이미지 설명입니다. 이미지 설명입니다.

Research

Total:871

Current page:1/88

  • Academic
    Turning Marine Waste into Material, Light, and Form: Crafted from Recycled Oyster Shells

    Comprised of Students Chansol Choi, Donghwa Jeong, Geon Park, and Yujin Lee, OOZZ was launched in 2024 with support from Korea’s Preliminary Startup Package program for young entrepreneurs. Since its founding, the team has focused on material-driven design rooted in environmental responsibility, presenting its work at major design exhibitions including the Seoul Design Fair and design fairs in Tokyo. This year, OOZZ collaborated with Professor Youbin Kim of the Department of Industrial Design to develop SOLEIL, a living-space object brand that treats recycled material not as an alternative, but as a primary design condition. The project was carried out through an industry–academia partnership with GreenOceans, a startup that developed MikaOceans, a water-soluble resin derived from discarded oyster shells. By combining MikaOceans with biochar-infused concrete, OOZZ created a collection of four living-space objects: three lamps and a side table. Rather than concealing the material’s origin, the designs foreground its mineral texture and surface irregularities, allowing the physical residue of marine waste to remain visible as a defining visual element. Soleil: a living-space object brand defined by unique recycled material The DDP Design Fair University Collaboration Program brings together design students and domestic industry partners to develop and exhibit fully realized products. Finalists are selected through evaluations by experts, peers, and the general public at the Young Designer Exhibition. Among 19 university teams from the Seoul metropolitan area, OOZZ received the highest overall evaluation. Under Professor Kim’s guidance, OOZZ developed four products—three lamps and a side table—drawing on modernist architectural references and the structural qualities of oyster shells. The team explored reduced forms, vertical compositions, and controlled apertures, focusing on how material behavior could inform both form and function. Through repeated experimentation with material combinations and fabrication methods, OOZZ strengthened not only its design sensibility but also its technical understanding of real-world production constraints. These efforts led to a material-related patent application and the publication of academic research—steps that helped strengthen understanding of, and confidence in, eco-friendly materials. The SOLEIL brand draws from the architectural concept of brise-soleil, a façade-based shading system that redirects incoming sunlight to improve thermal comfort. Reinterpreting this architectural logic at the scale of domestic products, the team employed controlled light paths and carefully calibrated surface depth. The products were refined through accumulated lighting data and ongoing dialogue with mentors and industry experts. Toward credible, material-based sustainability OOZZ’s long-term goal is to expand the everyday use of sustainable materials by establishing their design credibility. “As eco-friendly materials continue to diversify, designers play a key role in shaping how they are perceived,” said Student Chansol Choi. “When the inherent characteristics of these materials are properly understood and applied, public perception can shift naturally. OOZZ intends to contribute at a critical point in that process.” Professor Youbin Kim emphasized the broader significance of the project. “As ESG and the SDGs become central social agendas, sustainable design education is increasingly important,” she said. “SOLEIL is the result of practice-oriented education combined with students’ commitment. It demonstrates how design can translate social values into tangible form.”

    2025.12.29
  • Research
    Kyung Hee Doctoral Research Integrated into Latest U.S. Nuclear Safety Code Update

