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Wins the 12th Michael Porter Prize in the “University Competitiveness” Category Recognized for Global Education Achievements and International Cooperation Grounded in Saemaul Studies Sets a Model for University Innovation and Global Engagement by Cultivating Talent for Global Contribution [December 10, 2025] <YU won the 12th Michael Porter Prize in the University Competitiveness category. (Right: YU President CHOI Oe-chool)> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) was selected as the winning institution in the University Competitiveness category at the 12th Michael Porter Prize Awards Ceremony, held on December 4 at The Shilla Seoul in Seoul. With this achievement, following wins in 2023 and 2024, YU has secured the prize for three consecutive years and earned a place in the prestigious Hall of Fame. The Michael Porter Prize is a highly respected award presented to institutions that create both economic and social value, based on the competitive strategy theories of Professor Michael Porter of Harvard University, a world-renowned scholar in management.The prize is co-hosted by the Institute for Industrial Policy Studies, BEST Forum, The Dong-A Ilbo, and Channel A, and is sponsored by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Council of Multinational Companies (KCMC). It recognizes outstanding competitiveness across a wide range of sectors, including nations, cities, industries, corporations, and universities. Notably, the “Competitiveness” category was newly established this year, and Yeungnam University was selected as the inaugural recipient, presenting a new benchmark for university innovation. This award drew particular attention as it recognized that YU’s long-established CSV and ESG management models form the foundation of its university competitiveness.In particular, the integrated governance system built around the president—linking ▲the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS), ▲the Institute for International Development Cooperation (IIDC), ▲the Social Contribution Group, the ESG Committee, and ▲the ESG Innovation Center—received high praise. Through this system, YU has effectively translated its educational, research, and social contribution functions into tangible social value, thereby substantively strengthening its institutional competitiveness. The judging panel also highly evaluated YU’s success in institutionalizing a system for social value creation across education, research, and industry–academia cooperation, based on its accumulated glocal CSV capabilities and ESG-leading governance. In addition, YU was cited for establishing a standard model of university innovation through data-driven operational capacity and the global dissemination of its achievements. <YU enters the Hall of Fame after winning the Michael Porter Prize for three consecutive years.> In particular, YU stood out for its global capacity-building efforts based on Korea’s education ODA model. Over the past 14 years, the university has trained approximately 1,000 master’s degree students from 77 countries worldwide. Including short-term training programs related to the Saemaul Movement, YU has provided education and training to approximately 4,400 overseas public officials and experts from 94 countries, including those affiliated with international organizations, systematically sharing Korea’s development experience and Saemaul studies.A representative case demonstrating the effectiveness of YU’s university management was highlighted by the fact that public officials and experts from various countries have applied the action plans developed at YU to government policies, public development projects, and regional development plans upon returning to their home countries. In addition, cooperation with overseas universities, expansion of alumni networks, and overseas field-based volunteer and consulting programs were also highly evaluated. Furthermore, YU has institutionalized the application of “Saemaul Spirit 2.0”—which adds sharing, service, and creativity to the traditional values of diligence, self-help, and cooperation—into its university management and educational programs. This includes customized policy development education for leaders from developing countries, community-linked social contribution models, and data-driven ESG disclosure systems. Such systematic operations have been recognized not only for enhancing university competitiveness but also for presenting a university model that contributes to shared growth with the nation, regions, and the global community. President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “YU has advanced the Saemaul Movement—an embodiment of the founding philosophy of Hongik Ingan (benefiting humanity)—by systematizing it into ‘Saemaul Studies’ and developing practical programs that integrate education, research, and social contribution, thereby contributing to the international community.” He added, “This award represents meaningful recognition of the sustained efforts and achievements accumulated by YU and its participating faculty in sharing and advancing Saemaul Studies.” He continued, “In particular, winning in the ‘University Competitiveness’ category and entering the Hall of Fame with three consecutive Michael Porter Prizes demonstrate that the university management system established by YU has become a best-practice model for education ODA and sustainable management.” He concluded by saying, “Going forward, based on Korea’s development experience and Saemaul Studies, we will continue to make every effort to widely share theoretical and practical knowledge through education, contributing to solving issues faced by the global community and to the shared prosperity of humanity.”
