Research
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Research
Kyung Hee Appoints NASA Senior Scientist Dr. Fathi Karouia as Research Professor
Dr. Fathi Karouia of NASA joins the Institute for Future Space Exploration as an academic research professor. Senior Scientist in Space Biology, Overseeing Research and Experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) Elevating Korea’s Space Medicine and Space Life Sciences to the Next Level at the Institute for Future Space Exploration The Institute of Future Space Exploration has appointed Dr. Fathi Karouia from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an academic research professor. A leading authority in the fields of space medicine and space life sciences, Dr. Karouia has spent over 25 years at NASA, accumulating unrivaled practical experience and expertise in areas including space medicine, space life sciences, astrobiology, planetary protection, astronaut health, and life science research aboard the ISS. Dr. Karouia plans to conduct his research in space medicine and space life sciences while holding concurrent positions at both NASA and the Institute for Future Space Exploration. Tackling Key Challenges in Space Exploration Dr. Karouia served as the Portfolio Lead Scientist for Space Biology at NASA, overseeing research and experiments conducted on the International Space Station (ISS). He also serves as the co-chair of the Advancements in Astrobiology and Space Exploration Development Committee and the Space Manufacturing and Production Applications Committee at the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), contributing to priority-setting for space exploration and the emerging space bioeconomy. In 2025, Kyung Hee University was selected for the “University Basic Research Institute Support Project (G-LAMP)” and subsequently established the Institute for Future Space Exploration as a core thematic research center. The institute conducts pioneering research focused on three major pillars: core space exploration technology, space AI, and basic space medicine. With Dr. Karouia’s arrival, the institute will take on the primary challenges humanity faces in the process of exploring space. Furthermore, Dr. Karouia is expected to continue joint research with Dr. Man Seok Kim of the School of Medicine, who is the first Korean to participate in the “NASA GeneLab Working Group.” Dr. Karouia and Professor Kim have been conducting collaborative research for several years to advance space medicine. Dr. Karouia states, “I will work to build strong cooperative relationships with Kyung Hee’s outstanding scientists and Korea’s space ecosystem, including the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), and further contribute to fostering the next generation of innovators in the fields of space medicine and space life sciences.” Professor Kim explained, “Our goal is to solve the critical issues encountered in human space exploration while creating biomedical innovations that benefit humanity on Earth.”
2026.04.27 -
Research
Development of High-Performance Superconductors with Hydrogen Storage Capabilities
Professor Jong-Soo Rhyee’s research team in the Department of Applied Physics has developed an ultra-high-strength metal superconductor that simultaneously integrates hydrogen storage capabilities and superconducting properties. Ensuring High Mechanical Strength and Durability Convergence of Hydrogen-Based Energy Systems and Superconducting Technology Professor Jong-Soo Rhyee’s research team in the Department of Applied Physics (Lead authors: Dr. Rahmatul Hidayati and Research Professor Jin Hee Kim) has developed an ultra-high-strength metal superconductor that simultaneously integrates hydrogen storage capabilities and superconducting properties. This achievement, which presents a next-generation superconducting material technology tailored for the hydrogen economy era, was published in the international materials science journal Advanced Functional Materials (Impact Factor 19.0). Superconductors are materials with zero electrical resistance. Once a current begins to flow, it continues indefinitely, making the superconductor a “dream material” capable of storing electrical energy in the form of magnetic fields. Due to these unique properties, superconductors are utilized as core materials across the future energy, medical, and transportation industries—ranging from lossless power transmission and superconducting magnets to Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES), maglev trains, MRIs, and nuclear fusion devices. However, existing metal-based superconductors face limitations in expanding their applications due to the challenges of maintaining cryogenic environments and concerns over material durability. To overcome these limitations, Professor Rhyee’s team developed a new metal superconductor by applying the concept of high-entropy alloys (HEAs). High-entropy alloys consist of multiple metallic elements mixed uniformly, resulting in a structure that is both simple and exceptionally strong. The newly developed material demonstrated approximately six times the strength of standard stainless steel and proved highly resistant to corrosion or fracture, even in hydrogen-rich environments. Figure Description: Crystal structure of high-entropy alloys and a conceptual diagram of hydrogen-storing high-entropy alloy superconductivity. The most significant feature of this research is the integration of a new role—hydrogen storage—into superconducting functionality. The newly developed superconductor can store hydrogen at a level of approximately 3.8 wt% relative to its mass. This represents the world’s highest value for a metal hydrogen-storage material, excluding hydrides. While common metals typically suffer from structural weakening upon absorbing hydrogen, this material demonstrates high technical maturity by enabling hydrogen storage while maintaining both mechanical strength and hydrogen embrittlement resistance (the property of not corroding or weakening in a hydrogen-rich atmosphere). The material’s superconducting properties have also been enhanced. Its superconducting critical current—the maximum current a superconductor can carry—reaches an exceptionally high value of approximately 300kA/cm². Based on these multifunctional characteristics—high strength, hydrogen resistance, and high critical current—this superconductor is expected to have a direct impact on next-generation superconducting energy storage systems, superconducting magnets, and hydrogen-based energy infrastructure. Professor Rhyee remarked, “By combining the energy transfer capabilities of superconductors with hydrogen storage and refrigerant functions, we have presented the potential for a new superconducting material tailored for the hydrogen economy era.” He added, “We expect this to expand into various applications where hydrogen-based energy systems and superconducting technology converge.” This research was supported by the Alchemist Project of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The research team plans to work toward integrating the developed superconductor with hydrogen-based energy systems.
