Professor Jeon Byong-hun of the Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering was named on the 2023 HCR (Highly Cited Researchers), the most impactful researchers in the world. HCR is a list of researchers that have the most impact in the world and the names are chosen from 21 specific fields and cross-fields by a global investigation and analysis company, Clarivate. A total of five Hanyang University professors were chosen from the list last year.

Professor Jeon studies biofuel production and environmental pollution purification field. Especially, he focuses mainly on bioenergy production using fats, oils, and grease (FOG) waste and trace pollutants elimination. 

Among new and recyclable energy, biogas is mostly composed of methane (CH4). Methane gas is produced out of sewage sludge, a remnant produced during sewage management. However, its lower production efficiency is a drawback. Professor Jeon developed research that designed the efficiency improvement of methane by using food waste - 'Acetoclastic methanogenesis led by Methanosarcina in anaerobic co-digestion of fats, oil, and grease for enhanced production of methane' and got an award from the minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy on December 2022.

Professor Jeon used the anaerobic digestion method which creates biogas by mixing an organic matter that promotes methane production. He explained, "As oil waste does not mix well with water, anaerobic digestion rate is bound to decrease. I researched the ways to promote the anaerobic digestion and increase the efficiency of methane creation, and commercialized it."

Also, he is studying the mechanisms of trace pollutants that exist in the natural world. Professor Jeon answered, "I mostly study the ways of trace pollutants, such as pesticides, hormones, and medications that exist in the water and sewage, how they exist and resolved. Two techniques are molecular biology and omics (research method in bioinformatics)."

By recognizing the necessity of resources, he started to have an interest in the new and renewable energy field. He said, "All industrial revolutions started from 'resources'. Hence, I got interested in them, especially problems that occur because of oil field development and minefield development. I tried to solve problems that emerge due to resource development by studying environmental engineering."

As the environmental pollution problem is getting harsher, the importance of new and renewable energy is emphasized. Companies all around the world are joining the RE100 Initiative which makes them use 100% recyclable energy. Especially, since Korea has a high dependency on foreign energy, it is time for us to secure new and renewable energy even if an energy crisis comes.

Professor Jeon emphasizes that we need to lower the import dependency regarding future new and recyclable energy supply. He explained, "We should domesticate the key parts supply chain of new and recyclable energy production technology. Korea has to lower its import dependency and secure global competitive advantage by commercializing research and development of mass production technology, tool development, and solar cell and module development."

He suggested a policy complement. It means that the supply of renewable energy, mostly comprised of the electric section, should be expanded to the thermal section. Professor Jeon said, "The renewable energy supply policy should be developed regarding the thermal sector including industry, transportation, and household usage. There should be policy guidance that can enhance the competence of renewable energy industry-related ecosystems and promote private-sector investment. It is important for societal members to actively keep themselves focused and engaging in renewable energy sources."

Professor Jeon's research philosophy is to keep trying hard and never lose his mindset when he first started researching. He replied, "Although there were many hardships while researching, I did not compromise on my own and I am trying to keep the promise I made when I first became a researcher. I think one should be honestly researching so that one can get recognition by improving one's ability."

Among his research results, one memorable part was the 'mechanism research of trace pollutants'. He said, "In the trace pollutant mechanism research of the past, organic matters in the water were studied with physical and chemical methods. The largest worth was studying organic matters with new methods including molecular biology and omics technics."

One power source of research that helped Professor Jeon keep focusing on research without being burnt out was 'working out'. He is a 'workout mania' who loves working out, not only researching. He said, "I loved to work out since I was young. By exercising, I not only deal with my stress but also try to gain humbleness and a sense of accomplishment."

Further, Professor Jeon is putting more effort into the field of new and recyclable energy. He said, "I would like to conduct research in new and recyclable energy that can contribute to the decline of carbon dioxide and research that can lead the solution for global climate change. I am going to research the presence and decomposition process of trace pollutants all over the world."

Lastly, he shared his advice for Hanyang University students who want to be a researcher. "I think researchers can have a sense of rewardedness in proportion to their efforts. I wish you could solve your academic curiosity through research and further share positive contributions to the world and feel the life of it."