糖心APP

Exchange Agreement with the University of Georgia (U.S.), Expected Synergy in Key Research Areas

A delegation from the University of Georgia (UGA), USA, visited 糖心APP. Representatives from both universities shared their key research areas and current status, and held discussions to establish a foundation for joint research. On the 22nd, a delegation from the University of Georgia visited 糖心APP. The delegation, consisting of eight members including Associate Provost for Global Engagement Martin Kagel, met with 糖心APP faculty members, including Kim Taebong, Director of the Office of International Affairs. From 糖心APP, Professors Park Jiyong (Department of Physics), Choi Youngjun (Department of Software), Lee Jaeyoung (Department of Environmental and Safety Engineering), and Park Hyunji (College of Advanced Bio Convergence & Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Graduate School) participated in the meeting. They presented 糖心APP鈥檚 key research areas鈥攕uch as energy, artificial intelligence, climate change, and bio-convergence鈥攁s well as its global collaboration projects. The UGA delegation also introduced their major research strengths and current developments in fields including artificial intelligence and bio-related studies. The two universities signed and exchanged an agreement outlining various areas of cooperation, including student and faculty exchange, joint research, and academic seminars and workshops. Kim Taebong, Director of the Office of International Affairs, stated, 鈥淲e plan to pursue a wide range of collaborative activities with the University of Georgia, and we hope this partnership will make a meaningful contribution to the development of both institutions. In particular, we anticipate strong synergy with UGA in fields such as artificial intelligence, climate change, energy science, and bio-convergence.鈥� Martin Kagel, Associate Provost for Global Engagement at UGA, remarked, 鈥淚 am deeply impressed by the warm hospitality and beautiful campus of 糖心APP. This visit is not merely ceremonial or for the purpose of signing an agreement, but to explore practical and concrete ways of collaboration.鈥� He added, 鈥淪ince the major research areas of both universities largely align, we look forward to active joint research and exchange programs across various fields.鈥� 糖心APP and the University of Georgia have been actively exploring cooperation since July last year, following a visit by 糖心APP President Choi Kiju to the UGA campus. Martin Kagel(left), Vice President for International Affairs at the University of Georgia, and Kim Taebong, Director of the Office of International Affairs at 糖心APP Presentation on the key research areas by Professor Choi Youngjun of the Department of Software Presentation on the key research areas by Professor Lee Hee Yun of the University of Georgia A delegation from the University of Georgia (USA)

