A total of 21 professors were named as the authors of outstanding papers for weeks 1–3 of October 2025 by the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation. The selected faculty members are:

Professor Kang Min-gu(Graduate School of Technology Management), Professor Kwon Dae-woong (Department of Electronic Engineering), Professor Kwon Eil-hann(Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering), Professor Kim Kyeoung-hak(Department of Chemical Engineering), Professor Kim Jong-oh(Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering), Professor Kim Hyun-joon(Major in Data Science), Professor Park Ki-ho(Department of Chemical Engineering), Professor Bae Ji-hyun(Department of Clothing and Textiles), Professor Seo Jeong-gil(Department of Chemical Engineering), Professor Song Jae-wook(Department of Industrial Engineering), Professor Shin Hak-seung(School of Tourism), Professor Ahn Ji-seon(Department of Business Administration), Professor Ahn Jin-ho(Department of Materials Science and Engineering), Professor Lee Joon-seok(Department of Chemistry), Professor Jun Dae-won(Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine), Professor Jeon Byong-hun(Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering), Professor Cha Chi-hwan (Department of Surgery, College of Medicine), Professor Choi Hyo-sung(Department of Chemistry), Professor Hur Jun-ho (Department of Genetics, College of Medicine), Professor Hyun Sung-hyup(School of Tourism), and Professor Hwang Hwan-sik(Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine)*.

*Names in alphabetical order.

Professor Kang Min-gu, Graduate School of Technology Management - Knowledge absorption from customers and its interplay with supplier adaptability for better operational and innovation performance

Professor Kang's paper was published in the SSCI-indexed journal Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management (2024 IF 6.0). The study demonstrated that absorbing knowledge from customers while increasing supplier adaptability is crucial for enhancing operational and innovation performance in manufacturing firms. The interaction between these two factors encourages the integration and application of external knowledge, enabling companies to sustain their competitiveness more effectively.

Professor Kwon Dae-woong, Department of Electronic Engineering - Physical Reservoir Computing System via Hybrid Ferroelectric-Ionic Transistors

Professor Kwon's paper appeared in the SCI-E journal Advanced Materials (2024 IF 26.8). The research team developed a hybrid device that combines ferroelectric and ionic transistors, successfully implementing a physical reservoir computing(PRC) system. The system merges long-term polarization switching and short-term ion switching, ensuring compatibility with integrated semiconductor processes and efficiently handling diverse biosignals such as EEG and ECG. This work shows the potential for next-generation hardware-based, energy-efficient neural network AI applications.

Professor Kwon Eil-hann, Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering - Sustainable hydrogen production through catalytic pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass using carbon dioxide

Published in the SCI-E journal Energy Conversion and Management (2024 IF 10.9), Professor Kwon’s study presented a sustainable method for hydrogen production using perilla straw biomass via catalytic pyrolysis, with carbon dioxide injected as a reactant gas. The process was controlled using cobalt, iron, and nickel-based catalysts to boost carbon monoxide production, which was then applied in steam reforming to efficiently generate hydrogen and syngas. The work introduces an approach to simultaneously reduce carbon emissions and enhance hydrogen yield.

Professor Kim Kyeoung-hak, Department of Chemical Engineering & Professor Choi Hyo-seong, Department of Chemistry - Defect Localized Mechanoluminescence Model in Copper Doped Zinc Sulfide

The joint paper published in ACS Nano (2024 IF 16.1) revealed the mechanoluminescence behavior of copper-doped zinc sulfide(Cu-doped ZnS) microparticles and proposed a local defect-driven luminescence model. The study demonstrated that applied mechanical stress prompts charge migration at defect sites, resulting in light emission, providing new insight for next-generation optoelectronic materials design.

Professor Kim Jong-oh, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering - Performance evaluation of ceramic and polymeric membrane application in hybrid system (membranes+O₃/UV) for pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) removal from hospital wastewater

Published in Journal of Hazardous Materials (2024 IF 11.3), this research evaluated hybrid systems combining membranes and ozone, UV treatment to remove pharmaceuticals and personal care products(PPCPs) from hospital wastewater. Biological treatment combined with membrane processes increased reaction rates and performance, and hydrophobic membrane modifications affected contaminant attachment and flow rate. The study showed that applying PAN and α-Al₂O₃ membranes reduced total organic carbon(TOC) by 77.87% and 74.13%, respectively, with no toxic by-products observed.

