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Inha Univ. Team Earns IEEE IV 2026 Recognition

Posted on March 4, 2026March 4, 2026 by INHA University

▲Schematic diagram illustrating the overall processing flow in which two input data sources—machine learning models and computer vision—are fused through a Bayesian filter.

Graduate students Lee Dong-min and Lee Seung-yong, master’s candidates in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Inha University, have received international recognition for their research on improving road surface condition classification performance for autonomous vehicles.

Through their paper titled “Multimodal Bayesian Filtering for Enhanced Road Surface Condition Classification in Intelligent Vehicles Safety Systems,” the researchers proposed a novel algorithm for road surface condition classification.

The core contribution of the study lies in significantly improving classification accuracy by fusing data-driven machine learning models with computer vision–based road surface classification results using a real-time Bayesian filtering approach.

This research has been accepted for publication at the IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium (IV) 2026 International Conference, scheduled to be held this June in Detroit, USA. IEEE IV is one of the most prestigious international conferences in the fields of autonomous driving and intelligent vehicles, known for its rigorous review process and strong emphasis on academic originality and impact.

Professor Kiwoo Kim of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Inha University commented, “I hope this achievement serves as an opportunity for master’s students in mechanical engineering to gain confidence that they, too, can present research at leading conferences in the electrical and electronics engineering field, and that it will support their future career development.”

Meanwhile, this research was conducted with support from a national R&D project funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, titled “Development of an Embedded AI Controller for Road Surface Condition Recognition” (lead company: HL Mando), under the supervision of Professor Kiwoo Kim as principal investigator. Follow-up studies are planned.

Original Article

IPB Strengthens Research with KOICA-ICAB

Posted on March 3, 2026March 3, 2026 by GlobalConnectivity_IPB

IPB University, in collaboration with Seoul National University (SNU) supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), continues to advance the KOICA–ICAB Project: Capacity Building for the Center for Agriculture and Bioscience of IPB University in Indonesia.

This seven-year initiative (2022–2028), valued at USD11 million, aims to establish the National Instrumentation Center for Agriculture and Bioscience (NICAB) as a national shared research facility supporting innovation, advanced research, and sustainable development.

Since its launch in 2022, the project has focused on strengthening research facilities and infrastructures, as well as enhancing human resource capacity and fostering innovation in the green biosciences. Key activities include the construction of new laboratories, the modernization of existing facilities, and the provision of advanced academic and professional training programs. The project supports IPB University’s mission to become a leading center of excellence in bioscience and environmental management.

As of October 2025, several major milestones have been achieved. The architectural design for the NICAB building has been finalized, the Advanced Research Laboratory (ARLab) remodeling has been completed, and the Animal Cell Culture Laboratory was officially inaugurated during the second KOICA–ICAB Steering Committee Meeting in September 2025. In addition, eight training programs have been conducted, four IPB faculty members are currently pursuing Ph.D. degrees at SNU, and three faculty members from the National University of East Timor (UNTL) are undertaking graduate studies at IPB University, one of whom completed an M.Sc. last year.

The beneficiaries of the project include IPB faculty members, researchers, and students, as well as academic partners from Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL), Timor-Leste. With active involvement from Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology; Ministry of Forestry; and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN); the KOICA–ICAB project also strengthens cooperation between academia, industry, and government.

Through the KOICA–ICAB Project, IPB University reinforces its role as a leading center of excellence in agriculture and bioscience, while further deepening cooperation between Indonesia and the Republic of Korea. By 2028, NICAB is expected to be fully operated as a national shared research facility.

and bioscience, while further deepening cooperation between Indonesia and the Republic of Korea. By 2028, NICAB is expected to be fully operated as a national shared research facility.

Inha 2026-1 Commencement Ceremony Held

Posted on March 3, 2026March 3, 2026 by INHA University

▲ President Cho Myung-woo delivers a congratulatory address at the February 2026 Commencement Ceremony held on the 20th in the Main Auditorium of the University’s main building.