2026.04.27 -
Research
Young Researchers Thrive in an Autonomous Research Environment
“An opportunity to reflect on research directions and commit to new responsibilities.” Yu-seop Kim (PhD Candidate, Mechanical Engineering) For Yu-seop Kim, being selected for this scholarship serves as a powerful validation that his past efforts were not in vain. After completing his Master’s degree, he transitioned into the doctoral program, where he plans to significantly deepen and evolve his current research. Building on a foundation of fundamental mechanical engineering theory and design expertise, Kim developed a keen interest in energy harvesting—the technology of converting ambient energy, such as movement or vibration, into electricity. While personally fabricating and verifying power-generation devices during his Master’s studies, he discovered the potential to expand this technology into “self-powered sensors” that operate without the need for external power sources. Recently, his work has focused on developing sensors that can harvest energy from even the slightest movements to operate independently. Finding Answers in Biological Sensory Structures Inspired by biological sensory organs, Yu-seop Kim is developing high-sensitivity triboelectric sensors that generate their own electricity without an external power source. Because triboelectric sensors generate signals through the charge produced when two materials contact and separate, they typically struggle to detect “static pressure”—force that is applied and held still. To overcome this, Kim introduced an “Origami Kresling” structure, which converts static pressure into internal rotational motion. This allows the sensor to output a continuous signal by generating minute internal movements even when a static force is applied. Having already produced a prototype, he is currently optimizing performance based on various structural and material variables. Furthermore, Kim is developing a multimodal sensor that mimics the cupula structure found in the lateral lines of fish and the human vestibular system. This sensor can simultaneously detect pressure, shear force, and contact location. By utilizing a flexible dome-shaped structure and an air-gap design, the sensor generates distinct signal patterns based on the direction and location of a stimulus. This technology holds great promise for applications in electronic skin and robotic tactile systems. To ensure the precision of these sensors, Kim is also developing a manufacturing process for the precise machining of polymer materials in the “Meso-scale While Zone”—a middle-ground scale where fabrication standards have yet to be fully established. His ultimate goal is to secure manufacturing efficiency by achieving precise control within this challenging scale. Embracing New Challenges with Confidence Yu-seop Kim officially entered the doctoral program this semester. “A year ago, I saw a senior in our laboratory receive the Presidential Science Scholarship, and that inspired me to follow in their footsteps,” he shared. He advised juniors interested in academia that many scholarship programs exist to support graduate students. Kim noted that since the journey toward a PhD is not short, actively utilizing such institutional support can provide the courage needed to pursue ambitious research. Kim also shared his personal resolve: “Being selected for this scholarship has motivated me to pursue my doctoral studies with an even greater sense of responsibilities.” His future goal is to build an energy-autonomous platform that integrates power generation devices with sensors. Furthermore, he aims to secure mass-production process technologies to advance his research findings all the way to the commercialization stage. “Achieving the Presidential Science Scholarship through a culture of autonomous research.” Donghan Lee (PhD Candidate, Mechanical Engineering) Citing the laboratory’s atmosphere of respecting autonomous research as his primary driver for growth, Donghan Lee added, “The time we spent sharing research ideas became a vital catalyst for broadening my intellectual horizons.” Driven by a fascination with the interaction between the motion of objects and force, Donghan Lee chose to major in mechanical engineering. While studying traditional mechanics, he noted that static charges could influence both physical and biological systems even without an external power source. He discovered that electrostatic technology could generate substantial value when converged with other fields, moving beyond conventional mechanical design. His research subsequently expanded into the development of electret technology—encompassing the generation, storage, and application of static charges—and its convergence with the biological sciences. Expanding into the Generation, Storage, and Convergence of Static Charge Lee’s research is structured around two major pillars: the storage and application of static charge and the generation and utilization of static charge. Currently, he is focused on developing electrets capable of maintaining a semi-permanent electrostatic field without an external power source. While electrets have vast applications in microphones, dust filters, and energy harvesting devices, research has often remained in its early stages due to limitations in charge stability. To address this, Lee has established a high-quality electret manufacturing process that integrates charge injection, material processing, and packaging technologies to ensure the stable retention of large charge volumes. Furthermore, he utilizes a 3D potential measurement system and a Thermally Stimulated Discharge Current (TSDC) system to quantitatively analyze the electrical characteristics of these electrets, allowing for a precise evaluation of charge distribution and stability within the materials. Lee’s research also extends into the biological sciences. Previously, applying a continuous electrostatic field to cells was limited by the need for bulky, kilovolt-level high-voltage equipment. By utilizing electrets, Lee is conducting convergence research on cell culture, scar suppression, and the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. To date, he has participated in six collaborative studies to identify the effects of electrostatic fields at the cellular level. Additionally, Lee is conducting research on static charge generation using Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs). By analyzing the characteristics of input energy, he seeks designs that can efficiently harvest energy even in irregular environments, reaching significant milestones after extensive trial and error. Toward the Social Application of Electrostatic Technology “This scholarship allowed me to validate the value of the research I have dedicated five years to, and it feels as though my past efforts have been truly recognized,” said Donghan Lee, sharing his reflections on being selected for the award. Set to graduate from his doctoral program this summer, Lee has sustained his research through various institutional support systems. The combination of publication-based scholarships, teaching assistantships, and laboratory stipends—now supplemented by the Presidential Science Scholarship—has allowed him to immerse himself fully in his academic pursuits. Building on these experiences, Lee aspires to grow into a convergence researcher who bridges the gap between electrostatic application technology and tangible social value. Recognizing the immense potential of electret technology, he plans to expand his focus toward the practical application stage. He intends to enhance technical maturity by developing materials with high charge stability and biocompatibility, while expanding collaborative research across diverse sectors, including electrical and electronic engineering, biotechnology, and environmental engineering. Furthermore, he is exploring ways to make a direct impact on society through technology transfers or entrepreneurship. An autonomous research environment empowers students to take initiative in their investigations and cultivate creative ideas, serving as the bedrock for meaningful research outcomes. This culture of excellence is clearly reflected in the laboratory’s recent achievements. Professor Dongwhi Choi’s lab has now produced a total of three Presidential Science Scholars over the past two years.