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Developed by Professor CHOI Jeong-soo of the Department of Robotics Engineering… Poised to Set a New Standard for Healthcare Robots AI Robot “SEGYM” Without Weight Plates Achieves Electronic Control of Up to 380 kg A Successful Model of Faculty Entrepreneurship at YU… Emerging as a Global Player Just Three Years After Founding [December 8, 2025] <The CES Innovation Award–winning product is HUMANICS’ cutting-edge AI fitness robot, “SEGYM.”> HUMANICS Co., Ltd., an AI healthcare robotics company founded by Professor CHOI Jeong-soo of the Department of Robotics Engineering at Yeungnam University (YU) (President CHOI Oe-chool), has won an Innovation Award in the Robotics category at CES 2026, the world’s largest information technology (IT) and consumer electronics exhibition. This marks the company’s second consecutive win, following its Innovation Award in the Fitness category at CES 2025, underscoring once again the global technological competitiveness of a university faculty–founded startup. The CES Innovation Awards are presented annually by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) to the most innovative technologies and products exhibited at CES, which is held each year in Las Vegas, USA. Winners are selected through a comprehensive evaluation of technological excellence, design, and innovation. The award-winning product is HUMANICS’ advanced AI fitness robot, “SEGYM.” Instead of conventional heavy metal weight plates, SEGYM utilizes high-performance motors to electronically control loads of up to 380 kg (based on the super-strong model). Users can precisely adjust the weight in 1 kg increments with a simple button touch, and a single machine enables more than 80 different exercises, including deadlifts, bench presses, and squats. A key factor behind this award is HUMANICS’ proprietary “sensorless (force estimation) algorithm” and “human-in-the-loop” control technology. These technologies enable the system to detect a user’s force and intent in real time at 1 ms (one-thousandth of a second) intervals without the need for physical sensors, thereby delivering responsive and adaptive resistance. This allows multiple training modes—such as isometric and isokinetic exercises—to be performed safely within a single system. In addition, the solution is integrated with HUMANICS’ dedicated app, “HUMANIA,” which provides precise analysis of body performance metrics such as strength, speed, and balance. The system has been adopted in elite sports settings, including the Jincheon National Training Center and the SSG Landers, where it has demonstrated its excellence by contributing to performance enhancement and injury prevention. <Professor CHOI Jeong-soo of the Department of Robotics Engineering at YU> Professor CHOI Jeong-soo, a faculty member of the Department of Robotics Engineering at YU and CEO of HUMANICS, stated, “SEGYM is a product that completely redefines the exercise experience by integrating hardware, data, and coaching into a single platform.” He added, “Building on the technological credibility validated by the CES Innovation Award, SEGYM will become a new standard in the global fitness market.” Professor CHOI, who joined YU’s Department of Robotics Engineering in March 2019, is recognized as one of Korea’s leading emerging scientists in robotics research. He received the Presidential Award at the Korea Invention Patent Exhibition in 2017 for his patent on a multi-legged locomotion robot, and the Korean Iron Man robot “WalkON Suit 4,” in whose development he directly participated, won a gold medal at the Cybathlon 2020, achieving world-class recognition. HUMANICS, which he founded in 2022 based on the research outcomes of YU’s Department of Robotics Engineering, has, within just three years of its establishment, won CES Innovation Awards for two consecutive years and received multiple honors, including the G-Star Award (Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do Award), selection for the TIPS R&D Global Track, and designation as a Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KOTEC) U-TECH Valley company. As such, HUMANICS is widely regarded as a successful model of industry–academia cooperation driven by faculty entrepreneurship.