Inha University held its February 2026 Commencement Ceremony on the 20th in the Main Auditorium of the University’s main building.

A total of 3,601 students received degrees at the ceremony, including 2,551 undergraduates, 910 master’s students, and 140 doctoral candidates.

The ceremony was attended by President Cho Myung-woo, Kim Yoon-hwi, Executive Director of the Board of Trustees of Jeongsuk Inha School Foundation, Kim Jong-woo, President of the Inha University Alumni Association, as well as graduates’ families and friends.

Dr. Seo Dong-woo from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Dr. Maung Nyunt from the Smart Governance Policy program received the President’s Award. Lee Jung-hyun, a student from the Department of Social Welfare, received the Alumni Association President’s Award.

Lee Si-eun, a representative graduate from the Department of International Trade, said, “At Inha, I learned how to take on challenges and endure failure, and above all, I learned to believe in myself. I will strive to make the name ‘Inha’ a source of pride by following in the footsteps of the many alumni who are shining in their respective fields.”

Kim Yoon-hwi, Executive Director of the Board of Trustees of Jeongsuk Inha School Foundation, remarked, “I hope you become confident Inha graduates who value direction over speed and choose values over mere achievements. I wholeheartedly support your bold first steps as you stand on the runway of a new chapter in life.”

In his congratulatory address, President Cho Myung-woo stated, “As you begin your flight into society, you may at times need to adjust your speed and reset your direction under ever-changing skies. However, the time you spent at Inha and the moments when you refused to give up will illuminate your path once again. No matter which sky you fly in or which path you choose, Inha will always be the place of your first takeoff and a warm airport you can return to whenever you need to pause and catch your breath.”

▲ The February 2026 Commencement Ceremony is being held in the Main Auditorium on the 20th.

▲ Kim Yoon-hwi, Executive Director of the Board of Trustees of Jeongsuk Inha School Foundation, delivers a congratulatory address at the ceremony.

▲ Kim Jong-woo, President of the Inha University Alumni Association, delivers a congratulatory address at the ceremony.

▲ Graduates pose for commemorative photos to celebrate their graduation.

Original Article

AI in Antibody Drug Development

Posted on March 3, 2026March 3, 2026 by Sogang University

Sogang University held its February brown-bag seminar under SAIX Peers (Sogang AIX Peers), focusing on the convergence of artificial intelligence and biotechnology in next-generation drug development. The session featured Professor Seong-Ryong Kim from the Department of Life Science and CEO of the university-affiliated venture PhytoMab, who delivered a lecture titled “Universality of Biomolecules and the Evolution of Antibody Therapeutics: AI Design and Plant Cell-Based Production.”

Professor Kim outlined key biological foundations underlying AI-driven drug discovery, explaining how amino acid sequences generate vast structural diversity through protein folding. He emphasized that this molecular complexity creates an expansive design space in which AI technologies can significantly accelerate therapeutic innovation.

The seminar highlighted two central themes. First, AI-assisted antibody design enables rapid generation and screening of candidate sequences, addressing one of the most time-intensive stages of pharmaceutical development. Recent advances in protein structure prediction, supported by large experimental datasets, have significantly improved computational accuracy and expanded the scope of AI-designed proteins. Second, Professor Kim introduced PhytoRice, a plant cell–based antibody production platform developed by his team. By applying glycoengineering technologies to rice cells, the platform offers a safer and more cost-effective alternative to conventional CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cell systems, which require expensive culture media and stringent viral safety controls.

As a case study, he presented “Hugreen,” a plant-derived antibody candidate corresponding to the breast cancer therapy trastuzumab, developed in collaboration with domestic and international research partners. While highlighting AI’s potential to reduce the cost and timeline of drug development, Professor Kim underscored that laboratory validation, purification, and clinical evaluation remain indispensable steps in translating computational designs into viable therapeutics.

The session prompted active interdisciplinary discussion on how AI can address key bottlenecks in pharmaceutical innovation, reinforcing Sogang’s commitment to advancing meaningful AI convergence across scientific disciplines.

