation policies in an era of low birth rates to comprehensively consider not only student numbers but also population migration, regional development, industrial structures, and the role of schools within local communities.” 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 Research Encouragement Scholarship Program for the Protection of Academic Disciplines and the GPKNU Research Promotion Scholarship, Zhang has published papers as first author in KCI-indexed journals, including Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education. To date, Zhang has produced two KCI-indexed papers and one SSCI-indexed paper. As the first author of the present study, Zhang took a leading role in research conceptualization, methodology design, data analysis, visualization, and manuscript preparation. Shishang Yang is a researcher at the College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Yuncheng Vocational and Technical University, China, and earned a doctoral degree from the Department of Architecture at Pukyong National University. Yang participated in this study as the corresponding author. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining education, architecture, and spatial analysis, the research team examined the spatial relationship between changes in school-age populations due to low birth rates and the distribution of school facilities. Professor Gyun Heo, who participated as a co-researcher, has conducted research in educational technology, AI-based education, big data analysis, and advanced quantitative research methodologies. He has also mentored graduate students and early-career researchers in publishing papers in domestic and international academic journals. This achievement is regarded as a notable example of interdisciplinary research that combines the educational expertise developed by Pukyong National University’s undergraduate Department of Fisheries and Marine Industries Education (Department Chair Tae-Ho Lee) and its graduate Department of Educational Consulting and Department of Fisheries and Marine Human Resources Development with research expertise from diverse disciplines, including architecture. By integrating these fields, the study sheds light on the social challenges of low birth rates and regional depopulation from the perspectives of educational resource allocation and spatial analysis.
대외홍보센터 (2026-10-21)조회수 42
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Dae-Seok Kim | Develops High-Power Artificial Muscle
Pukyong 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.
대외홍보센터 (2026-10-01)조회수 144
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Han-Sang Kwon | Develop Iron-Copper-Silver Composite Powder with Ferromagnetism and High Electrical Conductivity
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)조회수 135
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Min-Seok Kwak | Selected as Cover Article for International Journal ‘Chem’
Pukyong 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.
대외홍보센터 (2026-10-01)조회수 126
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Gyun Heo | ‘Educational Drama’ Proven Effective in Enhancing Core Competencies
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.
대외홍보센터 (2026-10-01)조회수 119
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Joong-Ho Shin | On-Site Diagnostic Technology Developed to Detect Vibrio Bacteria within One Hour
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)조회수 234
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Dae-Seok Kim | Technology Developed for the Future of Smart Livestock Farming
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.
대외홍보센터 (2026-08-27)조회수 217
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Kyung-Ho Kim | High-Capacity Anode Material Developed for Next-Generation Sodium-Ion Batteries
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.
대외홍보센터 (2026-08-27)조회수 233
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Gyun Heo | Development of the Chinese Version of the Proactive Initiation Scale
“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)조회수 296
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Woon-Ik Park | 3D Printing Achieves Features as Fine as One-Thousandth the Thickness of a Human Hair
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.’
대외홍보센터 (2026-08-03)조회수 271
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Won-Doo Jang | AI-Powered Wave Forecasting Becomes More Accurate by Incorporating Wind Speed Data
Pukyong National University Research Team Improves Long-Term Ocean Wave Height Prediction Accuracy with an AI Model Integrating Wind Speed Data― Enhanced long-term wave forecasting expected to support marine safety and smart ocean technologiesA research team at Pukyong National University has successfully improved the accuracy of Significant Wave Height (SWH) estimation under long-term data conditions by developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model that integrates X-band marine radar imagery with wind speed data. The research team, led by Na-Yoon Kang, a doctoral student in the Department of Computer and Artificial Intelligence Engineering, and Professor Won-Doo Jang of Pukyong National University, in collaboration with Professor Young-Jun Yang of the Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering at Tongmyong University, developed a deep learning model named SWH-WindNet. The team evaluated the model’s performance in estimating significant wave height using long-term observational datasets that combine X-band marine radar imagery with wind speed information. The proposed model demonstrated superior predictive performance compared with existing models that use radar imagery alone, recording a higher correlation coefficient and a lower root mean square error (RMSE). By incorporating wind speed as an external environmental variable, the model achieved an average correlation coefficient of 0.9461 and an RMSE of 0.3887 meters, outperforming a range of state-of-the-art 2D and 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) and transformer-based models. The research team also evaluated the model’s seasonal performance using a full year of observational data collected at Sokcho Beach. While the performance of existing models varied significantly across seasons, the proposed model maintained stable prediction accuracy throughout the year. In winter, in particular, the model reduced RMSE by approximately 11.8 percent, demonstrating that the integration of wind speed data effectively mitigates performance degradation caused by seasonal environmental changes. This study verified the generalizability of a radar-based significant wave height estimation model using long-term marine observation data and introduced an AI model that effectively integrates wind speed information. The technology is expected to serve as a key foundation for marine safety and smart ocean applications, including route planning, vessel traffic service (VTS) systems, autonomous ships, and long-term ocean monitoring systems. The paper presenting the findings, titled “Significant Wave Height Estimation Using X-band Radar Imagery with Wind Fusion: Performance Enhancement in Long-Term Data Environments,” was published online in June in Ocean Engineering (IF 6.3, JCR Q1), an SCIE-indexed international journal in the field of ocean engineering published by Elsevier.