    Research conducted by Student In Gyu Chang, a doctoral student in the Department of Nuclear Engineering, has been officially integrated into the latest revisions to NRCDose3 v1.15, a core regulatory radiation dose assessment code used by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) NRCDose3 is a widely referenced safety benchmark for assessing radiation doses to nearby residents resulting from radioactive effluents released from nuclear power plants. In the United States, it is applied during the nuclear power plant licensing process and is also used internationally by research institutions and universities for educational and research purposes. Similar dose assessment codes are operated in Korea. Identifying structural limitations and proposing a new dose assessment code Student Chang identified a structural limitation in NRCDose3: its insufficient accounting for dietary patterns specific to Korea. To address this issue, he independently developed the KHU Code, a dose assessment code based on the NRCDose3 methodology but adapted to reflect domestic conditions. Using the new code, he conducted radiation dose assessments for residents living near nuclear power plants in Korea. As a result, Student Chang found that several key input parameters used in NRCDose3 deviated substantially from actual reference values, with discrepancies ranging from –69% to +39%. In total, five errors were identified, all of which affected the overall calculation process. Among them, the largest discrepancies appeared in dose assessments for carbon-14 (¹⁴C), a major radionuclide released in gaseous form from nuclear power plants and a significant contributor to public radiation exposure. The deviation was most pronounced in the one-year-old age group, where dietary intake assumptions play a critical role in dose estimation. If NRCDose3 had been applied directly to nuclear safety assessments in Korea, it could have resulted in an underestimation of radiation doses to the public. In practice, however, this issue did not arise, as Korea applies a separate dose assessment code rather than using the U.S.-developed NRCDose3. Cited by the NRC as the basis for code revisions The study was first published in March in the Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology under the title, “Potential Errors in NRCDose3 Code Version 1.1.4 and Correction Methods for Resulting Calculation Errors.” In September, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission cited the paper in an official report, identifying it as the basis for correcting inconsistencies in the NRCDose3 code. All five discrepancies documented in the study were subsequently revised and incorporated into Version 1.1.5 of the code, with the NRC report explicitly acknowledging that the findings originated from research conducted at Kyung Hee. This citation formally recognized the research team’s contribution to improving the reliability and accuracy of a core computational tool used in nuclear power plant licensing and safety assessments. The process concluded on December 30, 2025, with the publication of an official notice in the Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology announcing the correction of the five identified errors under the title, “Resolution of NRCDose3 Version 1.1.4 Errors in Version 1.1.5.” Kyung Hee is the only university in Korea to operate an educational nuclear reactor, AGN-210K, and continues to play a leading role in advanced nuclear research and workforce training, including studies on small modular reactors (SMRs). Professor Jae Hak Cheong of the Department of Nuclear Engineering, who supervised the research, noted that the outcome reflects international recognition of Kyung Hee’s research capabilities by a leading global nuclear regulatory authority. Student Chang added that he was encouraged by the opportunity to directly contribute to improving the accuracy of a core code used in nuclear licensing and safety evaluations.

    2025.12.29
  • Research
    Solving a Longstanding Bottleneck in Hybrid Rice Production

    A research team led by Professor Ki-Hong Jung of the Graduate School of Green-Bio Science has developed a new hybrid rice production platform that precisely modulates self-pollination to enhance fertilization by external pollen Rice, a representative self-pollinating crop, exhibits a strong reproductive bias toward self-fertilization, as its own pollen typically reaches the stigma well before external pollen. This intrinsic characteristic has long posed a structural challenge to the production of hybrid rice seeds, which rely on cross-pollination between different varieties to enhance yield and resilience. To overcome this limitation, male-sterile rice lines—lacking functional pollen—have been widely adopted in hybrid seed production. However, conventional male-sterility systems suffer from inherent instability, making large-scale and consistent seed production difficult under variable environmental conditions. Reengineering hybrid seed production: precision control of self-pollination and visual seed selection To address this challenge at its root, Professor Jung’s team introduced a fundamentally different approach to hybrid rice production. Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology, the team generated rice lines with partial male sterility by targeting genes essential for pollen tube elongation. This strategy reduces self-fertilization without completely eliminating male function, allowing external pollen to fertilize more effectively. In parallel, the team incorporated a floury endosperm (FLO5) mutation, enabling hybrid and self-pollinated seeds to be readily distinguished by seed color. This two-line hybrid platform achieved a high proportion of hybrid seed production while remaining stable across diverse environmental conditions, effectively overcoming the limitations of conventional photoperiod- and thermosensitive male-sterile systems. By eliminating reliance on environmentally sensitive maintenance lines and simplifying seed selection through visual markers, the system substantially improves production efficiency and practical applicability. Importantly, the removal of CRISPR/Cas9 components in subsequent generations allows for the establishment of non-transgenic lines, providing a solid foundation for commercialization and regulatory acceptance. A new paradigm for the global seed industry Professor Jung emphasized that, despite their high yield and disease resistance, hybrid rice varieties have not fully realized their potential due to the technical complexity of seed production. “Conventional approaches rely on rigid systems that are difficult to manage at scale,” he said. “By precisely modulating self-pollination, our approach creates conditions in which external pollen can fertilize naturally, representing a fundamentally different strategy from existing technologies.” He added that the integration of a visual marker system—allowing hybrid seeds to be identified by color alone—addresses one of the most persistent bottlenecks in industrial seed production. “This platform has strong potential to evolve into a broadly applicable hybrid seed production system across diverse crop species.” Student Su-Kyoung Lee, a doctoral student at the Graduate School of Green-Bio Science and first author of the study, highlighted the system’s extensibility. “The platform is not limited to rice,” she noted. “Because it is designed around core reproductive mechanisms shared by self-pollinating crops, it can be readily applied to barley, wheat, soybeans, and other major crops.” She added that widespread adoption could lead to tangible improvements in both domestic and global food production systems. The platform developed by the research team is expected to generate wide-ranging benefits across the agricultural sector, including reduced hybrid seed production costs, higher productivity, and simplified breeding workflows. At a time when climate change is placing increasing pressure on global food systems, the study offers a promising foundation for more stable and scalable seed production. The findings were published online on November 6, 2025, in Plant Biotechnology Journal (IF=10.5) under the title, “Developing an Efficient System for Hybrid Rice Seed Production Using Partial Male Sterility.”

