UST Achieves 11 Selections in Top 100 National R&D Achievements, Most Among Universities Nationwide

Achievements Concentrated in Four Key Fields: Robotics, Bio, Energy, and More
ETRI School's "Tactile Robotic Hand" Selected as Top Achievement

The University of Science and Technology (UST) has had 11 faculty research achievements selected for the "2025 Top 100 National R&D Achievements," as announced by the Ministry of Science and ICT. This marks the highest number of selections among universities nationwide. UST increased its number of selected achievements by 57.1%, from 7 last year to 11 this year, once again demonstrating the research and development capabilities of national research institute universities.

UST faculty members selected among the Top 100 National R&D Achievements in 2025. Top row from left: Hyejin Kim, Junho Park, Dongil Park, Youngmin Kim, Sangbok Lee, Yujin Lee. Bottom row from left: Miyoung Son, Jooyeon Jung, Woonghee Lee, Dogwan Hong, Seungmok Choi. Provided by UST

The "Top 100 National R&D Achievements" is a program that selects outstanding research outcomes from universities, research institutes, and companies supported by the government. Achievements are chosen through an inter-ministerial evaluation based on their R&D effectiveness and economic and social impact. This program has been held annually since 2006. This year, 100 achievements were selected from a total of 970 candidates.

In this selection, 11 faculty members from six government-funded research institute schools affiliated with UST were recognized, including the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Korea Institute of Materials Science, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, and Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute. By field, there were 4 achievements in machinery and materials, 3 in energy and environment, 2 in life science and marine, and 2 in information and electronics, reflecting balanced accomplishments across key future technologies such as robotics, bio, and energy.

Notably, Professor Hyejin Kim from the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) School was selected for the top achievement in the information and electronics field for her research on a "robotic hand with omnidirectional tactile sensing based on a flexible pressure sensor that feels like a human." This technology implements robotic fingers capable of precise tactile recognition and has been successfully transferred and commercialized by domestic companies, earning high praise as a core robotic technology for the era of physical AI.

In the energy and environment field, outstanding achievements included Professor Woonghee Lee from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) School for his "electrochemical strategy technology for 100% conversion of carbon dioxide," Professor Dogwan Hong from the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) School for his "counter-rotating propeller electric propulsion technology using contactless magnetic gears," and Professor Seungmok Choi from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) School for his "process technology for non-precious metal materials and membrane electrode assemblies for water electrolysis." These achievements have demonstrated competitiveness in carbon neutrality and next-generation energy technologies.

In the machinery and materials field, notable achievements included Professor Dongil Park from the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) School for his all-terrain morphing wheel-based rideable robot technology, Professor Youngmin Kim from the Korea Institute of Materials Science School for his high-performance magnesium stainless steel materials for mobility, communications, and aerospace, Professor Sangbok Lee for his ultra-thin electromagnetic wave absorbing materials, and Professor Yujin Lee from the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute School for her development of lithium-sulfur battery materials and cell technology.

In the life science and marine field, Professor Miyoung Son from the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) School was recognized for her stem cell-organoid fusion regenerative medicine platform technology, and Professor Jooyeon Jung was recognized for her achievement in localizing ultra-sensitive antibody diagnostic and therapeutic platforms, highlighting UST's research competitiveness in advanced bio fields.

UST President Kang Daeim stated, "These achievements are the result of the relentless innovation and dedication of our faculty in each field," adding, "We will continue to advance our unique R&D education and research system to address national and global challenges and to create new growth engines for the future."