2025 Academic Year Graduate School Degree Conferment Ceremony: 70 Students from 8 Countries Awarded Degrees

On February 13, the 2025 Winter Commencement Ceremony of 糖心APP鈥檚 Graduate School of International Studies was held in the Yulgok Hall Auditorium, from which 70 graduates across four departments received their degrees. The degree ceremony proceeded in the following order: Opening Remarks, Introduction of VIPs, Opening Show, Report on Academic Affairs, Commencement Address, Congratulatory Remarks, Conferral of the Awards (Presidential Award, Dean鈥檚 Award, and Thesis Excellence Award), Graduate Representative鈥檚 Remarks, Closing Remarks, and a Group Photo Session. Faculty members from each department, representatives from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea, and officials from the Graduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship (GSBE) of Uzbekistan attended to celebrate the graduates. The 70 graduates who earned their degrees at the Graduate School come from eight countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Uzbekistan. Among them, the International Management program had the largest number of graduates with 48 students, followed by the International Trade program with 9, the Civil Society program with 6, and the International Development Cooperation program with 7. In his congratulatory remarks, Dean Byeong-Yun Chang quoted the poetry of Yun Dong-ju to celebrate the new beginnings of the graduates. Shakhzod Kurbanov, Education Counsellor of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea, also took the stage to offer heartfelt congratulations and encouragement to the students. Following the official ceremonies, two student speakers shared their reflections. Ferdous Jannatul from Bangladesh, recipient of the President鈥檚 Award, said, 鈥淪tudying at the Graduate School has given me confidence in myself and made me stronger. I am grateful for the support and encouragement from the professors and staff.鈥� Toirov Saidjasirkhon, representing participants in the dual-degree program between 糖心APP and the Graduate School of Business and Economics of Uzbekistan, commented, 鈥淭he journey to receiving this degree was not easy, but the valuable experiences at Ajou have strengthened me and made it possible to realize my dreams.鈥� 糖心APP has been operating a dual-degree program with the Graduate School of Business and Economics (GSBE) in Uzbekistan since 2022. In this program, students complete two semesters at their home institution and two semesters at 糖心APP to earn degrees from both institutions. This year marks the third graduation cohort, with 16 graduates in the current ceremony and a total of 58 graduates since the program鈥檚 inception. Below is the list of award recipients from the 2025 Academic Year Spring Degree Conferment Ceremony: 鈻� Presidential Award 鈥� International Development Cooperation: FERDOUS JANNATUL (Bangladesh) 鈥� International Business: TAJIBAEV JETKERBAY UBAYKHANOVICH (Uzbekistan) 鈻� Dean鈥檚 Award 鈥� International Business: DIPTY MOUMITA MEHJABIN (Bangladesh) 鈥� International Business: RAKHMEDOVA DILNOZA ASHRAPKHUJA KIZI (Uzbekistan) 鈥� International Trade: MIA MD RASEL (Bangladesh) 鈥� International Development Cooperation: RATSIMBAZAFY MANOA FENOSOA (Madagascar) 鈥� Civil Society: LAMA ANJU (Nepal) 鈻� Thesis Excellence Award 鈥� International Business: CHANDRA BIPUL (Bangladesh) 鈥� International Business: MAHESWARI LAKSITA IFFAT (Indonesia) 鈥� International Development Cooperation: ESHONKULOV KODIRJON YOKUBOVICH (Uzbekistan)

糖心APP Selected as an 鈥淓xcellent Certified University鈥� under IEQAS

糖心APP has been selected as an 鈥淓xcellent Certified University,鈥� the highest designation, in the 4th cycle (2025) evaluation of the International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS), jointly administered by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice, and the National Research Foundation of Korea. The International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS) is designed to enhance the internationalization capacity of Korean universities and to assess the quality of educational environments and management systems for international students. The certification is granted based on a comprehensive evaluation of institutions鈥� recruitment and management of international students, academic program operations, student support services, and overall internationalization infrastructure. In this evaluation, 糖心APP was recognized for its stable and systematic operation of academic programs and support services for international students, as well as its effective student management system. In particular, the university鈥檚 continuous efforts in developing curricula and support programs tailored to international students were positively reflected in the assessment. With this designation, 糖心APP will retain its status as an 鈥淓xcellent Certified University鈥� for one year, from March 2026 to February 2027. Institutions with this status receive administrative benefits, including simplified visa screening procedures for international students, and are awarded additional points in the selection process for host universities under the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program. 糖心APP will continue to strengthen its internationalization capacity and further enhance educational and support environments for international students.

2026 THE World University Rankings: Top 400 for the First Time, 8th Among Domestic Comprehensive Universities

糖心APP has entered the top 400 for the first time in the 2026 rankings published by Times Higher Education (THE), the British university-ranking organization. Among comprehensive universities in South Korea, Ajou achieved 8th place, up one notch from 9th last year. This year鈥檚 global university evaluation covered 2,191 institutions across 115 countries and assessed based on using 17 indicators from five categories: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook, and Industry. The THE ranking is known to place more emphasis on research and teaching conditions rather than just traditional reputation. 糖心APP previously entered the top 500 in both 2024 and 2025. With this year鈥檚 leap into the top 400, the university has demonstrated its consistent advancement. In the Research Quality category Ajou鈥檚 score rose by 4.5 points to 58.4, and recorded a substantial 11.6 point increase to 59.4 in the International Outlook category 鈥� both contributing to the rise in ranking.