    2025.12.29
  • Academic
    Reframing Job Readiness: A Three-Dimensional Competency Model

    A faculty member from the Office of Career Development, in collaboration with undergraduate students, has developed an artificial intelligence–based platform that assesses job readiness using a three-dimensional competency model The platform, named Pertineo, derives its name from a Latin word meaning “to be relevant.” Once users enter their background information, the system evaluates job fit and potential by integrating employment outcome data with real-time web-based information. Pertineo analyzes competencies across three axes—learning level, job suitability, and performance capability—to generate a three-dimensional profile. The resulting profile is then used to reorganize users’ experiences in line with company-specific job descriptions, talent criteria, and current industry trends. Professor Yang-Soo Kim of the Office of Career Development, who led the platform’s design, emphasized that Pertineo is intended to strengthen the link between experience and actual job performance. “Pertineo connects applicants’ experiences directly to expected job outcomes, allowing for self-introduction statements that demonstrate clear criterion-related validity,” he said. “This enables employers to identify candidates who are better aligned with real workplace demands, while helping applicants articulate their experiences more clearly and substantively throughout the hiring process.” Competency analysis based on three axes The three-dimensional model is structured around learning level, job suitability, and performance capability. Learning level reflects industry-relevant learning experiences and is designed to capture the technical skills and expertise required in real workplace settings. Job suitability is evaluated in relation to a company’s strategy, direction, and desired talent profile. Performance capability relies on quantitative indicators to estimate potential job performance after employment. Users can review the results through visualized data generated by the 3D competency model and receive guidance on how to improve weaker areas. The platform is available free of charge to all enrolled KHU students. Those who secure employment may also apply for career counseling and interview coaching through the Office of Career Development. Development of Pertineo began when Student Seungpyo Hong (Computing), encountered Professor Kim’s idea during a university-run co-curricular program and proposed implementing it using artificial intelligence. His proposal marked the starting point of the project, which later grew into a collaborative effort with Students Wonjin Kim and Byeongmin Kwak (Computing), as well as Student Hyolim Kim (Digital Contents). Student Wonjin Kim, who worked on AI-based functionalities, said the biggest challenge was narrowing the gap between concept and implementation. “An idea can sound complete on paper, but making it work at a level that practitioners would actually accept was a different matter,” he said. “Because this platform is meant to be used in real settings, we spent a long time testing it with diverse datasets to make sure unexpected problems wouldn’t emerge later.” For Student Byeongmin Kwak, who participated in front-end development, usability was the primary concern. “We kept asking ourselves how users would feel at each step,” he said. “Working closely with designers helped us rethink how data should be processed and presented so that the platform feels intuitive rather than overwhelming.” Student Seungpyo Hong, who led back-end development, described the pressure that came with building a live service. “This wasn’t a class assignment or a competition project,” he said. “Knowing that real users would rely on the platform made reliability a constant concern, especially when working on authentication and AI streaming functions.” Following a pilot testing phase, Pertineo was officially launched in the second semester of the 2025 academic year. As corporate recruitment processes began in September, students started using the platform in real hiring contexts. The student developers shared a common perspective shaped by their own job-search experiences. “As students on the front lines of the job market, we understand how uncomfortable it can feel to share personal career histories,” they said. “By lowering the barriers to career consulting, we hope Pertineo can be used as a practical support tool—one that students feel comfortable turning to, rather than pressured by.”