Inha’s 3-Year Top 4 Employment Excellence

Posted on February 20, 2026February 20, 2026 by INHA University

According to the 2025 Higher Education Public Disclosure released through the Korean Higher Education Disclosure System (Academy Info), Inha University once again recorded a strong employment rate, ranking fourth nationwide among universities producing more than 3,000 graduates.

With an employment rate of 68.5%, Inha University placed fourth, following Sungkyunkwan University (71.3%), Korea University (69.9%), and Hanyang University (68.9%). By maintaining fourth place for three consecutive years, Inha university has established a consistent top-tier ranking in employment outcomes among major universities with over 3,000 graduates.

The result reflects the effectiveness of the university’s employment support system despite a contracting recruitment market and the growing trend of rolling and career-based hiring.

Inha University also performed well not only in employment quantity but also in employment quality. In the job retention rate—an indicator measuring whether graduates remain employed at the same workplace after a certain period—the university recorded 86.4%, an increase of 0.9 percentage points from last year’s 85.5%, maintaining a high level among universities with over 3,000 graduates.

The consistent quantitative and qualitative employment success of students is attributed to the university’s wide range of employment support programs, including job- and industry-tailored initiatives.

Inha university actively provides both direct and indirect employment support through the operation of the University Job Plus Center, Field Training Support Center, and IPP Dual Training Center, expanding practical training opportunities and offering employment counseling.

The University Job Plus Center offers one-on-one customized career strategy consultations, job information, and a variety of career and employment support programs. Key programs include the small-group, intensive employment consulting program “Inha First Class,” job-specific lectures by industry professionals, and Visiting Employment Study Groups.

Graduates who previously participated in these programs later return as mentors through initiatives such as Job Fairs and Online Mentoring, establishing a virtuous cycle of employment support. Through this network, alumni share real-world work experience and industry insights with current students, supporting their successful transition into the workforce.

Inha university also operates a standardized field internship semester system (Co-op) in collaboration with companies across diverse industries, enabling students to gain hands-on experience aligned with their majors and interests. This system allows students to earn academic credits while acquiring practical field experience. In the 2025 academic year, 1,085 students are participating in the program across 389 organizations, with participation steadily increasing each year.

The Industry-Professional Practice Program (IPP) provides systematic theoretical education and on-site training in partnership with companies, cultivating practice-oriented, customized talent. The program has received positive feedback from both students and companies due to its high rate of conversion to full-time employment. Based on these achievements, Inha University was selected this year as a pilot institution for the “IPP Specialized University” initiative. Moving forward, the university plans to secure greater operational autonomy, enhance program quality, and further strengthen cooperation with major and leading enterprises.

President Cho Myung-woo commented, “This result, achieved amid a challenging employment environment, is not a short-term outcome but the product of a comprehensive, full-cycle employment support system spanning from the first to the fourth year. We will continue to develop and operate diverse programs to support students’ career development and employment.”

▲ Students participating in training at the “Inha First Class” Employment Camp 2025.

Original Article

Sogang Launches Institute for Sustainable Management

Posted on February 20, 2026February 20, 2026 by Sogang University

Sogang University held the official inauguration ceremony of the Institute for Sustainable Management Innovation on 28th at the Matthew Hall campus venue, marking the beginning of its full-scale operations. Established under the Sogang Business School, the institute serves as a new research hub dedicated to generating and disseminating innovative knowledge in management.

A distinctive feature of the institute is its platform-based structure. Unlike traditional research institutes that focus primarily on academic output, this institute functions as an incubator supporting doctoral-level scholars who seek to create and expand innovative management knowledge. It is primarily led by graduates and current candidates of Sogang’s Executive Ph.D. (E-Ph.D.) in Management programme, the first practice-oriented doctoral programme of its kind introduced in Korea. The institute aims to foster collaboration among academically trained practitioners and research-oriented professionals.