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The Government of Sierra Leone Requests the Sharing of Saemaul Studies through Its Ambassador Building a Sustainable Development Model Linking Education, Research, and Training Two Ambassadorial Visits and In-Depth Discussions Lead to Institutional Cooperation [December 16, 2025] <From center left: Paul Sobba Massaquoi, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Korea; CHOI Oe-chool, President of YU> Paul Sobba Massaquoi, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Korea, revisited Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) on December 12. On the same day, YU signed an agreement in the main conference room of the university headquarters to strengthen cooperation with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and to establish a collaborative framework for human resource development and community development in Sierra Leone. The signing ceremony was attended by CHOI Oe-chool, President of YU; LEE Kyung-soo, Vice President for External Affairs; LEE Chun-young, Director of International Affairs; and LEE Jeong-ju, Dean of the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS). Representatives from Sierra Leone included Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi; Agnes Mbayo, Acting First Secretary; Michaella Bonnie, Information Officer; and David Ceesay, an alumnus of PSPS. Through this agreement, the two parties agreed to pursue substantive cooperation linking higher education with community development. Key areas of cooperation include: ▲ collaboration to establish departments related to Saemaul economic development or Saemaul community development in Sierra Leone and identification of partner universities; ▲ cooperation in training faculty members and strengthening human resource capacity for operating such departments; ▲ establishment of Saemaul Movement research and training centers within Sierra Leonean universities to serve as hubs for education and research; and ▲ promotion of surveys, research, academic seminars, and joint research projects aimed at improving quality of life and fostering community development. Ambassador Massaquoi stated, “I sincerely thank Yeungnam University and President CHOI Oe-chool for willingly joining hands with the Government of Sierra Leone,” adding, “YU’s open approach to sharing the experience of the Saemaul Movement and Saemaul Studies clearly demonstrates its commitment to cooperation for sustainable, community-driven development.” He continued, “This memorandum of understanding is particularly meaningful as it marks the starting point for officially introducing Saemaul Movement–based community programs into Sierra Leone’s education and governance systems.” He further expressed his expectation that “grounded in the core Saemaul values of diligence, self-help, and cooperation, together with the principles of sharing, service, and creativity, the Saemaul Movement will enhance community capacity, foster character development among youth, and improve the efficiency and transparency of local administration, ultimately leading to sustainable development and an improved quality of life.” In addition, Ambassador Massaquoi conveyed that, on behalf of the President of Sierra Leone, he intends to formally invite President CHOI Oe-chool to Sierra Leone to share Saemaul Studies.It was reported that the President of Sierra Leone hopes to meet President CHOI in person to review the outcomes of this cooperation on site and further strengthen bilateral cooperation in education and development. President CHOI Oe-chool of YU remarked, “The Saemaul Movement, which realized the spirit of Hongik Ingan (弘益人間, ‘benefiting all humankind’) through public policy, represents a crucial experience that enabled Korea to overcome poverty and achieve national development. Saemaul Studies, which systematizes this experience academically, has been recognized internationally for its value and effectiveness.” He added, “Yeungnam University will actively share the Saemaul development experience and research results accumulated to date for the national development of Sierra Leone.” President CHOI continued, “We will work closely to ensure that the establishment of Saemaul Studies programs and related education and research activities can be fully implemented in Sierra Leone, while gradually expanding training programs for public officials, community leaders, and future talents. We will engage responsibly to ensure that this cooperation leads to tangible change and meaningful outcomes on the ground.” Meanwhile, this agreement represents the culmination of ongoing exchanges and discussions between the two parties. During his first visit in December 2024, the Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Korea expressed strong interest in YU’s achievements in Saemaul Studies and community development and discussed the potential application of the Saemaul Movement and Saemaul Studies in Sierra Leone. During a subsequent visit in April 2025, more concrete discussions were held regarding the establishment of Saemaul Studies departments, the development of research and training systems, and strategies for human resource development. Building on these discussions, the present agreement was concluded, and YU and Sierra Leone are expected to continue expanding cooperation across education, research, and community development in the years ahead.