2026.04.13 -
Research
Dean Seong-Gyu Ko’s Team at the College of Korean Medicine Publishes in Top Nature Portfolio Journal
A schematic diagram illustrating how the GPR54-DDC signaling axis regulates the growth, survival, and metabolic reprogramming of non-small cell lung cancer cells. The paper, titled “GPR54 regulates non-small cell lung cancer development via dopa decarboxylase,” was co-authored by Dr. Hyun-Ha Hwang and Dr. Seo Yeon Lee as co-first authors. Corresponding author Dean Seong-Gyu Ko remarked, “Publishing an original research paper in a top-tier journal is a first for Kyung Hee University’s College of Korean Medicine and a rare feat within the broader field of Korean medicine, making this achievement deeply meaningful.” This publication is particularly significant as it represents a flagship success for the Center for Herb-based Cancer Research. Dr. Hwang added, “When the acceptance was confirmed, it didn’t feel real at first. As the congratulations continue to pour in, I feel a great sense of responsibility alongside the joy.” Discovery of a “New Switch” for Lung Cancer Cell Growth Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. To improve treatment outcomes, it is crucial to understand the fundamental mechanisms driving cancer cell growth and survival. In this study, the research team focused on a receptor protein called GPR54. The results confirmed that GPR54 and DDC act together as a signaling axis that drives both the growth and metabolic reprogramming of NSCLC. Using a Kras mutation-induced mouse model of NSCLC, the team observed that removing the GPR54 gene led to a decrease in the number of tumors and the size of lesions, while increasing cancer cell death (apoptosis) and extending survival periods. This indicates that GPR54 plays a vital role in the growth of NSCLC. These findings suggest clinically significant potential for future applications. Furthermore, analysis of public data revealed higher levels of GPR54 in tumor tissues, with a trend of poorer survival rates in groups with high GPR54 mRNA expression. DDC levels were also elevated in tumors and were reported to be linked to survival indicators. Based on these findings, the team identified GPR54 and DDC as potential biomarkers for monitoring the status of NSCLC and as new therapeutic targets. Dean Ko remarked, “When starting treatment, lung cancer patients are primarily concerned with whether targeted therapies can be used. This study is significant because it presents a new mechanism that can be utilized regardless of a patient’s response to existing targeted therapies.” A core researcher who led this achievement through unwavering focus and perseverance.Hyun-Ha Hwang Dr. Hwang, who devoted himself day and night to this study for its publication, expressed deep gratitude to his advisor and lab members for their support in completing this research. From Target Discovery to Publication in Top-Tier JournalsThis achievement was not built overnight. According to Dean Ko, “Anticancer research based on herbal medicine, including SH003 (a complex formulation of Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas, and Trichosanthes kirilowii), is a research pipeline that has been developed for over a decade.” While the team has historically accumulated research on breast and lung cancers, they are currently focusing their efforts on NSCLC. The motivation behind this specific study was a proactive goal: “Let’s directly identify the new targets and biomarkers through which our medications actually operate.” Rather than simply following established mechanisms, the team sought to discover original pathways where herbal-based research truly intersects with modern science. As a result, the team identified GPR54 as a novel target, which is closely linked to the SH003 anticancer substance research pipeline. “This paper is highly significant as it proposed a world-first pathway in the process of uncovering the principles behind how our developed medications work,” Dean Ko noted. The publication process was equally demanding. Confident in the quality of their work, the team aimed for a prestigious journal. When the initial review came back with a request for a “Major Revision,” the team saw it as a sign of potential and dedicated themselves entirely to the supplemental work. Dr. Hyun-Ha Hwang played the central role during this phase. The four months spent preparing the revision were a true test of endurance; Dr. Hwang immersed himself in data supplementation, often working through the night with an average of only two hours of sleep. “Dr. Hwang is a researcher with the tenacity to remain immersed in his work regardless of whether it is the weekend or the crack of dawn,” Dean Ko remarked, encouraging the team. “Even without a massive budget or a large research staff, we were able to achieve this result thanks to the visionary selection of a high-impact topic combined with the sheer persistence of our researchers.” Dean Seong-Gyu Ko: Securing scientific evidence for herbal medicine through convergence research and building public trust.Dean Seong-Gyu Ko Dean Ko emphasized the broader significance of this publication for the field, stating, “With the publication of this paper, we have proven that the College of Korean Medicine possesses the full capability to produce original research papers grounded in biology, biotechnology, and chemistry.” Expanding the Intersection of Korean Medicine and Biotechnology The Center for Herb-based Cancer Research focuses on verifying the efficacy of herbal medicines using the language of modern biomedical science and systematically securing evidence for their mechanisms. Dean Ko noted, “Many cancer patients use Korean traditional medicine (KTM) in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.” He added, however, that data sufficiently explaining the evidence and operational mechanisms of herbal medicine is still lacking. “The center’s goal is to create highly reliable evidence for herbal medicines and expand the potential for collaboration with conventional Western medicine, helping the public choose KTM treatments with confidence,” he explained. The research team plans to continue follow-up studies centered on NSCLC. They will broadly investigate whether the GPR54-DDC axis can be developed into a viable therapeutic target, its potential for combination therapy with existing anticancer or immunotherapeutic drugs, and whether herbal medicines can be linked to the alleviation of cancer cachexia—a condition that worsens the systemic state of cancer patients. In his closing remarks, Dean Ko offered words of encouragement to junior researchers and students: “I have come this far with the mindset of paving a single road in the wilderness. If I have laid one road, younger researchers will be able to widen it and eventually build a highway. I hope this achievement serves as a challenge to them, proving that ‘I can do it, too.” The research team’s goal is to establish the scientific evidence and mechanisms through which herbal medicine can improve the quality of life for cancer patients while creating synergy with targeted therapies and immunotherapy.
