ไทย
On January 16, 2024, the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, KKU, warmly welcomed three professors from South Korea: Prof. Dr. Kisuk Kang from Seoul National University, Prof. Dr. Seokwoo Jeon from Korea University, and Prof. Dr. Hyunsuk Jung from Sungkyunkwan University. The delegation met with senior leaders of the faculty represented by Dr. Sukhum Ruangchai, Assistant Dean for International Affairs and Public Communications, and Asst. Prof. Yaowapa Treekamol, Assistant Dean for Innovation and enterprise, and representatives from the Department of Physics led by Prof. Dr. Supree Pinitsunthorn, Department Head, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nongluck Meethong, a lecturer in Material Sciences and Director of KKU Battery and New Energy Factory, and Dr. Orapa Thamwattana, a lecturer in Material Sciences and a graduate from Soul National University whose dissertation was supervised by Prof. Dr. Kisuk Kang.
The two sides discussed further collaborations in academic exchange particularly in student exchange and internships. An MOU between KKU and each participating Korean universities was also planned.
After the collaboration discussion, the three professors were led on a sightseeing tour around the department and the campus. At 1:30 PM, each professor delivered a special talk in the field of material sciences. The talk held at Vidyavibasa 1, SC 09 building, was attented by approximately 100 staff and students.
Prof. Dr. Kisuk Kang, a leading Materials Science and Engineering expert at Seoul National University, has a remarkable H-index of 97 and over 36,000 citations. A Highly Cited Researcher, he earned prestigious awards, including the Energy and Environmental Lectureship Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry (2013), Excellence in Research Award in Korea (2017), and Scientist of the Month in Korea (2017). As a Young Member of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, board member for Science (AAAS), and editor for renowned journals, Prof. Kang’s influence in the field is profound. His talk at SCi-KKU titled New Battery chemistry from conventional layered cathode materials for advance lithium ion batteries, showcased his expertise in battery science and technology.
Prof. Dr. Seokwoo Jeon of Korea University, specializes in exploring the properties of nanomaterials for real-world applications. His research focuses on synthesizing low-dimensional materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes, and fabricating 3D nanostructures. With over 120 publications and 80 patents, he’s a distinguished figure, receiving awards such as the Presidential Early-Career Scientist Award from the Korean Academy of Science and Technology. Today, he shared insights from his Nanomaterials for Electronics and Optics Lab during his talk at KKU.
Prof. Dr. Hyunsuk Jung, currently a professor at the School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Korea, delivered an enlightening talk titled commercialization of perovskite solar cells. His research spans diverse areas including flexible solar cells, hydroxyapatite materials, and water splitting. Prof. Jung has received acclaim for his contributions, with awards such as the director’s postdoctoral fellowship at Los Alamos National Lab (2005), top 50 outstanding research achievements from the Ministry of Science and Education (2012), Minister Award from the Ministry of Future Creation and Science (2013), Outstanding Research Award from KIST (2013), and SKKU Young-Fellowship in 2018. His expertise brings a valuable perspective to the forefront of materials science and engineering.
The special talk concluded at 4:30 PM, with many audience questions receiving clear answers from the professors. At 5:00 PM, the professors visited the Battery Factory, guided by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nongluck Meethong.
Academically speaking, the three Korean universities hold high positions in the QS World Rankings: Seoul National University is ranked at #41, Korea University at #79, and Sungkyunkwan University at #145.
Despite the tight schedule, the professors demonstrated great enthusiasm and intentions to collaborate and share knowledge on Materials Sciences with us at KKU. The Faculty of Science at KKU believes that today’s talk and meeting will undoubtedly lead to useful and stronger connections and internationalization between the Thai and Korean insitutions in the near future.
News: Ms. Sutthida Sesthamat
Photos: Mr. Suktawee Klangtrakool