대외홍보센터 (2026-08-03)조회수 271
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Young-Mok Kim | Food-Biomedical Engineering Convergence Research, Published in Top 1% International Journal
Pukyong National University Research Team Publishes Food-Biomedical Engineering Convergence Study in Top 1% International Journal― Professor Young-Mok Kim’s Team Develops Eco-Friendly Antimicrobial Platform Based on Marine-Derived Natural Materials, Opening New Possibilities for Food Safety and Biohealth Applications Professor Young-Mok Kim’s research team in the Division of Food Science and Biotechnology at Pukyong National University has developed an eco-friendly antimicrobial platform technology based on marine-derived biosurfactants. The research was published in Ultrasonics Sonochemistry (2025 Impact Factor: 10.2), a globally renowned international journal ranked in the top 1.2% of the Journal Citation Reports (JCR). The research team developed a nanoemulsion platform that simultaneously delivers emulsion stability and antimicrobial functionality by utilizing natural biosurfactants produced by microorganisms isolated from the marine environment. Conventional nanoemulsions have relied on surfactants primarily to stabilize emulsions. In this study, however, the researchers designed the biosurfactant itself to perform both interfacial stabilization and antibacterial functions, successfully creating a next-generation eco-friendly antimicrobial platform that combines high stability with enhanced functionality. The study was conducted jointly by Dr. Geum-Jae Jeong of the Marine Bionics Convergence Technology Center, the first author of the paper, Professor Young-Mok Kim and Professor Won-Kyo Jung of the Division of Biomedical Engineering at Pukyong National University, along with researchers from the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea and the Korea Food Research Institute. The findings were published in the paper, ‘Novel Biosurfactant-Stabilized Nanoemulsions Integrating Interfacial Stabilization and Antibacterial Activity for Safe Surface Disinfection.’ The study is regarded as significant for demonstrating the potential to expand the applications of marine-derived biomaterials beyond food safety to the fields of biohealth and living environments. In particular, collaborative research with specialized domestic institutions, including the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea and the Korea Food Research Institute, further enhanced the potential for the industrial application and practical commercialization of marine-derived biomaterials. Professor Young-Mok Kim has been consecutively named to the World’s Top 2% Scientists list, jointly announced by Elsevier and Stanford University, since 2024. He continues to conduct research on the development of antimicrobial and antibiofilm materials using marine-derived biomaterials, as well as their applications in the fields of food safety and biohealth. Meanwhile, the study was supported by the Priority Research Institute Program and the Basic Research Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF).