2026.04.06 -
Research
From Sensors to Security on a Single 3D Semiconductor Chip
A research team led by Professor Seunghyun Lee (Department of Electronic Engineering) has developed a multifunctional monolithic 3D semiconductor chip that integrates data sensing, storage, and encryption into a single chip. Professor Seunghyun Lee (Department of Electronic Engineering) Develops a Next-Generation Hardware Platform Simultaneous Execution of Security and Computation with Improved Space Efficiency A research team led by Professor Seunghyun Lee of the Department of Electronic Engineering has developed a multifunctional monolithic 3D semiconductor chip that combines data sensing, storage, and encryption into a single chip. The research findings were published in February in Advanced Materials (Impact Factor: 26.8), a leading global journal in materials science. With the spread of AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, the amount of data needing to be processed is growing rapidly, making the limits of current computing systems very clear. In traditional designs, sending huge amounts of data from sensors to a central processor causes bottlenecks and uses a lot of power. There is also a major security risk, as information can be exposed while being moved. To solve these problems, neuromorphic architecture—which mimics the human brain and visual system to efficiently link sensing, storage, and computing—is becoming a popular alternative. As security threats grow in IoT environments, there is increasing interest in next-generation hardware that can protect data while also increasing energy efficiency. Ensuring Performance and Security with Quantum Dots and 3D Stacking Professor Lee’s research team developed this new semiconductor chip by applying monolithic 3D integration technology, which involves stacking Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (IGZO)-based phototransistors directly on top of Vertical Resistive Random Access Memory (VRRAM). By introducing quantum dots into the semiconductor channels, the team significantly expanded the range of light the sensor can detect—stretching from ultraviolet (UV) and visible light to near-infrared (NIR) regions. Professor Lee emphasized, “We utilized the tiny, natural irregularities that occur when quantum dots and memory devices operate to create a security system. By using these irregular signals to generate an unclonable physical security key, we have built a powerful hardware-based security system.” When the top layer of the chip detects an image, the bottom memory layer processes the data immediately. During this process, the original data is never exposed to the outside. Instead, it is converted into a hash code that contains only the essential information, ensuring the data remains secure. Professor Seunghyun Lee and researchers Batyrbek Alimkhanuly, Minwoo Lee, Junseong Bae, and Jinsu Choi participated as co-authors of this study. Proving Competitiveness in 3D Integrated Semiconductor Technology The research team utilized 3D Ternary Content-Addressable Memory (TCAM) structure, which allows encrypted hash codes to be searched and matched instantly without needing to be decrypted first. This design achieved a ninefold improvement in space efficiency and more than six times increase in energy efficiency compared to traditional 2D devices. Notably, the system proved both its security and practicality by identifying data similarities with over 94% accuracy while the data remained encrypted. Professor Lee explained, “This suggests a way to utilize AI technology while protecting personal information, even in ‘edge’ environments where computing resources are limited.” Professor Lee, who serves on the national roadmap committee for 3D semiconductor integration, stated, “In the era of AI and IoT, hardware technology that satisfies both energy efficiency and security is a core comparative advantage. Through this research, we have internationally demonstrated Korea’s technical prowess in the fields of 3D integrated semiconductors and security hardware.” This study was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), the institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).