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Four Apparel and Fashion Design students form a team, achieving results through a major-based problem-solving project Wins top excellence prize for analysis and development proposal of Korean-style wildfire firefighting suits Demonstrates hands-on, major-linked project capabilities with tangible, product-based improvement proposals [December 9, 2025] <From left: PARK Ji-won, LEE Ji-hae, CHAE Hye-rin, and RYU Su-min, students of the Department of Apparel and Fashion Design> Students from the Department of Apparel and Fashion Design at Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) won the Top Excellence Prize (Minister of Employment and Labor Award) in the Youth Project category at the “2025 Future Tomorrow Work Experience Best Practice Contest.” The awards ceremony was held on November 24 at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul. The contest, jointly organized by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is held annually to discover and disseminate outstanding cases from youths, companies, and operating institutions participating in the Future Tomorrow Work Experience Support Program. It serves as a national platform where young participants present and compete with projects carried out to solve real-world problems in actual work settings. The YU student team—comprising CHAE Hye-rin, LEE Ji-hae, RYU Su-min, and PARK Ji-won from the Department of Apparel and Fashion Design—carried out a project titled “Product Analysis and Development Proposal for Korean-Style Wildfire Firefighting Suits for Natural Disaster Response” in collaboration with the participating company TAK Textile Co., Ltd. Their project earned the highest evaluation, leading to the Top Excellence Prize. Focusing on the growing frequency of wildfires and large-scale natural disasters driven by global warming and climate change, the students highlighted the importance of protective equipment for disaster response personnel. They conducted a systematic analysis of wildfire firefighting suits currently used in Korea, examining structural design, materials, and functional performance.In particular, they closely investigated safety-critical elements such as thermal protection performance, weight and mobility, ease of wear, pocket and equipment layout, as well as visibility, waterproofing, and breathability, identifying on-site inconveniences and areas requiring improvement. Based on these findings, the team proposed a Korean-style wildfire firefighting suit that significantly enhances practicality and wearability by integrating the strengths of industrial safety wear and outdoor apparel. Their incorporation of field requirements, reflected through interviews with actual firefighting personnel, received high praise from the judges. CHAE Hye-rin, the team’s representative student, said, “Although wildfire firefighting suits are a highly specialized and complex field, we learned a great deal by intensely discussing everything from data research and physical product analysis to improvement design as a team.” She added, “I deeply realized that fashion can go beyond aesthetic expression and become an important technology that protects human life. I am sincerely grateful to our professors and all those involved for providing us with this valuable opportunity.”
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On the 28th, YU Hosts the 2025 Global Saemaul Undong Forum Under the theme of ‘Tasks and Directions for Global Sharing of Saemaul Undong and Saemaul Studies’ Experts from 29 Countries Including Ambassadors from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and International Organizations CHOI Oe-chool, YU President: “Sharing Saemaul Undong to Realize the Spirit of Hongik Ingan” [November 28, 2025] YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) hosted the 2025 Global Saemaul Undong Forum on November 28 at the Cheonma Art Center. This year’s forum, themed “Tasks and Directions for Global Sharing of Saemaul Undong and Saemaul Studies,” was organized to bring together experts and practitioners from around the world to share experiences of Saemaul Undong development and the academic framework of Saemaul Studies with the international community, presenting the university’s future vision of fostering talent that contributes to the advancement of humanity. The event was attended by CHOI Oe-chool, President of YU; LEE Kyung-soo, Vice President for Strategic Planning; KIM Sam-soo, Vice President for Industry-Academic Collaboration; LEE Seung-jong, Director of GSDN (Distinguished Professor at YU); Dessie Dalkie Dukamo, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Korea; Nkubito Manzi Bakuramutsa, Ambassador of Rwanda to Korea; Paul Sobba Massaquoi, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Korea; and Alpha Ibrahima Thiam, Chargé d’Affaires of Mauritania to Korea, among other distinguished diplomatic representatives. <From left, third from the left — Alpha Ibrahima Thiam (Chargé d’Affaires of Mauritania to Korea), Nkubito Manzi Bakuramutsa (Ambassador of Rwanda to Korea), CHOI Oe-chool (YU President), Dessie Dalkie Dukamo (Ambassador of Ethiopia to Korea), Paul Sobba Massaquoi (Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Korea)> Following the opening ceremony, the first keynote lecture was delivered by PARK Seung-woo (YU Distinguished Professor and Director of GSDN), who presented “Development and Implications of Saemaul Studies,” outlining the systematic development process of Saemaul Studies and future research directions. The second keynote