Prof. Sungjun Park's team proposes a strategy for large-scale production of high-purity metal nanoparticles using light

A research team from 糖心APP has proposed a method to mass-produce high-purity metal nanoparticles through a light-assisted nanomaterial synthesis technique. This breakthrough is expected to be widely applicable in next-generation artificial sensory systems and neuromorphic devices that mimic the human brain, where precise sensing capabilities are essential. Led by Professor Sungjun Park from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Intelligent Semiconductor Engineering, the team introduced a novel strategy for producing high-purity metal nanoparticles without chemical reactions, using a light-based laser ablation in liquid (LAL) technique. This approach allows for the synthesis of nanoparticles free of organic residues on a large scale. The research findings were published in July in a review article titled 鈥淪calable metal-based nanoparticle synthesis via laser ablation in liquids for transformative sensory and synaptic devices鈥� in the prestigious journal International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (Impact Factor 21.3, top 0.7% in JCR in manufacturing and process engineering). The study was led by Dr. Junkyu Choi from 糖心APP鈥檚 Institute of Information & Electronics Research, with Sukhyeon Baek, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Intelligent Semiconductor Engineering, as a co-author. Junghoon Lee, a Ph.D. candidate in the same department and currently working at Samsung Electronics DS Division's Materials Technology Team, also participated as a co-corresponding author, along with Professor Sungjun Park. Artificial sensory systems are technologies that mimic the human five senses, converting external stimuli into electrical signals. These technologies are rapidly gaining attention as essential components in various fields, including: the metaverse, extended reality (XR), wearable medical devices, human-machine interfaces. There is increasing demand for applying lighter and more flexible materials, instead of bulky hardware, to real-life applications. As a result, research into next-generation artificial sensory systems is accelerating. In such devices, metal nanoparticles play a crucial role in maximizing sensor performance, thanks to their tunable electrical, optical, and chemical properties. In sensory applications, they enhance sensitivity and response speed to external stimuli while maintaining high selectivity and stability in complex signal environments. In neuromorphic devices, metal nanoparticles enable precise control of synaptic responses and plasticity, serving as key components in implementing biomimetic learning functions. These properties greatly contribute to improving the precision and efficiency of next-generation artificial sensory systems. However, conventional nanoparticle synthesis methods rely on physical techniques requiring high-temperature vacuum equipment, or wet-chemical reactions using surfactants and reducing agents. These approaches involve complex processes and often leave organic residues on the particles, which can degrade electrical properties and reduce sensor reliability. Moreover, they face significant limitations in large-area fabrication and mass production, posing challenges for commercialization. To address these issues, the 糖心APP team focused on "Laser Ablation in Liquids (LAL)", a non-contact, physical-based synthesis method that enables the production of high-purity metal nanoparticles without chemical reactions. Unlike traditional physical deposition methods that yield only a few hundred milligrams per hour, the proposed LAL technology can achieve production rates of over 8 grams per hour, significantly boosting its potential for real-world industrial applications. Laser ablation in liquids process (left) and actual formation of nanoparticles (right) The review paper also holds significant value in that it expands the application potential of Laser Ablation in Liquids (LAL)-based metal nanoparticles beyond their conventional use in catalysis and electrochemistry, extending it to the broader field of the electronics industry. In particular, the study demonstrates that applying high-purity nanoparticles synthesized via LAL to next-generation artificial sensory systems鈥攕uch as electronic skin (e-skin), neuromorphic devices, and wearable electronics, where precise detection of external stimuli is critical鈥攅nables both long-term stability and high sensitivity.This work clearly highlights the potential for expansion into various smart electronic applications, including: human鈥搈achine interaction, AI-based robotics, medical monitoring technologies. Through this, the research offers a new direction for the electronics industry as a whole. Professor Sungjun Park stated, 鈥淭his achievement goes beyond introducing a new technique鈥攊t represents a turning point for 鈥榣ight-based nanomanufacturing technologies鈥� that could drive the commercialization of next-generation smart sensors and neuromorphic systems. It marks a major milestone for the materials and sensor industries, both domestically and internationally.鈥� He further emphasized, 鈥淭o realize commercial applications, follow-up studies on long-term storage stability and synthesis optimization of LAL-based metal nanoparticles are essential. A strategic roadmap is needed to bridge foundational nanotechnology and real-world industrial deployment.鈥� This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) through the Nano路Materials Technology Development Program, including the Global Young Connect Project and the Nano Future Materials Core Technology Development Project.