대외홍보센터 (2026-07-20)조회수 263
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Hyun-Ho Shin | Controlling Microalgal Growth with Light
Technology Developed to Boost the Production of Functional Microalgal Materials Using Light― Pukyong National University-Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Joint Research Team Confirms Simultaneous Increases in Microalgal Cell Productivity and the Production of Fucoxanthin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids under Red-Light Conditions― Next-Generation Platform for Optimizing Microalgae Cultivation Proposed through Image-Based Single-Cell Analysis A research team led by Professor Hyun-Ho Shin of the Major of Aquaculture and Applied Life Sciences in the Division of Fisheries Life Sciences at Pukyong National University, together with a team led by Dr. Jun Lee of the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), has developed a new light-based cultivation technology capable of simultaneously enhancing microalgal growth and the production of functional materials. The joint research team conducted cultivation experiments using the marine microalga Tisochrysis lutea, combining white, red, and blue light with plant hormones. The researchers comprehensively analyzed growth characteristics, photosynthetic capacity, fucoxanthin and fatty acid production, and cellular population structure. The findings confirmed that light wavelength is a key environmental factor that regulates not only microalgal growth, but also the morphology of cell populations and the production of functional metabolites. The research team found that microalgae cultivated under red light exhibited approximately 1.5 times higher cell productivity than those grown under white light and approximately 1.4 times higher productivity than those grown under blue light. Under red-light conditions, the production of fucoxanthin, an antioxidant functional pigment, increased by up to 1.62%, while total fatty acid production rose by up to 14.6%. In particular, omega-3 fatty acids―including DHA, a key ingredient in health functional foods and high-quality aquaculture feed―showed the highest productivity under red-light conditions. Fucoxanthin is a natural carotenoid that has attracted attention for its various bioactive properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects. Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA are also high-value biomaterials widely used in health functional foods and the aquaculture industry. This study presents a strategy for efficiently producing these functional materials simultaneously under a single set of cultivation conditions. Going beyond conventional analyses limited to biomass or pigment content, the joint research team applied image-based single-cell cytometry to analyze real-time changes in cell morphology and population structure during cultivation. The results showed that cell aggregation decreased substantially under red light, with more than approximately 97% of the total cells maintaining a uniform single-cell state. This approach is attracting attention as a new evaluation technology that could improve not only the productivity of functional materials, but also the efficiency of future large-scale cultivation and harvesting processes. The research team also confirmed that although plant hormones had some effects on microalgal growth and metabolism, overall productivity and cellular characteristics were primarily determined by light wavelength. These findings indicate that prioritizing the optimization of the light environment is the most effective strategy for controlling the production of functional substances in microalgae. Professor Hyun-Ho Shin said, “This study demonstrates that light wavelength can simultaneously regulate not only microalgal growth, but also cell population structure and the production of functional materials. It is particularly meaningful in that it presents a new platform for precisely evaluating microalgal cultivation conditions by incorporating image-based single-cell analysis.” The findings were published in Bioresource Technology, a leading international journal in the fields of biomass and bioprocessing ranked in the top 3% by JCR with an impact factor of 9, under the title “Light Spectra Shape Population Structure and the Allocation of Fucoxanthin and Fatty Acids with Secondary Phytohormone Modulation in Tisochrysis lutea.”
대외홍보센터 (2026-07-20)조회수 247
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Yang-Won Lee | Selected to Lead KRW 7 Billion R&D Project by the Korea AeroSpace Administration
Pukyong National University Selected to Lead KRW 7 Billion R&D Project by the Korea AeroSpace Administration― Five-Year Project to ‘Advance AI-Based Aerospace Research and Development’― Development of a CubeSat for Marine Environmental Monitoring and Acquisition of Core AI Technologies to Begin in Earnest Pukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) has been selected as the lead research institution for the Space Technology Innovation Talent Development (R&D)―Advancement of AI-Based Aerospace Research and Development Projects, a major national research and development initiative promoted by the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA). The large-scale national project will receive a total of KRW 7 billion in government R&D funding over five years, from this year through 2030. Through the project, Pukyong National University will lead next-generation research and development integrating AI with space technologies, while cultivating specialized professionals in the field. Professor Yang-Won Lee of the Major of Satellite Information Convergence Engineering at Pukyong National University will serve as the principal investigator. The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) and space startup Nara Space Technology will participate as partner institutions, forming an industry-academia-research collaboration network. Pukyong National University’s research team will include Professor Yang-Won Lee, along with Professors Chul-Woong Choi, Jin-Soo Kim, Han-Lim Lee, Wook-Gyo Jeong, Joon-Hwa Chi, Moon-Gab Joo, Ji-Yeol Ryu, and other experts in remote sensing, big data, and information and communications technology. The project’s core objective is to establish a Space+AI convergence talent development platform for marine environmental monitoring using CubeSats. The Pukyong National University consortium plans to directly design and manufacture an engineering model of a CubeSat specialized for marine environmental monitoring and secure core AI technologies capable of analyzing satellite-collected data in real time. To achieve this goal, the research team will develop an onboard AI inference engine and FPGA-based real-time image processing technology; marine remote-sensing preprocessing technologies such as atmospheric correction, sunglint removal, reflectance normalization, and spatiotemporal missing-data reconstruction; AI models for deriving marine ecological indicators, including chlorophyll-a, total suspended solids (TSS), colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), and surface currents; and approximately 20 core AI technologies for marine environmental monitoring, including the detection of harmful algal blooms, marine debris, port air pollution, and vessels engaged in illegal fishing. In particular, the consortium plans to apply multimodal AI convergence technologies that combine existing satellite imagery from sources such as Sentinel-2 and PlanetScope with data from its own CubeSat. This approach is expected to improve the quality of low-cost CubeSat data and establish a next-generation foundation for the more precise monitoring and utilization of marine environmental information. Having been selected for the project through competition with leading universities nationwide, the Pukyong National University consortium has demonstrated its research competitiveness in satellite information engineering. Going forward, it plans to lead the development of self-reliant core technologies in aerospace and AI-based remote sensing by developing a CubeSat for marine environmental monitoring and securing foundational AI technologies. The consortium also aims to establish itself as a hub for cultivating interdisciplinary professionals who will lead the New Space era.