lecture was delivered by Dessie Dalkie Dukamo, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Korea, who presented “Policy Case of Applying Saemaul Undong for the Development of Ethiopia,” detailing practical examples of Saemaul Undong contributing to local development initiatives. During the afternoon session, discussions continued on the achievements and future strategies of global development cooperation utilizing Saemaul Undong. In Session 1, themed “Cases of Applying Saemaul Undong for Promoting Development in Developing Countries,” LIM Hyung-joon, Head of the UN WFP Malawi Office, delivered a keynote presentation, with Ambassador Nkubito Manzi Bakuramutsa participating as a panelist to share experiences of expanding Saemaul Undong in African regions. In Session 2, themed “Tasks and Directions for Sharing Saemaul Studies in Developing Countries,” LEE Sang-ho, Director of the Institute for International Development Cooperation (IIDC), presented, followed by a discussion led by KIM Yang-jin, Director of the Gyeongbuk International Development Cooperation Center, who discussed strategies for expanding Saemaul Studies. Session 3 featured presentations on “Cases of Sharing Achievements of Saemaul Undong with the International Community,” highlighting its global applications. The final comprehensive discussion included OH Chang-kyun (GDF Director), LEE Kyung-soo (YU Vice President), MOON Sang-won (KOICA Director of Project Strategy and Planning), and YU Professor SEO Yong-won, along with Ambassadors Paul Sobba Massaquoi and Alpha Ibrahima Thiam, who engaged in broad discussions on the global dissemination of Saemaul Undong and Saemaul Studies. President CHOI Oe-chool of YU stated, “Saemaul Undong is a development model that has contributed to expanding humane living conditions beyond eras and national borders, and it continues to receive international recognition. Regardless of race, religion, gender, occupation, or place of residence, every individual has the right to live with dignity, and such an environment must be ensured. Saemaul Undong is a model that best embodies the philosophy of Hongik Ingan (弘益人間—benefiting all humanity).” He continued, “Creating a world where all 8 billion human beings can live dignified lives is a shared responsibility and aspiration for all of us. If we actively interact and cooperate beyond regions and nations, humanity will become even more deeply connected over the next 50 or 100 years. I hope this forum becomes a meaningful platform to share and expand these values and philosophies. I also hope it provides an opportunity to recognize and share YU’s efforts to systematically organize Korea’s development experience and institutionalize it as Saemaul Studies for global dissemination. YU will continue to dedicate itself to nurturing global contributors who tackle common challenges of humanity and build a more dignified and attractive Republic of Korea.”
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Ranked 7th Nationwide for “Top 2% Highly Cited Papers per Faculty Member” in Life Sciences & Chemistry in the 2025 JoongAng Ilbo University Rankings Selected as an ‘Excellent University’ in Both Mathematics·Physics and Life Sciences·Chemistry, Strengthening Its Status as a Leader in Basic Science [December 4, 2025] YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) has reaffirmed its strong research competitiveness in the natural sciences through the 2025 JoongAng Ilbo University Rankings, establishing itself as a top-tier research-oriented university in Korea. In this year’s evaluation, YU ranked 7th nationwide in “Top 2% Highly Cited Papers per Faculty Member” in the field of Life Sciences & Chemistry. This performance places the university shoulder to shoulder with Korea’s leading research-focused institutions. This indicator represents a major measure of research quality, calculated by dividing the number of papers belonging to the top 2% most cited worldwide by the number of faculty members. YU produced 147 highly cited papers in the top 2% category, demonstrating strong research capabilities. Additionally, in the field-based evaluation of natural sciences, YU was selected as an ‘Excellent University’ in both Mathematics·Physics and Life Sciences·Chemistry, proving its balanced research competency across fundamental science. This is considered a significant achievement for a regional base university amid intense competition dominated by metropolitan and specialized institutions in natural sciences. YU has consistently pursued its “Basic Science Advancement Strategy” through: ▲ Expansion of advanced fundamental science research equipment ▲ Securing large-scale national research projects ▲ Strengthening international collaborative research and joint academic journal exchanges. This outcome is especially noteworthy as it reflects the results of long-term investment and research ecosystem innovation. KIM Sam-soo, Vice President for Industry-Academia Research, stated, “This achievement is the result of collective efforts by our faculty, researchers, and university members to elevate YU’s research competitiveness to an international level,” adding, “Going forward, YU will continue to strengthen research competitiveness not only in natural sciences but also in future strategic technology fields such as AI, biotechnology, and semiconductors.” YU continues to expand its influence as a leading research-oriented university representing Korea beyond the regional level, and particularly in the natural sciences, it is solidifying its position as a “powerhouse in basic science.”