    2025.12.29
  • Research
    A Single Chip Reshapes the Paradigm of Nanomaterial Synthesis

    The system is a high-throughput device capable of automatically generating 90 reaction conditions within just three minutes, significantly improving the speed and reproducibility of nanoparticle synthesis research. By enabling rapid exploration of diverse material combinations, it is drawing attention as a powerful new research tool. Automating synthesis: moving beyond manual experimentation At the core of the research is microfluidic technology, which enables precise manipulation of small liquid volumes within microscale channels. This approach ensures uniform reaction environments while substantially reducing reagent consumption. The research team combined this technology with a centrifugal microfluidic structure, designing a system in which liquid transport, mixing, and dispensing are driven solely by rotational motion—without the need for external pumps or complex instrumentation. The resulting device is the compact centrifugal microfluidic chip known as DC-UltraScreen-90. The chip takes the form of a plastic disk smaller than the palm of a hand. Its internal architecture is meticulously designed to control how liquids are divided and flow through the system. During high-speed rotation, reagents are precisely metered, while slower rotational phases allow solutions to be gently distributed, preventing particle aggregation and enabling uniform reactions. To evaluate the platform’s performance, the team used silver-based nanomaterials as test samples. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) typically exhibit spherical shapes, whereas silver nanostars (AgNSs) form sharp, multi-branched structures. Because their morphologies change markedly with reaction conditions, these materials serve as an ideal model system. Their physical properties and application potential differ significantly, making them useful across a wide range of fields, including sensors, bioanalysis, and catalysis. Comparing nanomaterials with clearly contrasting morphologies enabled the team to verify the platform’s ability to precisely control nanoparticle structures. A key element in this validation was the automated concentration-combination capability of DC-UltraScreen-90. Universal applicability: a versatile platform for diverse material systems The research team further demonstrated the platform’s reliability by confirming that optimal conditions identified on the chip could be scaled up to larger reaction volumes while producing nanoparticles with nearly identical morphologies. This result shows that DC-UltraScreen-90 is not merely a rapid screening tool, but a practical platform capable of translating optimal conditions to large-scale synthesis. With low dependence on specialized equipment, simple operation, minimal reagent consumption, and high reproducibility, DC-UltraScreen-90 can be readily adopted even by small research laboratories. Beyond nanoparticle synthesis, the platform shows strong potential for expansion into a wide range of research areas, including drug combination screening, biodiagnostics, and combinatorial materials development. Professor Seo commented, “This platform not only enhances the speed and reproducibility of nanomaterial research but also serves as a foundational technology that allows researchers to easily explore much broader combinations of conditions. We expect it to significantly improve the efficiency of nanotechnology-based materials development as it expands to diverse material systems.” The research findings were published as a Back Cover article in Advanced Functional Materials (IF=19.0) under the title, “From Spin to Star: Ultrafast Dual-Gradient Centrifugal Microfluidics for Scalable High-Throughput and Combinatorial Nanomaterial Synthesis.”

    2025.12.29
  • Research
    AI Sharpens the Accuracy of Mobile Network Traffic Classification

    A research team led by Professor Een-Kee Hong at the Department of Electronic Engineering has developed, in collaboration with LG Uplus Corp., an artificial intelligence–based technology that accurately identifies and classifies mobile network traffic using real-world telecom operator data The technology enables network operators to analyze traffic characteristics with high precision across regions, time periods, and service types, significantly improving the efficiency of network operations, including equipment expansion and power management. To ensure practical applicability, the research team validated the system in an operational network environment with LG Uplus, testing its performance on actual traffic data. Until now, mobile networks have largely been managed based on total data volume flowing into base stations, as there were few practical methods for distinguishing traffic types, locations, and usage contexts in detail. The key to addressing this limitation lay in artificial intelligence. Professor Hong explained the motivation behind the research, stating, “As artificial intelligence rapidly advanced and proved capable of classifying complex data—such as images—with high accuracy, I became convinced that mobile network data could also be effectively distinguished by analyzing its underlying characteristics.” Being able to classify network traffic allows operators to tailor network management strategies to regional usage patterns, improving overall efficiency. It also helps reduce unnecessary overinvestment caused by limited insight into traffic characteristics, while enabling more targeted support for areas where network expansion is truly needed. Over 90% accuracy in clearly defined usage environments Mobile network traffic exhibits widely varying characteristics depending on location and service type. To address this, the research team developed an AI-based algorithm capable of classifying traffic according to these characteristics. In empirical evaluations, the model achieved accuracy rates exceeding 90 percent in environments with clearly defined user groups and usage patterns, such as apartment complexes and subway systems. Even in commercially mixed areas where regional characteristics are less distinct, the algorithm demonstrated high classification performance, proving its suitability for real-world network operation and decision-making. By precisely identifying traffic characteristics, telecom operators can predict congestion by time of day and optimize plans for equipment expansion and capacity upgrades. Professor Hong noted, “By reducing overinvestment caused by unidentified traffic characteristics and building networks tailored to regional needs, operators can improve service quality while enhancing cost efficiency at the same time.” Toward the next generation of AI-driven networks Professor Hong anticipates that mobile communication networks will fundamentally evolve into AI-driven networks. Beyond improving operational efficiency, artificial intelligence will be required to support next-generation services—such as physical AI that interacts with the real world—ensuring their stable operation on network infrastructure. This joint research demonstrates Kyung Hee’s technological capabilities and its potential for real-world application. The University and LG Uplus have agreed to continue a series of follow-up collaborative studies focused on addressing practical challenges in network operation. Led by Professor Hong, the Mobile Communications Laboratory was the first among Korean universities to operate a Private 5G network and has maintained ongoing collaborations with major companies in the field of software-based networking technologies. The laboratory has also actively pursued research on applying artificial intelligence to mobile communication networks. Reflecting these capabilities, the laboratory has secured a number of major national research projects, including the 6H Next-Generation Mobile Communications ITRC Research Center, which focuses on developing and validating core technologies for future cellular networks.

