GIST’s Chul Kang and Nayoung Lee Receive Commendation from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT

Chul Kang, Leading the Field of Terahertz Optics
Nayoung Lee, Advancing Science Communication

The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) announced on April 22 that Chul Kang, Senior Researcher, and Nayoung Lee, Senior Administrative Officer, have each received a commendation from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT. The awards mark the 59th Science Day and the 71st Information and Communications Day, recognizing their contributions to producing world-class research achievements and advancing science and technology communication and outreach, respectively.

(From left) Chul Kang, Senior Researcher (Head of Future Space Defense Research Division at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology), Nayoung Lee, Senior Administrative Officer. Provided by GIST

Chul Kang, Senior Researcher and Head of the Future Space Defense Research Division at the Advanced Photonics Research Institute at GIST, has been a leader in the field of terahertz (THz) optics since 2006. Terahertz frequencies, known as the "dream frequency" range, combine the penetrative power of radio waves with the directness of light, playing a pivotal role in the development of next-generation communications and advanced sensing technologies. Based on “femtosecond laser” technology, which concentrates powerful energy within an extremely brief period of one quadrillionth of a second, Kang has developed high-efficiency terahertz light source technology. To date, he has published over 70 papers in internationally renowned SCI-level academic journals.

More recently, he has led the development of technologies utilizing GIST’s 150TW ultra-high-power laser facility to freely control both the intensity and frequency of terahertz signals. These achievements are expected to play a crucial role in advancing ultra-high-speed communications and nondestructive inspection, as well as in enhancing cutting-edge sensing technologies for space and defense applications.

Nayoung Lee, Senior Administrative Officer, was recognized for her contributions to advancing science communication by delivering GIST’s outstanding research achievements in ways accessible to the public. Drawing on a wealth of practical experience in academic information and academic affairs administration, Lee has, for the past nine years, transformed complex and highly specialized research outcomes into news content easily covered by the media, leading their external dissemination. Her deep understanding of the research field has also enabled her to strategically promote GIST’s major developments, enhancing the university’s brand value. Starting with the 30th anniversary of its founding in 2023, these efforts have served as a bridge for GIST to evolve into an “open, research-centered university” that communicates organically with society.

Chul Kang stated, “Terahertz optical technology is a fundamental source technology that will be utilized across future industries, from next-generation communications to advanced defense sensing. By further advancing light source control technology based on GIST's ultra-high-power laser infrastructure, I hope to contribute to Korea securing global technological competitiveness.”

Nayoung Lee commented, “Over the past nine years, I have come to deeply appreciate the importance of science communication as I conveyed the intense challenges and achievements of the research field to the public. I will continue to combine my experience in administrative work and public relations to ensure that GIST’s outstanding research capabilities yield social value and foster a closer connection with the public.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.