2026.03.23 -
Research
Enhancing Neuromorphic Device Reliability Through Simulation
Moongyu Choi (Department of Semiconductor Engineering) of Professor Seung Hwan Lee’s research team at the Department of Electronic Engineering received the Bronze Award at the Samsung Humantech Paper Awards. Professor Seung Hwan Lee’s Research Team Wins Bronze at the Samsung Humantech Paper Awards Contributing to the Performance of Next-Generation AI Semiconductors Moongyu Choi, a third-semester master’s student in the Department of Semiconductor Engineering and a member of Professor Seung Hwan Lee’s research team in the Department of Electronic Engineering, has won the Bronze Award at the Samsung Humantech Paper Awards. This award is a prestigious science competition for students both in Korea and abroad, aiming to discover talented individuals who will lead the development of science and technology in the 21st century. Students who win a Bronze Award or higher are granted special benefits when applying for positions at Samsung Group. Reducing Performance Variation Between Devices Choi conducted research aimed at enhancing the performance and reliability of neuromorphic devices. These devices are next-generation AI semiconductor technologies that process information by mimicking the neural network structure structure of the human brain, and they are currently drawing significant attention as a core technology for implementing next-generation AI hardware. Reflecting on his achievement, Choi shared, “I entered the competition at the recommendation of my advisor. Rather than focusing on winning, my goal was simply to complete the research in full, so I am very happy to have achieved such a great result. Since this competition is a challenge any graduate student can take on, I hope that many others feel encouraged to try.” Professor Lee praised his student’s dedication, noting, “I am very proud of Moongyu for taking responsibility and seeing this difficult research through to completion.” The study specifically focused on addressing the performance variation that occurs between individual components in neuromorphic systems. In practical applications, if the characteristics of each device are inconsistent, the overall system’s performance and reliability can suffer. Through simulation-based analysis, Choi analyzed the internal state changes of the devices and explored design strategies to minimize this dispersion. The research process was not without its hurdles. In the early stages, Choi struggled to establish a clear direction, which led to simulation results that didn’t align with expectations. “I faced difficulties in setting the research path but was able to develop the study by visiting my advisor two or three times a week for consistent feedback,” Choi explained. “By continuously analyzing previous research and investing a significant amount of time into simulations, I eventually achieved the desired results.” Mutual Growth Through Dialogue Reflecting on his mentorship approach, Professor Lee shared, “Rather than providing step-by-step instructions, I prefer to present a theme so that students can contemplate and find their own answers. I dedicated time to let the student explore research directions independently. Through our extensive discussions on those directions, we were able to grow together as teacher and student through this process of learning.” This research is expected to significantly contribute to the commercialization of AI semiconductors and neuromorphic systems. While neuromorphic devices are recognized for their high energy efficiency and strengths in parallel computing, ensuring reliability and performance stability remains a critical challenge for their use in industrial settings. “Neuromorphic technology is a research field with immense potential for growth,” said Choi. “If we continue to study various metrics such as dispersion issues and device lifespan, these technologies will be fully applicable in the industry setting in the future.” Looking ahead, Professor Lee’s research team plans to expand beyond individual devices to arrays and circuit systems, with the goal of implementing a complete AI semiconductor chip. “Our ultimate goal is to scale neuromorphic elements into large-scale arrays and integrate them with circuit systems to create a single AI chip,” Professor Lee explained. “This will lead to the development of AI devices that can operate effectively in edge environments.” Professor Seung Hwan Lee’s research team plans to expand beyond individual devices to arrays and circuit systems to create a single AI semiconductor chip.
2026.03.23 -
Research
From Lab to Real-World Impact: Professor Jae-Hong Park’s Team Receives Innovative AI Application Award
The AAAI Deployed Application Award: A Validation of Research Impact and a Key Milestone Q1: Could you share your thoughts on winning the Deployed Application Award at AAAI 2026? It was deeply moving as a researcher to have the real-world industrial impact of the DATALUX project officially recognized. Seeing our research results successfully applied in the field and lead to this award allowed us to clearly see the practical value of our work. Researchers Min Chan Kim (School of Management, Big Data Management major) and Yeonkyung Kim (Department of Big Data Analytics) played central roles in this study. They put immense effort into manually labeling vast amounts of unstructured documents and navigating repetitive cycles of experimentation and training. This achievement simply would not have been possible without the dedication of these two researchers. Our success at this conference extends beyond the award itself. I have been appointed as a Co-Chair for the AAAI Application Track, making me only the second Korean researcher to hold this position. Furthermore, starting this year, I have begun serving as the first Korean Editor-in-Chief of the AI Magazine IAAI Special Issue. Taking on these leadership roles within the international research community alongside the award represents a major milestone in my career as a researcher. Q2: How did the collaboration with ALLBIGDAT begin? The research started from “Capstone Design,” an industry-academic collaboration course that I have run for the past 10 years. Supported by the Seoul RISE (Regional Innovation-led University Support System) Project Group, this course allows students to work on projects that solve real problems faced by companies or local communities. If a project shows promise for real-world use, the lab and the company continue to develop it even after the class ends. This creates a positive cycle where research is used in the industry, and those results help expand our academic studies. ALLBIGDAT is a company that grew out of this connection. It is a startup born at Kyung Hee University, and its CEO, Dong-jae Lee (Class of ’13, Department of Management), was a student in one of my past entrepreneurship programs. Today, our relationship has evolved: ALLBIGDAT provides research funding, and we apply our research findings to their actual services. This structure of connecting education, research, and industry was the foundation for the DATALUX project and our success at AAAI. Professor Park has fostered ongoing industry-academic collaboration through the Capstone Design course. By signing MOUs and conducting joint studies, he supports students in gaining hands-on experience solving real-world industrial challenges. From Capstone Design to the Global Stage: The Fruits of a Positive Cycle Q3: Could you explain the core technical features of DATALUX? DATALUX is a technology that enables AI to read unstructured documents, such as research papers and contracts, just like a human would. While conventional document processing tools are excellent at recognizing text word-by-word, they often struggle to understand the relationships between paragraphs or the overall structural context of a page. For example, when a paper has a two-column layout, footnotes, or images placed in the middle of the text, standard AI often misinterprets the flow or loses the context. To overcome these limits, DATALUX uses a multimodal approach, meaning it analyzes both visual information and text at the same time. We created this technology by combining existing algorithms in new ways to recognize document structures the same way a person does. Because of this, DATALUX is highly scalable and can be used in finance, law, government, and academia. It is already being put to work by financial firms, academic databases, and public agencies. Q4: As a professor of big data analytics, what are your future research goals and how will you connect them to education and society? I want to focus on research that solves real-world problems for companies and society, rather than research that stays only inside the laboratory. I plan to continue my work through industry-academic projects with various businesses. This project-based style of education is very effective because it gives students hands-on experience and a competitive edge in the job market, while also giving our lab the chance to discover fresh research topics. I have seen firsthand how this approach positively impacts both my students and our research. I also want to emphasize the importance of participating in international conferences. I hope to see more Korean researchers build their skills and take on the challenge of the global stage. I believe that if the university continues to strengthen its connections with companies and provide solid research funding and institutional support, even more of our research teams will be able to find success on the international stage.