    2025.12.10
  • Campus Life
    A Call for Kyung Hee to Grow into a World-Class University Through Advances in Science and Technology

    Alum Jeong-seop Seo (Law, ’58), who currently serves as Chairman of DONGSIN Tube Glass Ind Co., Ltd., has donated 200 million KRW to his alma mater as a development fund The donation will be used for the University’s Science and Technology Development Support Program, bringing Alum Seo’s cumulative contributions to Kyung Hee to 509 million KRW. Rooted in a deep conviction in science and technology, his philanthropy reflects formative experiences from his youth, when he worked to support himself financially while pursuing his studies. Often struggling to cover tuition and graduating three years later than his peers, Alum Seo came to more deeply appreciate the value of learning and the principles instilled by Kyung Hee—values that have continued to guide his commitment to the University. Alum Seo said, “I have always felt deeply grateful to my alma mater,” adding that he has tried to turn that gratitude into action by supporting the University whenever possible. His affection for Kyung Hee, he explained, naturally grew into a strong belief in the importance of advancing science and technology. Reflecting on his early years as an entrepreneur, he recalled, “Even after founding my company, I continued to seek out technology and learning, no matter how difficult the circumstances were.” “In lean times, technology was my only hope”: a lifelong resolve forged through science After founding DONGSIN in 1969, Alum Seo entered the market for pharmaceutical glass containers at a time when technological independence in Korea’s pharmaceutical packaging sector was urgently needed. Products such as ampoules and vials are directly tied to public health, yet domestic technological capabilities were extremely limited. Alum Seo chose to confront these challenges head-on. “The lack of technology was the greatest obstacle,” he said, explaining that he decided to overcome it by mastering the technology himself, a period marked by relentless, day-and-night research and development. His perseverance bore fruit. Korea became the world’s second country, after Japan, to manufacture one-point cut ampoules—containers designed to minimize glass fragments when opened, a critical innovation for ensuring pharmaceutical safety. Looking back, Alum Seo recalled, “When one-point cut ampoules were just beginning to be introduced in European medical journals, we were already supplying them domestically.” Securing proprietary technology became the driving force behind DONGSIN’s rise to the top of the domestic market, where it now holds a 35 percent share of the pharmaceutical glass container sector. This technological expertise later expanded to vials used for vaccines and anticancer drugs, and from the late 1980s, the company began exporting its products to overseas markets, including Japan and the United States. A founder who turned conviction into legacy: “technology opens the door to the world” Alum Seo’s donation goes beyond financial support; it represents an investment in the future grounded in his lifelong convictions. In 2021, he also donated 200 million KRW to Kyung Hee, with the funds allocated to quantum research. The donation has supported the establishment of experimental infrastructure, including the Quantum Fab, at the International Center for Quantum Matter, founded last year. The Quantum Fab serves as a core facility for advancing quantum science and fostering future industries. Reflecting on his journey, Alum Seo said, “After graduating and starting my business, I continued to study technology while doing my best not to lose the wisdom I learned at Kyung Hee,” adding that “only science and technology that others cannot replicate can truly lead us onto the global stage.” He went on to emphasize, “If my alma mater is to lead the future, strengthening its scientific and technological capabilities is essential,” and expressed his hope that “The University will build on its founding philosophy and continue striving to grow into a world-class university in science and technology.”