Professor Kim Hyun-joon, Major in Data Science - Learning to extract and aggregate contexts for link prediction in heterogeneous graphs

Professor Kim's paper was introduced in Knowledge-Based Systems (2024 IF 7.6). The research team proposed a novel framework named LEACH to improve the accuracy of link prediction on heterogeneous graphs. This model extracts relevant context nodes based on relationships among nodes and integrates them to generate a more sophisticated graph representation. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed model outperforms existing approaches across various graph datasets.

Professor Park Ki-ho, Department of Chemical Engineering - Practical implementation and challenges of current batch-type RO systems and future potential: A review

In a prestigious SCI-E international journal Desalination (2024 IF 9.8), Professor Park provided a comprehensive review of design and operational strategies for batch-type reverse osmosis(RO) systems aimed at improving seawater desalination efficiency. Based on previous studies, they analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of various batch RO configurations and proposed optimal technical approaches for energy savings and operational efficiency. This paper is significant for providing a systematic framework for the sustainable advancement of desalination technologies.

Professor Bae Ji-hyun, Department of Clothing and Textiles - 2D intercalated charge confinement and surface modification in a montmorillonite-based composite for an anti-bacterial and biodegradable self-powered sensor

Published in Chemical Engineering Journal (2024 IF 13.2), Professor Bae’s work enhanced the performance of self-powered sensors by modifying charge confinement structures and introducing surface modification in montmorillonite(MMT)-based composite materials, a type of two-dimensional clay mineral. The modified structure enhanced charge transport efficiency and, when combined with biodegradable polymers, improved energy conversion efficiency. Additionally, fluorine treatment simultaneously provided antibacterial properties and water resistance, demonstrating the potential for wearable sensor applications.

Professor Seo Jeong-gil, Department of Chemical Engineering - Galvanostatic deposition of lithiophilic nanosized LixSn nucleation sides and inorganic-rich@polymer dual layer for anode-free lithium metal batteries

Professor Seo Jeong-gil’s paper was published in the SCI-E international journal Journal of Energy Chemistry (2024 IF: 14.9). The research team proposed a method to enhance stability and efficiency for anode-free lithium metal batteries by forming lithiophilic nanoparticles and an inorganic-rich-polymer dual layer on copper current collectors. This structure induces uniform lithium plating and stripping, greatly improving charge-discharge stability, and thus, suggests an eco-friendly, scalable electrode manufacturing approach of anode-free lithium metal batteries.

Professor Song Jae-wook, Department of Industrial Engineering - HGAIT: heterogeneous graph attention with inverted transformers for correlation-aware stock return prediction

Published in the SCI-E international journal Expert Systems With Applications (2024 IF: 7.5), Professor Song Jae-wook’s paper introduces the developed correlation-aware stock prediction model ‘HGAIT’ combining inverted transformers and graph neural networks. By reflecting inter-variable correlations, the model analyzes complex financial data structures and demonstrates higher stability and accuracy than previous prediction methods. The results show potential for application in real-world financial decisions and portfolio management.

Professor Shin Hak-seung, School of Tourism - Analyzing the marketing impacts of metaverse travels: the role of travel experience, destination attitude, perceived quality, and avatar image identification

Professor Shin Hak-seung’s paper was published in the SSCI international journal Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing (2024 IF: 9.0), analyzing how metaverse travel influences users’ attitude and purchase intention. Emotional, sensory, and social experiential elements mostly showed positive marketing impact, especially when identification with avatars was strong. This work is one of the early empirical studies on the marketing effect of travel within metaverse environments.

Professor Ahn Ji-seon, School of Business Administration - Understanding the role of integrated channel service attributes in restaurant customer empowerment

Professor Ahn’s paper was published in the SSCI international journal Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology (2024 IF: 6.9). The research team analyzed how self-service technology(SST) in the food service industry impacts customer autonomy and satisfaction. Results showed that when service and information channels are integrated, customers feel greater control, leading to higher satisfaction and trust. This integration positively influences revisit intentions and highlights integrated service experiences as crucial for customer loyalty.

