POSCO Cheongam Foundation Awards 'POSCO Cheongam Prize' to Park Je-geun, Choi Jae-cheon, and Others

On the 5th, the POSCO TJ Park Foundation held the 17th '2023 POSCO TJ Park Awards' ceremony at the POSCO Center in Seoul, awarding plaques and prize money of 200 million KRW each to Professor Park Je-geun of Seoul National University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy (Science Award), Chair Professor Choi Jae-chun of Ewha Womans University (Education Award), Director Seo Jeong-hwa of the Open Women’s Center (Volunteer Award), and CEO Park Han-oh of Bioneer (Technology Award).

Professor Park Je-geun discovered a new magnetic van der Waals material that can verify existing theories in the field of 'two-dimensional magnetic materials' for the first time in the world. He established a unique research domain in the synthesis of quantum information materials. Based on this achievement, he realized the world’s first ‘next-generation optical device technology’ capable of controlling electrical and magnetic properties, presenting the possibility of developing environmentally friendly new materials, and drawing attention as an important research accomplishment toward a low-carbon society.

Chair Professor Choi Jae-chun has proposed the educational direction of 'consilience' in the field of convergent education in life sciences, suggesting a new approach to resolving social conflicts through interdisciplinary communication. Since founding the Biodiversity Foundation in 2013, he has led environmental education for the younger future generation and has taken the lead in popularizing environmental ecological science and civic education through operating a YouTube channel and active public lectures.

Director Seo Jeong-hwa has played a key role in building a support system for homeless women over the past 20 years, including counseling activities for self-reliance, medical service support, vocational training and job placement, and pilot operations of housing policies for the homeless.

CEO Park Han-oh domestically localized DNA synthesis, amplification, extraction reagents, and related equipment for the first time in Korea. In particular, he developed a molecular diagnostic system capable of testing 384 gene samples at once and established the world’s largest large-scale DNA mass production and supply system, earning high recognition for technological capabilities that enable rapid response to various emerging infectious diseases.

Kim Seon-wook, Chairman of the POSCO TJ Park Foundation, said, "We will do our best to create a prosperous and beautiful world by presenting universal values that our society must uphold and follow, as well as exemplary models to respect and widely promote."