    2025.12.10
  • Other
    Turning Everyday Curiosity Into Technologies That Diagnose, Protect, and Disappear

    A multimodal sensor for a silent medical emergency Q. Much of your work seems to revolve around what you call “solving problems through material integration.” How did that idea take shape, and how does it guide your research today? A. I became interested not only in developing new materials, but in finding better ways to integrate materials and platforms that already exist. For me, materials are not an end in themselves—they are tools for achieving a research goal. That way of thinking is reflected in the name of our lab, HIGH, which stands for Hybrid Integration for Genuine Hyper-functionality. In practice, this means bringing together core technologies from different fields, such as displays, memory devices, biomedical sensing, and security. By combining these areas, rather than treating them in isolation, we try to address complex problems that society is facing—whether it’s climate change or growing vulnerabilities in information security. Q. One of your recent papers addresses acute compartment syndrome using an ultrathin multimodal sensor. What problem were you trying to solve, and what makes this approach different from existing diagnostic methods? A. Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency in which pressure builds rapidly within a muscle compartment, restricting blood flow to the surrounding tissues. If it is not diagnosed and treated within 24 hours, it can result in paralysis or, in severe cases, amputation. The challenge is that current diagnostic methods rely heavily on a physician’s experience and judgment, or on intermittent pressure measurements taken with a needle. Those approaches capture only a snapshot in time and often fail to reflect the wide variability in a patient’s condition. As a result, misdiagnosis or delayed treatment can occur. To address this limitation, we developed a multimodal sensor probe that can simultaneously measure compartment pressure, tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂), and blood flow from the same location, in real time. The probe is extremely small—about 4 millimeters in diameter and 1 millimeter thick—and is made from biocompatible materials. Once inserted, it continuously collects all three physiological signals and transmits the data wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy to an external device. Because the data are streamed in real time, they can be used for AI-assisted analysis. This does not replace clinical judgment, but it provides clinicians with more comprehensive and objective information, helping to improve diagnostic accuracy. When memory is meant to vanish Q. Your second line of research focuses on what you call self-dissolving memory. What is the core idea behind this technology? A. The core concept is what we refer to as transient electronics—technology that is designed to physically disappear once its role is complete. In this case, we developed a resistive switching memory based on cesium iodide that can dissolve under specific environmental conditions. This work grew out of a fundamental question about data security: how do you ensure that information cannot be recovered at all? Even when data are electrically erased from conventional memory devices, physical traces often remain, making it possible to reconstruct information using recovery software or hacking techniques. Our approach takes a fundamentally different path. When exposed to humidity or direct contact with water, the memory device itself dissolves completely, destroying the stored information rather than merely deleting it. Importantly, the device leaves no residue as it dissolves. At the same time, it maintains strong operational performance, including high responsiveness and durability, while remaining environmentally friendly and scalable across a wide range of applications. It has clear potential in high-risk and high-security environments. Examples include military equipment that cannot be retrieved after deployment, disposable medical diagnostic sensors, financial authentication systems, and temporary electronic devices used in space exploration. Looking further ahead, it could even address hypothetical scenarios such as brain hacking. If an implanted device were compromised, the information could be eliminated by dissolving the device itself. In that sense, it offers a very powerful platform for information protection. Power from waste: a new biodegradable battery Q. Your biodegradable battery made from spent coffee grounds drew a great deal of public attention. How did that idea originate? A. The starting point was a very simple observation: an enormous amount of coffee waste is generated every day. We began asking whether there was a way to repurpose that waste in a form that would minimize environmental impact rather than add to it. That led to the idea of using spent coffee grounds as a structural frame for biodegradable batteries. We process the coffee grounds into a porous frame material and combine it with a magnesium alloy (AZ31) anode and a molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃) cathode. This configuration allows the battery to maintain practical energy density while remaining fully biodegradable, degrading naturally within about 60 days. The frame is not limited to holding electrodes. It is designed as a platform structure that allows easy integration with sensors, circuits, and other electronic components. One clear application is environmental monitoring in locations where collecting devices afterward is difficult or impossible. For example, sensors mounted on microfliers could be used to monitor air quality indicators such as ozone or nitrogen dioxide, or to track wildfire risk. Once the monitoring period ends, the system naturally decomposes. That makes it possible to build monitoring networks without generating electronic waste, which is increasingly important from a sustainability perspective. Toward integrated, disappearing systems Q. Looking ahead, what is your roadmap for integrating these technologies, both in the near term and over the longer horizon? A. In the near term, our focus is on expanding the clinical applications of the sensing platform we have developed. The global market for diagnosing acute compartment syndrome is relatively small—valued at approximately 300 billion KRW (about 204 million USD) worldwide—which limits its broader impact. To address this, we plan to extend the same pressure-sensing platform to the diagnosis of hydrocephalus, a condition in which continuous pressure monitoring is essential. The global market for hydrocephalus diagnostics is significantly larger, estimated at around ten trillion KRW (about 6.8 billion USD). As a next step, we are developing a miniaturized platform designed to be implanted in the brain to directly measure intracranial pressure. Over the longer term, the goal is to integrate the technologies we have developed into unified systems. For example, a biodegradable battery could serve as the power source, while transient sensors collect data and self-dissolving memory devices protect sensitive information. By bringing these elements together, we aim to build integrated platforms for smart healthcare and environmentally responsible electronics.

