Chosun University Selected as Sole Institution Nationwide for Regional Leading Research Center Project

Honghyun Cho, Professor at Chosun University.

Chosun University announced on June 5 that it has been selected as the sole institution nationwide this year for the Regional Leading Research Center (RLRC) project, organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea.

The RLRC project supports specialized research centers that drive sustainable innovation and growth in their regions based on basic research. Chosun University achieved the distinction of being the only institution selected in the Gwangju, Jeonnam, Jeonbuk, and Jeju region. Over the next seven years, Chosun University will receive approximately 12 billion KRW in government funding.

The research team led by Professor Honghyun Cho will conduct research under the theme of "Resource Recycling for Energy Conversion and Storage Devices." This selection recognizes both the research capabilities of Chosun University and its practical ability to address regional issues.

Through this project, the research team has set a goal of achieving a 50% recycling rate of waste generated from the eco-friendly vehicle and renewable energy industries. In particular, the team will focus on developing technologies for the resource recovery and recycling of energy conversion and storage devices, such as waste batteries, waste solar panels, waste wind turbines, and waste fuel cells.

The research will be organized into three groups, with eight professors from the College of Engineering collaborating in interdisciplinary research to develop highly effective technologies. Through these efforts, the team aims to drive regional innovation based on resource recycling and to foster specialized talent in related fields.

Professor Cho stated, "This RLRC project goes beyond simple technology development; it is a strategic initiative that contributes to Gwangju's future energy vision and the realization of a sustainable city." He added, "Through close cooperation with Gwangju City, we will work to establish a clean city based on renewable energy, advance related industries, create jobs, and expand the retention of specialized talent, thereby building a virtuous energy ecosystem rooted in the region."