Dong-A University Selected in Two Categories for Specialized Graduate School Development in Environmental Sector

100 Billion Won in Funding Secured Through 2030

Dong-A University has been selected in two categories for the “Specialized Graduate School Development Project in the Environmental Sector” promoted by the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment.

This government-supported initiative aims to foster core interdisciplinary talent capable of driving green industry innovation and the transition to carbon neutrality.

Selected universities will receive support for up to five years, including the operation of master’s and doctoral programs specialized in green convergence technology, employment-linked programs, academic scholarships, funding for industry-academia cooperation projects, as well as internship and international academic conference participation expenses.

This year’s call for applications resulted in the selection of 17 universities nationwide across six fields: plastic reduction, green finance, fine dust management, green restoration, bio-based materials, and integrated environmental management.

Among these, Dong-A University was chosen in both the “bio-based materials” and “fine dust management” categories, securing a total project budget of 10 billion won over five years through 2030.

In the bio-based materials field, Professor Jung Youngsoo of the Department of Bio-based Materials Engineering will serve as project leader, receiving approximately 6.6 billion won in support. The core goal is to nurture advanced, practice-oriented talent capable of maximizing the value of bio-based materials using cutting-edge technology.

For the fine dust management field, Professor Choi Hyunjun of the Environmental Safety major will lead the project, receiving approximately 3.9 billion won in funding. The plan is to cultivate practice-oriented professionals with comprehensive fine dust management capabilities required by industry.

Professor Jung Youngsoo stated, “Through a customized curriculum that combines bio-based materials with AI and big data, we will develop specialists who will lead future innovation in this field. We aim to nurture interdisciplinary talent covering everything from development and analysis to application of bio-based materials, and supply them to local industries.”

Professor Choi Hyunjun commented, “This selection marks a turning point, allowing us to approach the fine dust issue as a comprehensive management task encompassing industry, technology, and policy, rather than merely an environmental problem. Through education focused on air pollution reduction technology, fine dust prediction and assessment, and practical application, we will systematically foster advanced, practice-oriented talent needed by industry.” He added, “By nurturing specialized professionals linked to local industries, we will contribute to improving the national air environment and strengthening the competitiveness of the green industry.”