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Recognized for 25 Years of Research on Mongolian Traditional Music and Ethnomusicology Leading Korea–Mongolia Academic & Cultural Exchange… Contributing to Expanded International Cooperation [November 26, 2025] <From left, Suhee Sukhbold, Ambassador of Mongolia to Korea; Professor PARK So-hyun; Nyamdavaa Khurelbaatar, Senior Presidential Advisor> YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that Professor PARK So-hyun, majoring in Korean Traditional Music in the School of Music, has been awarded The Order of Polar Star, the highest Mongolian state honor bestowed upon foreign nationals. The decoration ceremony took place on November 21 at the Embassy of Mongolia in Seoul during the event celebrating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Mongolia. The medal was conferred by Nyamdavaa Khurelbaatar, Senior Presidential Advisor, on behalf of Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh. The Order of Polar Star is one of Mongolia’s highest national merit medals granted to individuals who have contributed significantly to Mongolia’s national development, cultural and educational advancement, and strengthening of international friendship. Past recipients include former U.S. President Barack Obama, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. For the past 25 years, Professor PARK has continuously carried out rigorous field research and academic studies in Mongolian traditional music and ethnomusicology, making significant contributions to establishing the academic foundation of Mongolian music culture and promoting its international dissemination. Her extensive fieldwork records and systematic research achievements are recognized as essential references in domestic and international scholarly communities. She also served as President of the Korean Association for Mongolian Studies, leading the development of Korea–Mongolia academic networks. Through researcher exchange programs, joint research projects, and supporting Mongolian artists and scholars in advancing to international platforms, she has actively expanded the academic and cultural exchange between the two countries. In addition, Professor PARK has played a critical role in promoting Mongolian traditional music in Korea and worldwide through performance planning, translation and advisory work, and participation in international symposia. The Mongolian government highly praised her contributions as “significantly elevating the international status of national culture.” Prior to this honor, Professor PARK was awarded the Presidential Medal commemorating the 800th Anniversary of the Mongol Empire in 2006 and the Nairamdal Medal in 2023, solidifying her status as a key contributor recognized by the Mongolian government in academic and cultural exchange.
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Recognized for the film “Between 0 and 1” addressing issues of AI dependency Creative interpretation of contemporary social issues through filmmaking Team Sequence from the Department of Media & Communication produced the entire project independently [November 27, 2025] <From left, LEE Ji-min, KIM Da-som, CHO Sin-ok, KIM Ga-yeon from YU Department of Media & Communication> YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) students from the Department of Media & Communication won the Grand Prize at the 2025 Audience Media Awards Broadcasting Video Contest. The contest was hosted by the Korea Communications Commission and organized by the Korea Foundation for Audience Media. This year’s competition recorded the highest level of participation in its history, with a total of 390 works submitted. The awards ceremony was held on November 20 at the Gyeonggi Audience Media Center.The YU students submitted their work in the category of televised broadcast productions and received the highest evaluation, earning the Grand Prize. The award-winning film “Between 0 and 1” was produced by Team Sequence, composed of second-year Media & Communication students KIM Da-som, LEE Ji-min, and CHO Sin-ok. The film deals with concerns about excessive dependence on artificial intelligence (AI) and its influence on human emotion and decision-making. Regarding the intention behind the project, KIM Da-som stated, “Although modern society utilizes AI in nearly all areas of daily life, we wanted to reflect on the intrinsic value that humans possess as independent agents capable of choosing and judging for themselves.” The judges highly recognized not only the technical quality of the production but also the effective delivery of the film’s message concerning the rapid expansion of AI and its social implications.LEE Ji-min commented, “We are delighted that the message we sought to convey was well received, beyond simply producing a technically well-made video. In an era overflowing with AI-created content, it is especially meaningful that we were able to deliver a film centered on themes only humans can express.” She added, “We would like to express our gratitude to KIM Ga-yeon and HYUN Da-gyeong, who participated in the production process, as well as to Prof. LEE Joong-heon, who provided guidance, and everyone who supported the project.”