Professor Ahn Jin-ho, Department of Materials Science and Engineering - Stabilized negative capacitance for near-theoretical efficiency and high reliability in charge trap flash memory

Professor Ahn Jin-ho’s paper was published in the SCI-E international journal Materials Today Physics (2024 IF: 9.7). The research team developed a flash memory structure stabilizing negative capacitance, achieving both high programming efficiency and reliability. Ultrathin Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ interlayers, introduced between HfO₂ layers, optimize charge movement and energy distribution, significantly improving durability and data retention. This study provides a basis for developing low-power, high-efficiency memory devices.

Professor Lee Joon-seok, Department of Chemistry & Professor Jun Dae-won, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine - LDI, A Lipid Droplet Inhibitor, Disrupts Lipid Accumulation and Modulates Hepatic Lipid Profiles in Fatty Liver

The paper written by Professors Lee Joon-seok and Jun Dae-won was published in the SCI-E international journal Advanced Materials (2024 IF: 26.8). The research team designed LDI (Lipid Droplet Inhibitor) to suppress lipid accumulation in liver cells, a key factor in fatty liver disease. The compound combines lipid-degrading enzymes with a nano-silica structure, efficiently breaking down triglycerides and reducing both lipid formation and inflammation in liver cells. Animal studies showed over 80% reduction in lipid accumulation and liver damage, and restoration of normal lipid profiles, suggesting a new nanomaterial-based approach for treating metabolic fatty liver disease.

Professor Jeon Byong-hun, Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering - Emerging approaches on biomass and water-based hydrogen production and downstream recovery pathways: a review on recent challenges and prospects

Professor Jeon Byong-hun’s paper was published in the SCI-E international journal Reviews In Environmental Science And Bio-Technology (2024 IF: 10.6). The research team comprehensively reviewed the status and challenges of hydrogen production technology using biomass and water resources, comparing electrochemical, photocatalytic, and biological hydrogen production processes. Strategies for improving energy efficiency and reducing costs were presented, and the potential role of AI-driven automation and policy support for the future hydrogen economy was highlighted.

Professor Cha Chi-hwan, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine - Long-term survival outcomes of male breast cancer: the propensity score matching analysis of nationwide registry database

Professor Cha’s paper was published in the SCI-E international journal Breast (2024 IF: 7.9). Using Korean Breast Cancer Registry data, the team compared long-term survival rates of male breast cancer patients and differences with female patients. Analysis of 680 cases from 1981 to 2014 revealed lower 10-year survival rates in males and found that a significant portion of male deaths was due to non-cancer diseases. This study is among the first large-scale analyses of long-term survival in Asian male breast cancer patients.

Professor Hur Jun-ho, Department of Genetics, College of Medicine - Ultrasensitive single-point mutation detection via digital counting of individual dCas9-DNA complexes

Professor Hur Jun-ho’s paper was published in the SCI-E international journal Sensors And Actuators B-Chemical (2024 IF: 7.7). The team developed a highly sensitive technique for detecting single-point mutations for early diagnosis of genetic diseases, using CRISPR/dCas9 to distinguish mutations at the single molecule level. Clinically important EGFR and KRAS gene mutations could be detected at 0.5%, contributing to advances in molecular diagnostics for early cancer and genetic disease detection.

Professor Hyun Sung-hyeop, School of Tourism - Effects of Flight Attendants' Mental Health Resulting From Emotion Regulation Among Coworkers on Flight Safety Attitudes: Moderating Effects of Behavioral Activation Systems

Professor Hyun’s paper was published in the SSCI international journal International Journal of Tourism Research (2024 IF: 5.7). A survey of 249 flight attendants at major domestic airports found that positive psychological states formed through inter-coworker emotion regulation improve mental health and reinforce flight safety attitudes. Individual levels of behavioral activation were found to moderate these effects. The study empirically highlights psychological factors in aviation service organizations affecting safety management.

Professor Hwang Hwan-sik, Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine - The risk of suicide mortality according to income dynamics assessed using health insurance premium data: A nationwide cohort study in Korea

The paper by Professor Hwang Hwan-sik's team was published in the SSCI international journal Social Science & Medicine (2024 IF: 5.0). The research team used National Health Insurance Service data to examine the impact of income level and variability on suicide mortality over 9.2 years. Those maintaining low income for five years or longer had a 48% higher risk of suicide, while continued high income correlated with reduced risk. Income instability also led to increased risk. The findings empirically support the need for suicide prevention policies targeting socioeconomically vulnerable populations.