대외홍보센터 (2026-07-20)조회수 271
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Wan-Young Chung·Hyun-Ho Shin | Selected for the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Basic Research Laboratory Support Program
Two Pukyong National University Research Teams Selected for the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Basic Research Laboratory Support Program― Teams Led by Professors Wan-Young Chung and Hyun-Ho Shin to Pioneer Future Marine Technology and Climate Change Research― Each Team to Receive KRW 1.5 Billion and Conduct Research Projects over Three YearsTwo research teams from Pukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) have been selected for the Basic Research Laboratory Support Program (BRL), administered by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea. The teams will conduct research on future technologies in the fields of advanced marine technology and climate change response. The Basic Research Laboratory Support Program is a national research and development initiative designed to foster research groups with world-class capabilities in fundamental research. At Pukyong National University, the research team led by Professor Wan-Young Chung of the Major of Electronic Engineering was selected in the Advanced Research category, while the team led by Professor Hyun-Ho Shin of the Major of Aquaculture and Applied Life Sciences was selected in the Pioneering Research category. Each team will receive KRW 1.5 billion in research funding and carry out its project for three years, from July through June 2029. Professor Wan-Young Chung achieved the distinction of being selected for the program for the second time as principal investigator, following his team’s previous selection in 2020. His research team will undertake the project titled “Development of an AI-Based Underwater Environment-Adaptive Optical Communication Receiver Module with Ultra-High-Sensitivity and High-Speed Dual-Receiver Modes.” The team will develop core next-generation underwater optical communication technologies capable of transmitting data reliably over long distances and at ultra-high speeds, even beneath the ocean surface. Professors Kang-Joon Baek of the Major of Next-Generation Semiconductor Engineering and Sang-Won Hwang of the School of Computer and Artificial Intelligence Engineering at Pukyong National University, along with Professor Myung-Gil Kim of the School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering at Sungkyunkwan University, will participate in the research. Conventional underwater communication systems have faced significant performance degradation caused by turbidity and changing underwater conditions. To overcome these limitations, the team plans to develop an intelligent receiver module that uses AI to analyze the surrounding environment in real time and automatically optimize the reception method. To achieve this goal, the team will develop a large-area sensor array integrating blue-light-sensitive optical sensors, ultra-high-speed photodiodes, and high-performance CMOS circuitry. It will also implement dual-mode technology that selectively operates in either ultra-high-sensitivity or ultra-high-speed mode depending on environmental conditions. In addition, the researchers plan to build an adaptive receiver system that maintains stable communication despite changes in the underwater environment by applying AI-based non-mechanical beam tracking and precision pointing technologies. Ultimately, the team aims to secure world-class foundational technology by developing an underwater optical communication receiver module with a data transmission speed of approximately 1 Gbps and a communication range exceeding 100 meters. The research outcomes are expected to support real-time, high-speed underwater communication across a wide range of applications, including autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), marine observation, underwater structure management, marine robotics, submarines, and underwater leisure activities. Meanwhile, Professor Hyun-Ho Shin’s research team will conduct a project titled “Impacts of Atmospheric and Rainfall-Borne Microorganisms Entering the Ocean on Coastal Ecosystems in the Era of Climate Change.” The team will investigate how microorganisms transported through the atmosphere enter the ocean via rainfall and affect coastal ecosystems and food webs. It also plans to establish essential baseline data for predicting ecosystem changes driven by climate change. Professors Beom-Soo Park of the Department of Life Science at Hanyang University and Jin-Ho Kim of the Department of Earth and Marine Sciences at Jeju National University will participate in the joint research. As climate change alters precipitation patterns and atmospheric circulation, the movement of microorganisms through rainfall has recently gained increasing attention. However, its effects on marine ecosystems have yet to be fully understood. The research team plans to analyze the diversity of microorganisms and microalgae in rainwater and use molecular biological and ecological techniques to determine their effects on biodiversity and food-web structures in coastal ecosystems. In particular, the study is expected to identify atmospheric transport pathways and rainfall-driven microbial dispersal mechanisms in Northeast Asia, including Korea, thereby establishing essential baseline data for predicting ecosystem changes caused by climate change. New microalgal resources obtained during the research will be systematically preserved and managed through the Korea Marine Microalgae Culture Center (KMCC), located within the College of Fisheries Sciences at Pukyong National University. These resources will serve as essential research materials for studies on biodiversity, climate change response, and the marine bioindustry.