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Ranked Top 5 in Korea for the 2025 Highly Cited Researchers (HCR) list Professors LEE Yong-rok, CHOI In-ho, Sumanta Sahoo, and Raji Atchudan named among the world’s most influential researchers Four professors selected in the Cross-field category, demonstrating international leadership in interdisciplinary and convergent research [November 21, 2025] ‘The World’s Most Influential Researchers’ Based on the 2025 Clarivate Plc Highly Cited Researchers (HCR) list/criteria Domestic ranking University Number of Researchers 1 Seoul National Univ. 16 2 UNIST 9 3 Sungkyunkwan Univ. 7 4 Hanyang Univ. 6 5 YU 4 Kyung Hee Univ., KIOST 8 KAIST, Sejong Univ. 3 10 Korea Univ., Yonsei Univ. 2 12 POSTECH, DGIST, Kyungpook National Univ., Pusan National Univ., etc. 16 institutions total 1 Yeongnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) has been ranked Top 5 among Korean universities in the global 2025 Highly Cited Researchers (HCR) list, announced by Clarivate Plc, an international academic information company.This year, 6,868 researchers from 1,300 institutions across 60 countries were selected worldwide, including 76 researchers from Korea.Among them, four YU professors were selected in the Cross-field category, placing YU in the Top 5 in Korea, alongside Kyung Hee University and the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST).The Cross-field category recognizes globally influential researchers who have demonstrated exceptional impact and outstanding research achievements across multiple disciplines rather than in a single specialized field. <From left: Prof. LEE Yong-rok, Prof. CHOI In-ho, Prof. Sumanta Sahoo, Prof. Raji Atchudan> This year, the four YU professors selected are: ▲ LEE Yong-rok (School of Chemical Engineering) ▲ CHOI In-ho (Department of Biomedical Engineering / Director, Cell Culture Research Institute) ▲ Sumanta Sahoo (School of Chemical Engineering) ▲ Raji Atchudan (School of Chemical Engineering) Professor LEE Yong-rok (Chemical Engineering, Professor Emeritus) earned his B.S. at Jeonbuk National University and M.S./Ph.D. at Seoul National University. He has led pioneering studies in new organic reactions and the synthesis of aromatic compounds and natural products widely used in pharmaceuticals. Building on this foundation, he expanded his research into the design and synthesis of nanocatalysts and nanomaterials, achieving internationally recognized accomplishments. His eco-friendly nanocatalyst and carbon-dot synthesis research, utilizing natural products and biomass, has been widely published in world-leading journals with high citation counts. His application-focused research includes photocatalytic reactions, bio-imaging, biosensors, and metal-ion sensing materials, strengthened by extensive global collaborations. Professor CHOI In-ho, Director of the Cell Culture Research Institute, earned degrees from Korea University and Florida State University in the U.S., and previously served as a researcher at the University of Illinois. Over the past decade, he has published over 140 international journal papers, registered 22 patents, and completed six technology transfers. Recognized globally for research in cell culture and natural-substance-based biotechnology, he has led the establishment of the Uiseong Cell-Culture Industrial Complex, laying the foundation for Korea’s cell culture industry. By combining cell culture technology with in-silico and AI-based analysis, he has successfully implemented strategies for high-value utilization of regional natural resources. He now leads AI-based food ingredients and drug development, corporate recruitment, talent education, and research infrastructure projects, strengthening the regional bio-cluster. He also leads the Ministry of Education RISE project ‘K-U City Cell-Culture Program’, contributing significantly to regional innovation ecosystems. Professor Sumanta Sahoo (School of Chemical Engineering) completed his B.S. and M.S. at Vidyasagar University in India and earned his Ph.D. from IIT Kharagpur. He is globally recognized for research on energy storage, ultra-fast synthesis, and electrochemical catalysis using metal oxides, MXene, and graphene-based nanomaterials. His research on microwave-assisted ultra-fast synthesis and performance optimization of MXene, perovskite, and graphene composites has gained international recognition. He has also achieved significant citation impact in bio-convergence application research, including the development of gene-based bioimaging and nanocomposites for photothermal cancer therapy, thereby expanding new research domains across the fields of energy, environment, and bio-convergence. Professor Raji Atchudan (School of Chemical Engineering) earned his B.S. from the University of