2026.03.10 -
Research
Developing High-Precision, Self-Powered Touch Sensor Technology via a Single-Step Coating Process
Professor Dongwhi Choi’s research team and Professor Yoonsang Ra of the School of Mechanical Engineering at Chonnam National University have collaborated to develop new self-powered tactile sensor technology capable of precisely recognizing touch locations through a single-step coating process. Pictured on the right and left, respectively: Professor Choi and Professor Ra. Professor Dongwhi Choi’s Research Team (Department of Mechanical Engineering) Develops Next-Generation Sensor Technology Joint Research Conducted with Professor Yoonsang Ra, an Alumnus who Earned his Master’s and Doctoral Degrees under Professor Choi Professor Dongwhi Choi of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, in collaboration with Professor Yoonsang Ra of the School of Mechanical Engineering at Chonnam National University, has developed a new self-powered tactile sensor technology capable of precisely recognizing touch locations through a single-step coating process. Simplifying Complexity via Single-Step CoatingThe developed technology can accurately pinpoint touch locations over a large area without the need for complex structures, multiple sensor arrays, or an external power source. Consequently, it is expected to find versatile industrial applications in large-scale displays, flexible panels, wearable interfaces, and humanoid robotics. The research findings were published online in December in the world-renowned academic journal SusMat (Impact Factor: 21.3). The research team fabricated the tactile sensor through a single-step coating process by mixing carbon particles into a flexible, rubber-like polymer material. During this process, the carbon particles naturally settle due to gravity. This resulted in a unique single-film structure where the upper layer has a low carbon concentration while the lower layer maintains a high carbon concentration. The core of Professor Choi’s research lies in the “simplification of complexity.” Rather than relying on expensive equipment or intricate multi-layers processes, the team utilized natural gravitational sedimentation to complete the self-powered sensor in one single coating. Professor Choi remarked, “This is a prime example of how a creative idea can drastically reduce processing costs while simultaneously enhancing the potential for commercialization.” Schematic diagram of research “Expertise Developed at Kyung Hee Paved the Way to Professorship”Professor Choi explained the importance of the research, stating, “This technology is important because it simplifies the manufacturing process and is easy to scale up. The entire sensor works as one continuous sensing area, so unlike older models, there is no wasted space. It also keeps its performance even when bent or stretched, making it very likely to be used in real-world industries." This research went beyond just building hardware. The team used deep learning to make the touch recognition over 98% accurate. They successfully used the sensor to play a piano in virtual reality (VR) and to precisely control a robot arm. The project is gaining attention for showing how mechanical engineering can merge with AI and the Metaverse. Professor Ra, who co-led the study, has a long history with Professor Choi. After graduating from Kyung Hee’ s Department of Mechanical Engineering, he earned his Master’s and PhD in Professor Choi’s lab. Professor Ra said, “The skills and experience I built in the lab helped me reach the goal of becoming a professor. I am very thankful to my advisor, Professor Choi, for his teaching. Graduate school is a place of opportunity and I hope students hone their skills and challenge themselves. I will continue to work and grow alongside Professor Choi.” Professor Choi has always treated his students as equal research partners. This long-term trust led to their work being published in a world-class journal. This creates a positive cycle where talent cultivated at Kyung Hee returns to help the university grow. Professor Choi said, “It is wonderful to see someone I first met as an undergraduate become a colleague in academia. He is the pride of our lab, and I will do my best to support all my students to succeed in their own fields.” This work was supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE), the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP), and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT).