    더보기
    2025.12.10
  • Research
    Robots Automate Electric Vehicle Battery Replacement

    A research team led by Professor Sanghyun Kim at the Department of Mechanical Engineering received the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award—the top honor—at the 2025 Industry–Academia Project Challenge, organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology The award recognizes an industry–academia collaborative project carried out by Professor Kim’s research team, Team F1—comprising Students Suhwan Park, Eunae Kang, and Joonyeol Yang—in partnership with PIT IN Co., Ltd., under the theme “Development of Autonomous Mobile Robot Software for Automated Electric Vehicle Battery Replacement.” PIT IN provides a subscription-based EV battery swapping service in which vehicle batteries are manually detached and attached by workers, after which robots transport and manage them. However, the lack of autonomous navigation algorithms and a system for coordinating multiple robots posed significant operational challenges. To address these issues, the research team optimized autonomous driving and docking algorithms, as well as a multi-robot control system, tailoring the technologies for deployment in industrial environments. Emphasizing the educational value of the project, Professor Kim said, “This project was especially rewarding. It allowed students to see firsthand how their research moves beyond the lab and creates real impact in industry.” From lab to industry: experiencing the full cycle of industry–academia collaboration Following the project, the battery replacement process time was reduced by approximately twelve minutes, while overall working time decreased by 23 percent. Workplace safety was also improved by reducing the physical burden on workers. The technologies developed by the research team were successfully transferred to industry, contributing to increased service revenue for PIT IN. Serving as the team leader, Student Suhwan Park reflected on the experience, saying, “This project allowed me to experience the entire industry–academia collaboration process—from development and on-site application to technology transfer—and significantly strengthened my problem-solving skills.” The project also produced notable academic results. The research findings were published in an SCI-indexed journal, and copyrights for the developed software program were officially registered. Building on these achievements, the team is currently engaged in active discussions with robotics companies to further expand industry–academia collaboration. “In robotics, ideas only matter if you can actually build them—and that requires strong software skills.” The robotics field is rapidly evolving through its convergence with artificial intelligence. Kyung Hee has been actively cultivating skilled professionals in this area through the AI Robot–Based Human–Machine Collaboration Specialist Training Program, led by Professor Sungsoo Rhim at the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The project was carried out as part of this workforce development initiative, which focuses on effective human–robot collaboration and on identifying emerging industrial demand for robotics technologies. Professor Kim’s laboratory focuses its research on the real-world demands of the robotics industry. Professor Kim underscored the importance of adaptability in engineering education, noting, “In robotics, the ability to quickly identify emerging trends is essential. Beyond mathematics and physics, engineers need strong software skills to actually build what they imagine.” Motivated by the project, Student Park decided to pursue graduate studies to further develop his expertise. Currently conducting research in human–robot interaction, he is working on collaborative technologies that enable humans and robots to jointly lift and transport objects that are difficult for people to handle alone. Looking ahead, he said, “My goal is to develop robotics technologies that can make a tangible difference in everyday life.”

    더보기
    2025.12.10
  • Academic
    Innovation Toward the Future of Medicine: Kyung Hee University Medical Center Leaps Forward!

