Kim Jaehong, Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Yeungnam University (President Choi Oechul), received the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Award at the 4th 'Hydrogen Day' ceremony held at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul on November 3. He was recognized for his contributions to revitalizing the hydrogen economy and advancing the clean energy industry.
Since 2020, Professor Kim has overseen the government's 'Hydrogen Industry Convergence Talent Development Project' for five years, leading the systematic training of professionals in the hydrogen industry. He revised the curriculum to reflect industry demands and operated field-oriented, industry-academia-research linked educational programs. Through practical training for major companies such as Korea Gas Corporation, he contributed to expanding the talent base of the national hydrogen industry ecosystem.
In 2024, Professor Kim also played a key role in the agreement to operate the 'Educational Special Zone Pilot Project' between Uljin County and Yeungnam University, working to build a regional hydrogen and energy education ecosystem. That same year, he promoted a curriculum agreement with Uljin High School for the operation of an autonomous public high school, providing local students with opportunities to experience the energy industry firsthand.
Starting this year, as the head of the 'Gyeongbuk K-U Nuclear Hydrogen Project Group,' he has been overseeing customized hydrogen education programs for Gyeongbuk Province and Uljin County. He is establishing a region-based hydrogen talent development platform that connects universities, local governments, and companies. In addition, by strengthening the industry-academia-research collaboration network, he is expanding the university's research capabilities to industry sites and local communities, and leveraging Yeungnam University's educational and research infrastructure to drive technological innovation and develop professionals in the regional hydrogen industry. These efforts are yielding tangible educational outcomes in response to the era of clean energy transition.
Professor Kim Jaehong stated, "This award is not only a personal honor but also a meaningful recognition of Yeungnam University's efforts to advance the national hydrogen economy and foster the regional hydrogen industry. We will continue to do our best to establish Yeungnam University as a leading institution for sustainable hydrogen industry development and to nurture innovative talent to meet the demands of the evolving energy market."
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