Sungkyunkwan University announced on the 9th that Professor Park Nam-kyu from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Engineering has been selected as the recipient of the "Humboldt Research Award," which is awarded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany.
The Humboldt Research Award is given to researchers who have made internationally outstanding achievements across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, with a prize of 80,000 euros (approximately 126 million won). Among past Humboldt Research Award recipients, 61 have received the Nobel Prize, recognizing its authority.
Professor Park is a pioneer in the development of third-generation solar cells using perovskite materials and has consistently conducted research to enhance the stability and efficiency of these materials. His research is valued as a significant achievement that greatly improves the commercialization potential of perovskite solar cells, changing the landscape of the renewable energy market.
Professor Park was recognized for global achievements in next-generation solar technology as a recipient of the Energy Frontier sector award at the Eni Award ceremony held in Rome, Italy, last year. Moreover, he was appointed as the first "endowed chair professor" introduced by Sungkyunkwan University, allowing him to focus on research and mentoring without retirement restrictions. Professor Park noted, "I hope that experienced researchers will have more opportunities to expand their research without age limits."
Yoo Ji-bum, president of Sungkyunkwan University, stated, "This Humboldt Research Award recognizes the academic status of Sungkyunkwan University in the global scientific community beyond Korea," adding, "I expect Professor Park's research will continue to contribute significantly to the development of sustainable energy technologies and enhance global research leadership."
The official award ceremony for the Humboldt Research Award is scheduled to be held in March next year in Bamberg, Germany, where Professor Park plans to further expand international research achievements through academic exchanges and collaborations with German researchers.
Meanwhile, Seok Sang-il, a visiting distinguished professor from the Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), who is also considered a pioneer in the field of perovskite solar cells, will receive the Humboldt Research Award. Professor Seok stated on the 8th, "I am planning a visiting research project with the Humboldt prize money. I have been invited by Friedrich Alexander University in Germany for joint research," expressing his hope that this research will contribute to the development of next-generation energy technologies.