UNIST Dean of Engineering Yonghwan Kim Selected as a New Member of the National Academy of Engineering of Korea for 2025
Published 13 Jan.2025 08:41(KST)
Updated 01 Aug.2025 16:02(KST)
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Kim Yong-hwan, Dean of the College of Engineering at UNIST (President Park Jong-rae) and professor at the Graduate School of Carbon Neutrality, has been selected as a new regular member of the National Academy of Engineering of Korea for 2025.
The National Academy of Engineering of Korea is the most prestigious organization in the field of engineering technology in the country, selecting experts who have contributed to national development through research achievements and technological innovation.
Dean Kim is a world-renowned researcher in the field of enzyme protein engineering. He has built original achievements by conducting research that expands the potential applications of enzymes through the convergence of life sciences and chemistry.
Dean Kim was recognized for his research achievements by being listed among the Top 100 National Excellent Research in 2018. Since 2020, he has been focusing on developing biodegradable plastic technology as the principal investigator of the ERC (Leading Research Center Support Project), and in 2022, he received a commendation from the Minister of Science and ICT for his climate change response technology.
In particular, over the past three years, he has demonstrated research excellence by publishing six papers in Nature sister journals such as Nature Catalysis and Nature Communications.
Members of the National Academy of Engineering of Korea are selected through a rigorous process that comprehensively evaluates academic achievements, technological development outcomes, industrial contributions, and talent cultivation. Dean Kim passed this multi-stage review and was inducted as a regular member in the Chemical and Biological Engineering division.
Dean Kim Yong-hwan said, “I am honored that enzyme protein engineering research contributes to the advancement of engineering,” adding, “I will lead innovation in sustainable petrochemical and plastic industries to create social value.”
In the 2025 announcement of new members of the National Academy of Engineering of Korea, Dean Kim, along with 69 new regular members and 48 full members, was newly listed.
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