Madras, M.S. from Annamalai University, and Ph.D. from Anna University. He leads research on simple and eco-friendly synthesis of carbon-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites. His graphene oxide(GO), graphene sheet, carbon-dot(DDs), and carbon–metal-oxide composite synthesis technologies have produced groundbreaking outcomes in energy storage and dye degradation, earning high citation records. He is actively expanding research applications to fields such as bio-imaging, fluorescent inks, and fluorescent sensor development, along with domestic and international collaborations to broaden global research influence. YU is enhancing global research competitiveness through innovation in research infrastructure, strengthened international collaborations, and expanded researcher support.These efforts are evident in YU’s Top 5 domestic ranking for the second consecutive year in the Leiden Ranking. YU also achieved a 100% freshman enrollment rate for 2025, demonstrating high trust among students and parents, while consistently improving university reputation with outstanding evaluation results. This year’s HCR recognition further validates YU’s research excellence and demonstrates the strengthening of its international research impact. YU President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “Having YU professors listed among the world’s most influential researchers reflects their dedication and hard work, and I extend my sincere appreciation and congratulations.” He continued, “YU will continue to fully support bold and innovative research, striving to grow as a global leader in education and research that contributes to the nation and to humanity.”
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Outstanding achievement far exceeding the national average; all candidates passed Demonstrated effectiveness of intensive academic support, including efforts toward educational normalization and tailored instruction Leading the advancement of regional clinical training systems… accelerating innovation in medical education [November 18, 2025] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that all 19 candidates from the College of Medicine successfully passed the 2026 90th National Medical Licensing Examination – Clinical Skills Test, achieving a 100% pass rate and marking a remarkable accomplishment. This exceeds the national average pass rate of 81.8% by a significant margin. Since the introduction of the Clinical Skills Test system in 2010, the YU College of Medicine has consistently recorded pass rates far above the national average, and including this year’s results, has achieved a perfect pass rate in 12 examinations. This year’s outcome is particularly meaningful, as it was achieved despite challenging academic conditions, including a large number of student leaves of absence, through comprehensive university-wide efforts toward educational normalization and enhancement of academic quality. The university leadership actively implemented diverse measures—such as curriculum restructuring and improvements in instructional delivery—to support educational stabilization. The College of Medicine reinforced tailored clinical training programs to strengthen students’ clinical performance capabilities through courses focused on developing clinical competencies, intensive training modules, and specialized clinical skills workshops.Additionally, Associate Dean LEE Geun-mi, serving as the Chair of the Daegu–Gyeongbuk Clinical Performance Evaluation Consortium, has played a leading role in advancing the region’s clinical training and evaluation systems, significantly contributing to strengthening educational competitiveness. President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “Achieving a 100% pass rate is a meaningful accomplishment made possible by the dedicated efforts of our students, the devoted commitment of our faculty in the field, and the collective support of all university members who worked together for academic normalization. Despite difficult circumstances such as large-scale leaves of absence, the university has actively supported stable academic operations and quality education. We will continue to improve the educational environment to ensure that every student grows into an exceptional medical professional, contributing to improving quality of life not only in Korea but around the world.” Meanwhile, with the support of the Educational Innovation Program, the YU College of Medicine is accelerating the establishment of a future-oriented medical education system, building an AI-driven digital education hub and pursuing the cultivation of glocal medical professionals equipped with both expertise and research capabilities.
- PR team
- 2025. 12. 01
- 2025. 11. 18
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