- Celebrating Research Excellence and Awarding Outstanding Researchers

Prof. Taeg Hwan Hyeon, awarded as Highly Cited Researchers, is delivering an acceptance speech

On December 4, 2024, the first-ever SNU Research Day was held at the Convention Hall of the SNU Faculty Club. Hosted by the Office of Research Affairs, this event aimed to celebrate outstanding research achievements, discuss the development of the university’s research environment, and explore the future directions of research. The event included researcher awards, an introduction to the SNU Next-Generation Research Fund, and the SNU Future Research Forum, with key figures from academia and industry in attendance, engaging in lively discussions.

In the first part of the event, the 2024 SNU Excellence in Research Award and Industry-University Collaboration Award were presented to outstanding researchers. These awards are designed to recognize researchers who have achieved excellence through their research and industry-academic cooperation, inspiring scholars and boosting academic pride.

This year, 10 researchers, including Professor Jae-Joon Yim from the College of Medicine, received the SNU Excellence in Research Award, while 3 researchers, including Professor Suhwan Kim from the College of Engineering, received the Industry-University Collaboration Award. Additionally, 3 researchers, including Professor Jae Bum Kim from the College of Natural Sciences, who won the 69th National Academy of Sciences Award, and 13 researchers, including Professor Taeg Hwan Hyeon from the College of Engineering, selected as Highly Cited Researchers (HCR), were introduced, highlighting their global academic influence.

The event then proceeded to the introduction of the SNU Next-Generation Research Fund. This fund has been established to provide stable support for undergraduate and postdoctoral researchers, enabling them to focus on their studies. The fund received contributions of 100 million KRW each from KB Kookmin Bank and Shinhan Bank, adding to its significance. A representative from the Office of Research Affairs stated that this fund would actively support young researchers in continuing creative and innovative research.

In the second part of the event, the SNU Future Research Forum took place with the theme "Strategies for Enhancing University Research". Two sessions were presented, focusing on research policy support and strengthening future research, followed by in-depth discussions with a panel of experts from within and outside the university. A dynamic exchange with the audience led to a range of ideas on the sustainability of research and practical policy directions.

Through this SNU Research Day, the university aimed to highlight the achievements of outstanding researchers while offering a vision for improving the research environment for the next generation of scholars. Byoung Cheorl Kang, the Dean of Research, expressed his hope that the event would inspire academic curiosity and challenge the university’s researchers, while also laying the foundation for SNU to become a global research hub. He also emphasized the university's ongoing commitment to fostering an innovative research environment and nurturing future researchers.

The event was not only held offline but also broadcast live via the official SNU YouTube channel, making it accessible to both the SNU community and the general public. Despite being the first of its kind, SNU Research Day successfully concluded by celebrating academic achievements and presenting a vision for future research.

President Hong Lim Ryu is delivering an opening address at SNU Research Day

President Hong Lim Ryu presents the award plaque to Prof. Choongwon Jeong from the Dept. of Biological Sciences, recipient of the 2024 SNU Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Suhwan Kim from the Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, winner of the Industry-University Collaboration Award, is giving an acceptance speech

Prof. Youngryel Ryu from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is presenting on ways to improve SNU's R&D support system

At the SNU Future Research Forum, a deep discussion took place among expert panels on ways to activate future research at the university