The SNU Professor Society for Social Responsibility(PSSR) hosted its Social Contribution Program Planning Contest Results Workshop on December 12, showcasing innovative projects designed to tackle societal challenges. The event was a platform for SNU professors to present impactful programs that merge academic expertise with real-world solutions, emphasizing the role of universities as agents of positive change.
Participants of the workshop
Established with the vision of integrating academic knowledge into social responsibility, the PSSR actively engages in various projects both domestically and internationally. In Korea, the society has worked on medical outreach initiatives such as community-based medical care programs for underserved populations, rehabilitation programs for children with heart disease, and health education projects for multicultural families. On the international front, it has led impactful initiatives, including capacity-building programs for neonatal hearing loss in Nepal, training in maternal health and ultrasound diagnostics in Vietnam, and healthcare education projects across Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. These efforts reflect the PSSR’s dedication to addressing diverse social needs through targeted, context-specific interventions.
The Social Contribution Program Planning Contest spanned three weeks starting May 24, during which participants were to submit their projects. This approach aimed to bring together professors from diverse disciplines to foster collaboration and synergy. By combining their expertise, the contest strived to develop sustainable solutions and integrated models to address pressing challenges in Korea and beyond. The final phase was the workshop that served as a space for professors to share their ideas in a relaxed, collaborative setting. Beyond the formal presentations, the event also encouraged networking, creating opportunities for participants to expand their projects and explore potential research collaborations.
A Showcase of Presentations for Innovation
The workshop showcased a total of five projects, reflecting the PSSR’s emphasis on creativity, interdisciplinarity, and community engagement.
The first presentation was led by Professors Park Sang Won and Oh Hong Sang from the College of Medicine, who addressed healthcare-associated infection prevention in Nepal. After conducting field research in Nepalese hospitals, the team identified gaps in infection control systems and proposed targeted improvements, such as tailored staff training, monitoring systems, and standardized protocols. These efforts laid the foundation for a sustainable infection prevention framework that can significantly enhance patient and staff safety.
Professor Oh giving his presentation
Another initiative highlighted during the workshop was the leadership empowerment program for Filipino immigrant women in Korea. Led by faculty from the College of Human Ecology, including Professors Grace H. Chung and Jungeun Lee, the program focused on addressing the challenges faced by immigrant women, including cultural adjustment and financial constraints. Through interactive leadership workshops and health education sessions, the initiative aimed to strengthen participants’ confidence and capacity to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. The program empowered these women to become leaders within their social networks by fostering resilience and practical skills. This initiative underscored the value of supporting vulnerable populations through integrated, community-based solutions that are both inclusive and sustainable.
Professors during the Q&A session
Following each presentation, a Q&A session allowed participants to engage in lively discussions. These sessions offered an opportunity to clarify details, explore collaborative ideas, and provide constructive feedback. The interactive nature of the discussions highlighted the workshop’s purpose as a space for idea-sharing and interdisciplinary growth, fostering connections that could lead to the expansion of presented programs.
Advancing PSSR’s mission through meaningful collaboration
The workshop was not only a celebration of significant programs but also a step forward in expanding their reach. By sharing ideas and fostering collaboration, the PSSR aims to deepen its commitment to long-term solutions. Future efforts will focus on building international partnerships, supporting localized projects, and advancing ODA (Official Development Assistance) initiatives. These projects aim to create systems that empower communities and promote resilience in sustainable ways.
Through innovative projects and interdisciplinary collaboration, the SNU Professor Society for Social Responsibility demonstrates how academic institutions can address real-world challenges by turning research into action. Functioning as a social lab where academic research and practical application intersect, the society produces sustainable, impactful solutions that bridge gaps, uplift communities, and lead meaningful change on local and global scales. By combining local expertise with global collaboration, PSSR underscores the importance of academia in building a more inclusive, sustainable world. Through domestic health programs, international development projects, and collaborative workshops, the society sets a powerful example of how universities can address complex societal issues, driving meaningful change and creating a lasting legacy of social impact.
Written by Jeemin Suh, SNU English Editor, jiminasuh@snu.ac.kr