    “A disease-free human society” has been the guiding aspiration of Kyung Hee University Medical Center since its establishment in 1971 As the avenue of praxis for the founding philosophy of Creating a Civilized World, the University committed itself to the advancement of human health. More than half a century later, this mission remains the bedrock of Kyung Hee University Medical Center. In dialogue with the flow of history, Kyung Hee University Medical Center continues to reflect on internal and external environmental changes, anticipate the future, and fortify a patient-centered, research-driven, and innovation-focused system. The spiritual foundation for a new leap forward toward the future of medicine has now been firmly established. Top 2% of tertiary care hospitals, "A hospital patients can trust" On October 30, 2025, Kyung Hee University Medical Center (hereafter Kyung Hee Hospital) received the highest rating of "1-A" in the Medical Quality Evaluation announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Among 373 tertiary and general hospitals nationwide, the Hospital ranked in the top 2% of tertiary care hospitals, affirming its reputation as a "hospital patients can trust." In this evaluation, the Hospital received the highest rating in patient safety, quality management, and public service. Recent innovations in the medical system, including strengthened treatment for severe and rare diseases, expansion of essential medical services, and the introduction of customized radiation cancer treatment, were all positively reflected in the result. The Hospital is reorganizing its entire clinical system around the patient, creating an environment in which patients feel secure throughout the entire course of treatment. This embodies Kyung Hee’s philosophy of expanding the essence of medical care into a journey of healing experience. Building an integrated platform for future medicine, certified as a research-oriented hospital Kyung Hee Hospital has also demonstrated leadership in future medicine through its research capabilities. In March of this year, it received certification as a Research-Oriented Hospital from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The Hospital was highly recognized for fostering a productive environment for convergent research and establishing a sustainable research-support system. This achievement is supported by an unparalleled interdisciplinary collaboration structure that brings together the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Korean Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing Science. A dedicated research planning team develops and executes the Hospital’s mid- to long-term research strategy. In collaboration with affiliated laboratories, the Hospital is advancing multidisciplinary convergent projects including medical-materials research and precision-medicine data analytics, thereby constructing an integrated platform for the future of medicine. Expertise and public responsibility proven by national policy leadership and global evaluations Kyung Hee Hospital’s commitment to innovation in medicine is also validated in international evaluations. Major departments ranked prominently in Newsweek’s "Best Specialty Hospitals in Asia-Pacific" and "Best Specialty Hospitals in the World" evaluations in June and September of this year. The Department of Orthopedics ranked 23rd globally and 5th in the Asia-Pacific region, while the Department of Endocrinology ranked 28th globally and 13th in the Asia-Pacific, demonstrating both clinical capabilities and specialty expertise at a global level. Kyung Hee Hospital was also selected in October 2024 for the first round of the Top-Level Tertiary Care Hospital Restructuring Support Project, a key national initiative to normalize the healthcare system by transitioning top-level general hospitals into regional hub centers specializing in intensive and emergency care. Only eight hospitals nationwide were selected in the first round. Kyung Hee Hospital is reducing its general bed count from 758 to 684 and expanding its ICU and emergency-medical infrastructure, thereby establishing a hospital structure focused on essential medical care. To ensure the seamless operation of the ICU and emergency care system, the Hospital has also strengthened its clinical cooperation network. This restructuring carries major significance: it marks a shift away from competition for hospital bed expansion toward a healthcare delivery model centered on improving patient health and enhancing healthcare quality. Through this initiative, , Kyung Hee Hospital is building a sustainable, community-linked medical ecosystem and fulfilling the inherent public responsibility of healthcare. "People-centered innovation": the core calling of a medical institution Domestic and international evaluations and project selections are not ends in themselves; they embody a model for the future direction of medical institutions. The highest rating in the Medical Quality Evaluation, certification as a Research-Oriented Hospital, top rankings in patient-experience evaluations, and global specialty-hospital recognitions all stem from a single philosophy: people-centered innovation. President Joo Hyeong Oh of Kyung Hee University Medical Center stated, "As we enter a period of civilizational transition, medicine itself is also changing. Kyung Hee Hospital must build a culture rooted in exemplary research, strengthen expertise of our medical staff, and the fulfillment of our social responsibilities, grounded in our practical mission to care for and nurture the lives entrusted to us as a medical institution." He added, "This achievement, earned amid numerous challenges, reflects the history and dedication of Kyung Hee Hospital. We will continue to carry forward the history and philosophy of Kyung Hee and strive to become a medical institution that leads the future of medicine." Kyung Hee Hospital is leveraging cutting-edge technology and data to enhance the efficiency of medical care while fostering a culture of practice that offers patients deeper trust and stability. This is a lived demonstration that the essence of medicine lies not only in treatment but in protecting the dignity of human life. Going forward, the Hospital will continue to pioneer the future of medicine by building an integrated medical ecosystem where research, treatment, and education are organically connected, rooted in Kyung Hee’s philosophy.

    2025.12.03
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 마지막