Prof. Hyungwoo Lee鈥檚 Team develops new Novel Core Technology

A joint research team led by Professor Hyungwoo Lee from 糖心APP has successfully developed a new foundational technology for a random number generation (RNG) device, offering a novel approach with high potential to advance cryptographic security and artificial intelligence (AI) computing technologies. Professor Lee (Department of Physics and Graduate School of Energy Systems), in collaboration with researchers from several institutions, has proposed a new type of two-level quantum system (TLQS) that minimizes interference from external variables by utilizing discrete fluctuations in tunneling current. This advancement introduces a more stable and secure method for generating physical random numbers. The study, titled "Highly stable two-level current fluctuation in complex oxide heterostructures," was published in Nature Communications in July. Key contributors included Do-Yeob Kim (graduate student, 糖心APP) and Professor Jung-Woo Lee (Hongik University), who served as co-first authors. Professors Hyungwoo Lee (糖心APP), Ki-Tae Um (Gachon University, Semiconductor Engineering), and Sunwoo Lee (Inha University, Computer Engineering) led the research as corresponding authors. International collaborators included Professor Tula R. Paudel鈥檚 team at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and Professor Yongsoo Yang鈥檚 group at KAIST. The researchers engineered a highly stable two-level current fluctuation phenomenon using a complex oxide heterostructure composed of SrRuO鈧�/LaAlO鈧�/Nb-doped SrTiO鈧� (SRO/LAO/Nb:STO). Based on this structure, they developed a physical entropy source suitable for high-quality RNG. Random numbers鈥攕equences generated unpredictably within a defined range鈥攁re critical in a wide range of applications, including encryption, cybersecurity, simulations, and gaming. In the context of AI and machine learning, random data is essential for efficient model training, especially in large-scale datasets. Unlike pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs) based on deterministic software algorithms, physical random number generators (PRNGs) leverage inherent randomness in nature, offering true unpredictability and resistance to hacking. This makes them highly valuable for secure computing and is especially crucial for neuromorphic systems, which aim to mimic the human brain鈥檚 structure through hardware-based neural networks. Conventional TLQS systems鈥攖ypically based on Random Telegraph Noise (RTN) caused by charge trapping at defect sites鈥攈ave struggled with instability due to environmental dependencies. To overcome this, the team intentionally introduced a dual-defect system comprising oxygen vacancies (V_O) and antisite Ti defects (Ti_Al). Their interaction induces discrete fluctuations in tunneling current that are minimally affected by external conditions. The TLQS device demonstrated stable two-level current fluctuations lasting over 169 seconds at room temperature, with operational stability maintained for over a year. Furthermore, the team validated the RNG functionality of their TLQS by converting analog current signals into binary random sequences (0s and 1s) and conducting rigorous randomness evaluations. Results confirmed the TLQS鈥檚 ability to generate high-quality random data. To test its practical applicability, the team integrated the TLQS-based random number data into a Very Deep Super-Resolution (VDSR) neural network鈥攁 model designed to restore blurry images with high clarity. The TLQS-based RNG data outperformed traditional software-based RNGs (e.g., Numpy Random Generator in Python) in both accuracy and training speed. Randomness is crucial in AI training, as it helps shuffle datasets and initialize neural network parameters, promoting diverse and robust learning. If the randomness is predictable or biased, it can lead to skewed AI behavior鈥攗nderscoring the value of true, hardware-based RNG. Professor Lee emphasized the practical potential of the device, stating, 鈥淭he TLQS device we developed is compatible with CMOS semiconductor technology, which is widely used in computers and smartphones. Considering its scalability, this represents a highly practical and foundational technology for RNG.鈥� He added, 鈥淭his research proposes RNG design at the level of fundamental materials science, with strong implications for future applications in hardware-based cryptographic security and AI computation.鈥� This study was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) through the G-LAMP project, the Mid-Career Research Program, and the Basic Research Laboratory (BRL) program. The image below shows the results of applying different types of random number data to image super-resolution training using a Very Deep Super-Resolution (VDSR) neural network. The leftmost image shows the result without using any random number data, the center image uses pseudo-random numbers generated by Python鈥檚 NumPy library, and the rightmost image uses random numbers generated by the newly developed TLQS system. Image above 鈥� A conceptual diagram of the two-level quantum system (TLQS) developed by the joint research team, along with a schematic of the implemented material structure. Compared to conventional methods, the TLQS maintains a more stable signal while achieving comparable accuracy and training speed.