2026.03.03 -
Research
Innovating Research at Kyung Hee through Humanities and Social Science Data
The Humanity & Social Data Institute (HSSDI), led by Professor Hoon Lee of the Department of Media, officially opened with the aim of serving as a research hub that addresses complex societal challenges through data-driven research. Opening of the Humanity & Social Data Institute (HSSDI) Systematically Collecting, Archiving, and Sharing Data Across Social Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, and the Humanities Integrating Structured and Unstructured Data Analysis to Propose Policy and Social Solutions The Humanity & Social Data Institute (HSSDI) has officially opened as a leading research hub tasked with utilizing data to address the complex challenges facing society today and leading the way in providing solutions. Professor Hoon Lee of the Department of Media serves as the director of the institute. Located on the first floor of the 2nd Law School Building, the institute marked its official launch with an opening ceremony held in mid-December. The theme of the ceremony, “Opening the Future of Humanities and Social Sciences through Data,” highlighted the institute’s core mission to spearhead data-driven research in these fields. The event was attended by Provost Eunlim Chi (Seoul), alongside members of the institute’s steering and executive committees, including Professor Young Dong Kim (Department of Physics), Professor Joon Young Yang (Graduate School of Education), Professor Jongyoung Kim (Department of Sociology), Professor Kwanho Kim (Department of Media), Hyungna Oh (Department of International Studies), Jia Lee (Department of Nursing), Ohbyung Kwon (School of Management), YunSeop Hwang (Department of International Business and Trade), and Professor Yeu Jun Yoon (School of Management). Provost Chi expressed her hopes for the success of HSSDI and encouraged the Kyung Hee community to produce outstanding research results utilizing the institute’s resources. Establishing a New Research Model Equipped with Data Literacy and Analytical Capabilities Provost Chi underscored the shifting research landscape and the growing importance of data, emphasizing the significance of the institute’s mission. She remarked, “In the era of AI and digital transformation, the fundamental materials of humanities and social research—including text, speech, and images—are all being converted into data. I look forward to Kyung Hee’s research in these fields expanding into a new model that fosters both data literacy and analytical capabilities, centered around the institute.” Provost Chi also encouraged the members of the Kyung Hee community to actively utilize the institute’s resources to produce outstanding research achievements. The institute has a clear objective: to innovate research and education by expanding the scope of humanities and social science research toward digital, data-driven approaches. Its core functions include data collection, AI-driven analysis, data-sharing systems, and data literacy education. The institute gathers a wide range of materials, encompassing not only unstructured data such as text, speech, and images but also structured data like survey results and experimental data. This collected data is analyzed within the institute to derive creative, future-oriented research topics and methodologies, which will eventually made available to the entire Kyung Hee community. The institute aims to structure this entire process into an “integrated end-to-end platform.” HSSDI plans to launch a variety of initiatives, starting with the “Kyung Hee Press Index” (working title). By conducting activities such as data collection, AI analysis, data-sharing systems, and data literacy education, the institute aims to establish an “integrated end-to-end platform.” The ”Kyung Hee Press Index” (Working Title) and Data Literacy Education As its first project, the institute is currently developing the “Kyung Hee Press Index Project” (working title). This project analyzes articles across six sections—Politics, Economy, Society, International, Science, and Life/Culture—on news portal pages. In alignment with peak media reporting times, the system collects 10 articles per headline in each section three times a day. As of mid-November, approximately 220,000 articles have been archived. Director Hoon Lee explained, “We calculate sentiment analysis results based on the collected articles. Users can set specific periods and sections to verify results, and they can also analyze correlations between particular topics—such as the relationship between stock market trends and government approval ratings. We are currently discussing ways to disseminate this information in the form of news reports through collaborations with media outlets.” Director Lee underscores the importance of data and expresses his commitment to ensuring that HSSDI operates as an innovative research hub. “An Innovative Institute Accessible to the Entire Community” The Kyung Hee Press Index and various other programs will soon be accessible through the institute’s upcoming website. Another project set to engage the university community is a data literacy education initiative, with its first workshop scheduled for this February. The program is designed specifically for students with limited prior exposure to data, starting with those in the humanities and liberal arts. The institute plans to gradually expand these educational offerings to students across all majors. Furthermore, the HSSDI is expected to leverage its unique capabilities to develop collaborative programs with a variety of external institutions. The opening ceremony included a formal unveiling of the institute’s plaque and a demonstration of the Kyung Hee Press Index. Director Lee expressed his commitment to the institute’s mission, stating, “We have entered an era where we communicate through data. I firmly believe that data literacy plays a vital role in advancing the humanities and social sciences and enhancing our collective understanding of the world.” He added, “We will strive to be an innovative institute that empowers all members of the Kyung Hee community to utilize the data we collect.” HSSDI is composed of various steering and executive committee members, led by Director Lee.