The institute is organised into three divisions: Education, Research, and Advisory. The Education Division introduces several differentiated programmes. In collaboration with Southern Connecticut State University in the United States, which holds STEM accreditation, the institute offers a Post-Doctoral certification programme that provides joint certification from both Korean and U.S. institutions. In response to the increasing demand for gender diversity in corporate governance, the institute has also developed a specialised programme to prepare female independent (outside) directors. Participants may be recommended to corporate boards through an affiliated nomination committee. Furthermore, the “Sogang Venture Academy” provides lifecycle-based coaching for venture entrepreneurs, supporting business development from early-stage start-up to IPO preparation. This model is designed on the premise that the E-Ph.D. network includes key actors across the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Research Division supports doctoral-level researchers through various mechanisms, including research professorships and the establishment of dedicated research centres depending on project scale. Current thematic areas include AI-driven manufacturing innovation, sustainability diagnostic tools for platform enterprises, and AI-based healthcare and elderly-care business development. These projects seek to address emerging societal challenges through sustainable and innovation-oriented business solutions.

The Advisory Division offers management consulting and potential investment opportunities for domestic firms, drawing upon high-performing scholars within the E-Ph.D. programme. The institute plans to expand its advisory scope in collaboration with the forthcoming Sogang–Pangyo Digital Innovation Campus, thereby enhancing its societal contribution.

Coinciding with its launch, the institute also released Sogang University’s sustainability report. Notably, the report was produced through a student-led process, with undergraduate students independently conducting data collection, interviews, report writing, and design. ESG specialists have noted that the student-driven approach strengthens the authenticity and distinctiveness of the report, marking a meaningful development in university sustainability reporting practices. The full Korean version of the report is available online. (Read the Full Report)

KU Research Team Enables Power Generation Regardless of Time or Weather with Transparent Solar Window Technology

Posted on February 6, 2026February 6, 2026 by QS Editorial

A research team led by Professor Jun Yong-seok from the Department of Integrative Energy Engineering and the Graduate School of Energy and Environment (Green School) at KU (President Kim Dong-One), in collaboration with research teams from Korea Aerospace University and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), has developed a transparent solar window technology that can generate power 24 hours a day using sunlight during the day and indoor lighting at night.

The research results were published online on November 21 and published in print on December 17 in Joule (IF=35.4), a world-renowned international academic journal in the energy field.

*Article title: Scalable hybrid solar window with high transparency, high efficiency, and superior color rendering

*DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2025.102216

*URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2025.102216 Existing transparent solar cells face a contradiction: increasing transparency leads to a decrease in power generation efficiency, while increasing efficiency reduces transparency. Moreover, thin-film solar cells distort the color of light during the absorption process, creating limitations for their application as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).

Official Launch of a Plaque Unveiling Ceremony Sungshin’s China Alumni Association

Posted on February 6, 2026February 6, 2026 by QS Editorial

Sungshin Women’s University officially established its China Alumni Association, celebrating the milestone with a plaque unveiling ceremony held in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province. The ceremony symbolized the formal launch of a unified alumni organization representing Sungshin graduates across China and marked an important step in strengthening long-term connections between the university and its global alumni community.

The newly established alumni association brings together Chinese alumni from Sungshin’s undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs and is expected to serve as a central platform for alumni engagement and collaboration. Through the China Alumni Association, Sungshin aims to enhance alumni networking, support current and prospective international students, and reinforce sustainable global partnerships—positioning the alumni network as a key pillar of the university’s internationalization efforts.

Sogang Recognised for Sustainable Green Tech

Posted on February 5, 2026February 5, 2026 by Sogang University

A research team led by Professor Jeong Kwang-hwan in the Department of Life Science at Sogang University has received a Ministerial Commendation from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) in the category of New Technology Commercialisation Promotion at the 2025 New Technology Commercialisation Promotion Contest, held on 11 December 2025.

The award recognises Green Mineral, a technology-based venture founded on lithium-recovery technology developed by Professor Jeong’s team, for its contribution to advancing sustainable resource-recovery technologies and promoting technology commercialisation.

