Seoul National University's College of Engineering (Seoul Tech) announced that Professors Choi Hae-chun from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hwang Cheol-seong from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Hong Yong-taek from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering received government medals in celebration of Science and Information Communication Day this year.
The Ministry of Science and ICT awards individuals who have contributed to the advancement of the institutional sector every year on Science Day and Information Communication Day, aiming to enhance the pride and honor of science and information communication professionals and boost morale to contribute to national science and technology innovation. This year, 157 individuals from the fields of science, technology, information communication promotion, and national research and development received medals, commendations, presidential citations, and prime ministerial citations.
Choi Hae-chun, distinguished professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Seoul Tech, and Hong Yong-taek, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, received the 'Gold Medal of Science and Technology' for their contributions to the promotion of science and technology.
Professor Choi Hae-chun was recognized for developing the world's leading turbulence prediction technology and creating a high-efficiency, low-noise fan through biomimicry, as well as for his contributions to building a scientific research system.
After completing his bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering at Seoul National University, Professor Choi received his doctorate in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. He has presented algorithms for precise prediction of turbulence, leading global advancements in turbulence research. Additionally, he developed turbulence prediction software, distributing it for free to domestic universities and research institutes while entering into licensing agreements with domestic corporations, significantly advancing fluid dynamics in Korea. Furthermore, he conducted pioneering research that integrates biomimicry and fluid dynamics and greatly contributed to the commercialization of low-noise, high-efficiency biomimetic axial fans through collaboration with domestic corporations.
Professor Choi remarked, "I consider it a great honor to receive this significant award in the field of science and technology, and I sincerely thank everyone who has collaborated with me in my research efforts," adding, "I will continue to challenge and innovate for the advancement of science and technology."
Hong Yong-taek, a leading scholar in the field of stretchable electronic systems, was recognized for his contributions to stretchable display technology and international standardization, as well as innovations in printed process-based body-worn device technology.
Professor Hong completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering at Seoul National University and obtained his doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). After serving as a senior researcher at Eastman Kodak, where he conducted research on flexible displays and X-ray image sensor arrays, he has been a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Seoul National University since 2006. Since 2010, he has chaired the Flexible Display Committee under the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), leading the international standardization of next-generation display technology. Additionally, he has been recognized as a full member of The Korean Academy of Science and Technology in 2023 and a fellow of the Society for Information Display (SID) in 2024, establishing himself as a world-renowned scholar in the field of stretchable electronics, including flexible displays and electronic skin sensors.
Professor Hong stated, "While the national medal is the highest honor and encouragement, I feel an even heavier sense of responsibility to strive and lead the advancement of science and technology. I will work diligently to develop future display technologies that cannot be easily imitated and to nurture talented individuals. I express my deep gratitude to my students who have quietly carried out the difficult research of developing practical foundational technologies alongside me and to my family who have supported me in every way."
Hwang Cheol-seong, a world-renowned scholar in the semiconductor field, which is the foundation of information and communication technology (ICT), received the 'Hwang Jo Geun Jeong Medal' for his contributions to research in DRAM and future memory devices, as well as for academic and industry cooperation in the advancement of ICT technology and infrastructure.
Professor Hwang, who completed his bachelor's, master's, and doctorate at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Seoul National University, worked as a senior researcher at Samsung Electronics' Semiconductor Research Institute before serving as a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering since 1998. He served as the director of the Semiconductor Research Institute at Seoul National University for two years starting in 2014 and has accumulated outstanding research achievements, publishing a total of 744 SCI-level papers in the fields of semiconductor devices, processes, and materials. Additionally, he has guided over 140 master's and doctoral students, contributing to the development of specialized personnel in next-generation semiconductor fields.
Professor Hwang said, "I am very pleased to receive the GEO Medal given to those who have made significant contributions to their duties as public servants. I feel even more grateful that my efforts in guiding students over the past 27 years since joining Seoul National University have been recognized by the government." He added, "I will continue to do my best to fulfill my role as a professor during the remaining time I have."
The Science and Technology Medal is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology and is divided into five grades: 1st grade Creative Medal, 2nd grade Innovative Medal, 3rd grade Great Achievement Medal, 4th grade Leap Medal, and 5th grade Progress Medal.
The Government Merit Medal is awarded to public officials and educators in private institutions who have made significant contributions to their duties and is divided into five grades: 1st grade Cheong Jo, 2nd grade Hwang Jo, 3rd grade Hong Jo, 4th grade Nok Jo, and 5th grade Ok Jo.