대외홍보센터 (2026-07-20)조회수 252
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Jong-Hoon Kim | Plastic-Biotransforming Microorganisms Discovered from Styrofoam Buoy Debris on the Busan Coast
Pukyong National University research team identifies oxidative biotransformation of polystyrene by EPS buoy debris-derived microorganisms- Three Paenibacillus strains isolated from EPS buoy debris collected from the Busan coast- Oxidation, increased wettability, and structural changes in polystyrene confirmed through multi-analytical approaches- Study published in the international journal Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology A research team led by Professor Jong-Hoon Kim of the Department of Biotechnology at Pukyong National University has isolated microorganisms from discarded styrofoam buoy debris collected along the Busan coast and identified their potential role in the biotransformation of polystyrene plastics. The research team investigated microorganisms inhabiting the surface of weathered expanded polystyrene (EPS) buoy debris collected from the Busan coast and isolated three Paenibacillusstrains, designated BS8-1, BS8-2, and BS11. EPS is widely used in aquaculture buoys and packaging materials due to its light weight and buoyancy, but once released into the marine environment, it can easily fragment and become a major source of microplastics. In this study, the isolated strains were incubated with polystyrene (PS) films for 30 days. The resulting changes were comprehensively analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), water contact angle analysis, thermal analysis, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H NMR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), whole-genome sequencing, and transcriptomic profiling. The results showed that all three strains attached to PS films and formed biofilm-like structures. Even after washing, the treated films exhibited surface roughening, pitting, and erosion-like features. Among the three strains, BS8-2 showed the most pronounced changes, including the highest apparent mass loss. In addition, the water contact angle of the PS films decreased after bacterial treatment, while oxygen-associated signals and oxidation-related chemical changes increased, indicating that the plastic surface became more hydrophilic and oxidized. Through whole-genome and transcriptome analyses, the team further confirmed that strain BS8-2 possesses functional traits associated with redox reactions, aromatic-compound processing, transport systems, and cellular adaptation. These findings suggest that the plastisphere, the microbial community formed on marine plastic surfaces, may actively participate in the environmental transformation of plastic materials. Rather than claiming complete degradation or mineralization of plastic, this study provides multi-layered evidence that microorganisms inhabiting coastal EPS buoy debris can induce oxidative biotransformation and partial chemical modification of polystyrene. The findings are significant because they show that marine plastics are not only physically fragmented in the environment, but may also undergo chemical changes through interactions with microorganisms. Professor Jong-Hoon Kim said, “This study shows that coastal EPS buoy debris can serve not only as a source of microplastics, but also as a biological interface where microorganisms and plastic materials interact. By further tracing the origin, environmental fate, and ecotoxicity of plastic transformation products, this research is expected to contribute to risk assessment and management strategies for marine plastic pollution.” The study was published in the international journal Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicologyunder the title “Oxidative surface biodeterioration of polystyrene by plastisphere-derived Paenibacillusstrains from weathered EPS buoy debris.” The journal has an Impact Factor of 12.3and ranks in the top 2.4% in Toxicologyand top 4.4% in Environmental Sciencesaccording to JCR. This work was supported by the National Institute of Biological Resources under the Ministry of Environment.
대외홍보센터 (2026-07-10)조회수 353