Organised by the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards under MOTIE and co-hosted by the Korea Testing Laboratory and the Korea Industrial Technology Association, the contest aims to encourage innovation and accelerate the adoption of proven technologies in industry and the public sector. The ministerial commendation is presented annually to individuals and organisations that have demonstrated outstanding contributions to industrial technology development and market creation.

Green Mineral was established in June 2021 based on the research outcomes of Professor Jeong’s team, with Professor Lee Ho-seok later joining as Chief Operating Officer. The company integrates fundamental scientific research with practical commercialisation capabilities, creating a model for translating academic innovation into industrial applications.

At the core of the recognised technology is a genetically engineered chlorella strain designed to maximise metal-extraction efficiency. The strain exhibits a unique bio-recycling mechanism, absorbing lithium into cells and releasing it in the form of high value-added lithium carbonate. This breakthrough marks a significant advancement in microorganism-based resource-recovery technology.

The technology also enables the extraction of residual lithium from wastewater remaining after primary recovery from waste batteries. Through process optimisation, it reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions across the recovery cycle, securing both economic feasibility and environmental sustainability.

The recognition highlights Sogang University’s contribution to environmentally responsible innovation and its growing role in advancing sustainable industrial technologies. Green Mineral plans to expand industrial applications of its technology through full-scale commercialisation, supported by the planned expansion of its Gwangyang branch.

Professor Jeong commented, “It is meaningful that the microalgae-based eco-friendly metal-recycling technology developed at Sogang University is moving closer to the vision of a sustainable resource-recycling ecosystem through both technological development and commercialisation.” He added, “We will continue to play a leading academic and technological role in advancing resource-recycling technologies and supporting Korea’s green growth.”

Inha Wins Foreign Minister’s Commendation

Posted on February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 by INHA University

Inha University recently received a Foreign Minister’s Commendation in recognition of its contributions to fostering global talent and enhancing the national image of the Republic of Korea.

The university was highly evaluated for promoting Korea’s outstanding educational capabilities worldwide, enhancing the national brand value, and successfully fulfilling the role of public diplomacy through tangible achievements in education diplomacy.

In particular, the educational cooperation project jointly conducted with Baku Engineering University (BEU) in Azerbaijan since 2020 has made a significant contribution to the field of education diplomacy.

Inha University operates a “3+1 International Dual Degree Program” designed in collaboration with BEU. Under this program, students complete three years of study at BEU, followed by one year of study in Korea, upon which they receive dual degrees. As students spend one academic year studying at Inha University, a minimum Korean language proficiency requirement is also set, contributing to the spread of the Korean language.

The program is offered across four majors—Civil Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Information Technology (IT)—and produced its first graduating class in 2024, marking the full-scale advancement of higher education cooperation between Korea and Azerbaijan.

In addition, the university is successfully operating joint and dual degree programs as well as King Sejong Institute programs in collaboration with partner universities in countries such as Uzbekistan and China, leading the overseas expansion of Korean higher education.

Inha University is also successfully operating Inha University in Tashkent (IUT) in Uzbekistan, which has drawn attention as Korea’s first case of exporting a university-level education system since its establishment in 2014. Last year, the university received final approval from China’s Ministry of Education to establish a Sino-foreign cooperative educational institution with Henan University of Technology leading to the launch of the Inha Institute of Technology, Henan University of Technology, which operates under a 4+0 dual degree system.

Moving forward, Inha University plans to continue expanding education diplomacy cooperation by implementing joint degree programs, educational curricula, and international training initiatives in regions such as Central Asia and the Caucasus.

President Myoung-Woo Cho stated, “The dual degree program with BEU in Azerbaijan has established itself as a highly regarded educational program in the local community through annual consulting on laboratory and practical training system development, as well as customized and intensive management, thereby opening new horizons in education diplomacy.” He added, “Building on this commendation, we will further expand and advance education diplomacy aligned with national foreign policy and strive to solidify our position as a leading internationalized university.”

▲ President Myoung-Woo Cho (right) and Tae-Jun Jeon, Head of the Office of International Affairs, pose for a commemorative photo after receiving the Foreign Minister’s Commendation.

Original Article