2026.03.03- SDG 4 - Quality Education
- SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
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Research
Transcending the Limits of Rice Productivity through Chloroplast Regulation
Kyung Hee University and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) signed a MOU on Friday, December 5. Pictured from the left are Provost Eun Yeol Lee (Global) and KASI President Jang Hyun Park. Simultaneously Enhancing Photosynthetic Efficiency and Yield via PEL Gene Regulation Presenting the Potential for a “Next-Generation Green Revolution” through C4 Evolutionary Mimicry Strategies In botany, plants are classified into categories such as C3, C4, and CAM based on the number of carbon atoms in the first compound formed during carbon dioxide fixation in photosynthesis. Major crops that make up our primary diet, such as rice, wheat, soybeans, and potatoes, are C3 plants. While the photosynthetic method of C3 plants is well-suited for temperate climates, their efficiency declines in high-temperature and arid environments. In particular, they face a critical limitation under high temperatures; an increase in photorespiration, which consumes energy and reduces the efficiency of carbon fixation. Consequently, as global warming causes temperatures to rise, the productivity of C3 plants is expected to drop sharply. To address this challenge, researchers worldwide are focusing on transforming rice into a C4 plant—a pursuit famously known as the “C4 Rice” project. Research Professor Heebak Choi of the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology has presented a new possibility for improving photosynthetic efficiency, a goal that had previously reached its limits through traditional variety improvement. Professor Choi conducted his research by focusing on the mechanisms of plastid regulation at the cellular level. This discovery came while he was leading the project, “Construction of Rice Imitating C4 Photosynthetic Evolution,” after being selected for the Sejong Science Fellowship in 2023. In general, plants begin at the cellular stage with proplastids. During the growth process, these proplastids differentiate into various types of plastids, such as chloroplasts (for photosynthesis) and leucoplasts (for storage). This differentiation determines not only the nature of the individual cell but also the characteristics of the entire plant. Key crop features—including the color of peppers, the hue of tomatoes, the lipid content of perilla seeds, the protein content of soybeans, and the starch content of grains—are all dictated by the pathway of plastid development. Recently, the global scientific community has been focusing its attention on the mechanisms underlying this principle of plastid regulation. Improving Rice Photosynthetic Structure Increases Productivity by 36%: Proving “Next-Generation Green Revolution” Technology The Plant Metabolic Engineering Research Team focused on the PEL gene family, which plays a critical role in plastid regulation. Rice contains three PEL genes (OsPEL1, OsPEL2, and OsPEL3) that inhibit chloroplast development. These genes work complementarily to regulate the plant’s green traits and photosynthetic levels. By focusing on these three genes, the research team utilized multiplexed-CRISPR (CRISPR-based multigene editing technology) to deactivate their functions. The results revealed high-performance traits: chlorophyll content tripled, photosynthetic efficiency increased by 36%, and both antioxidant capacity and grain yield were improved. Simultaneously, the specific mechanism regulating chloroplast production was identified. In rice, the OsPEL gene family inhibits chloroplast production, the OsGLK and OsPSA2 proteins act as promoters of chloroplast formation. The research team discovered that OsPEL1 binds directly to OsGLK and OsPSA2, blocking their movement. This process was cross-validated through both AI-based analysis and laboratory experiments. The team also conducted extensive transcriptome analysis on plants where the PEL gene was either deactivated or overexpressed. This allowed them to identify how genes related to “green traits” are balanced and regulated. These findings demonstrate how chloroplast development affects the overall gene network of the plant, providing essential foundational data for the future development of high-performance crops. The Plant Metabolic Engineering Research Team—comprising researchers from the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (College of Life Sciences) and the Green Bio Science Institute—has improved the photosynthetic structure of rice through the precise regulation of the PEL gene, which inhibits the movement of chloroplast-promoting proteins. The diagram illustrates the activation mechanism of chloroplast-promoting proteins (OsGLK and OsPSA2) achieved through PEL gene regulation. Increasing the number of chloroplasts to boost productivity represents a novel approach that has never been attempted before, gaining significant attention as a method that transcends the limits of traditional variety improvement. By utilizing gene regulation to replicate the photosynthetic structures that high-efficiency C4 plants, such as corn and sugarcane, acquired through evolution, this research offers the potential to fundamentally reform the photosynthetic architecture of rice. Notably, this was achieved through a non-GMO method that precisely regulates multiple genes without introducing foreign DNA, thereby lowering the barriers to practical application and commercialization. Furthermore, considering that the PEL gene is present in most land plants, this technology holds the potential to serve as a universal platform applicable to a wide range of crops beyond just rice. Years of National Research Strength Culminate in Globally Recognized Innovation These achievements are the culmination of years of research expertise accumulated by the Plant Metabolic Engineering Laboratory, led by Professor Sun-Hwa Ha of the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology and the Green Bio Science Institute. The laboratory has focused on developing functional rice resilient to environmental stress through major national research projects, including the Brain Korea 21 (BK21) Project, the Global Plant Stress Research Center (GPSRC), and initiatives funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) and the Rural Development Administration (RDA). By continuously researching the precise design and regulation of plant metabolic pathways—such as carotenoid metabolic engineering, modularization of terpene production, and the identification of regulatory factors and mechanisms—the team has built a robust foundation for both basic and applied research to control crop color, aroma, and functional components, while optimizing crops for environmental changes. Professor Choi highlights the significance of the research, stating, “The study is particularly meaningful because it enhances the potential for practical application by precisely regulating multiple genes without the introduction of foreign DNA.” Professor Choi emphasized the significance of the study, stating, “The research is particularly meaningful because it enhances the potential for practical application by precisely regulating multiple genes without the introduction of foreign DNA.” Having spearheaded the study, he added, “When I was selected for the Sejong Science Fellowship in 2023, my challenge and ideas regarding the global ‘C4 Rice’ initiative were highly evaluated. That experience served as the foundation for this achievement. The preliminary research assets we have accumulated, combined with our multiplexed gene-editing technology, will play a critical role in the future commercialization of non-GMO crops.” The research findings were published in the October issue of The Plant Cell (Impact Factor: 11.6), a top-tier journal in the field of plant sciences. The study has garnered significant international attention, even being featured on the journal’s homepage under the “most read” section (recognizing the most frequently read papers over the last two years). # More on Research Professor Heebak Choi # More on Professor Sun-Hwa Ha
2026.03.03- SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
- SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13 - Climate Action