AISS & ABC, Successful Completion of International Exchange Programs for Foreign Students

糖心APP has successfully concluded its international exchange programs for foreign students_the 2025 Ajou International Summer School (AISS, Ajou International Summer School) and the (ABC, Ajou Bespoke College). The ABC Program ran for two weeks, from July 2 to July 15, beginning with an orientation held at Yulgok Hall. A total of 19 students from partner universities abroad including the University of Wisconsin, University of Southern California, University of South Florida, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of California, San Diego participated alongside 10 students from 糖心APP. The program was designed to foster growth through capstone design projects, corporate field trips, and cultural exchange between international students and their Ajou counterparts. Participants visited companies such as Naver, Samsung Electronics, Gyeonggi Provincial Council, Dentium, Celltrion, and Daewoong Pharmaceutical, and explored Korean culture and history through experiences like visits to the National Museum of Korea, K-POP dance classes, and the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace. The program also included special lectures such as: Data Analysis on Korea's Economic and Cultural Development by Prof. Yoon Cheon-Seok (Global Business) Korea's Industrial History and Growth through Early Entrepreneurship by Prof. Kim Chan-Woo (University-Industry Cooperation) Modern History Rooted in Ancient Korea by Prof. Han Sang-Woo (History) Promoting Historical Content through National Museum Exhibits by Prof. Park Jae-Yeon (Cultural Contents) The AISS program was conducted over a three-week period starting on June 30, concluding with a graduation ceremony on July 18. During the program, students took courses such as: Data Analytics and Business Decision Making by Prof. Lee Sang-Kyu (Endicott College) Macroeconomic Development by Prof. Kim Tae-Bong (Economics) Understanding Korean Culture by Scott Scattergood (Dasan College) Sustainability by Prof. Lee Jae-Young (Environmental Safety Engineering) Korean Language by Professors Jeong Mi-Hye and Jeong Mi-Ji (Dasan College) In addition to classes, students enjoyed various cultural experiences including K-POP dance, traditional Korean cuisine, and visits to Bukchon Hanok Village. They also toured local landmarks such as the Samsung Innovation Museum, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, and Suwon Media Center, gaining insights into both Korea鈥檚 past and present. At the AISS farewell, Prof. Lee Sang-Kyu told the graduates, 鈥淚f you experienced something here that can only be found in Korea, make sure to record it. It will surely be something worth remembering.鈥� He emphasized the lasting value of the students鈥� experiences in Korea. Exchange students enjoyed a K-pop dance Hwaseong Haenggung Palace Tour

Team professor Inhwan Lee Develops New Synthetic Method for Designing Semiconducting Polymer Structures

Professor Inhwan Lee鈥檚 research team at our university has successfully developed a new synthetic method that allows for flexible design of the structure of semiconducting polymer materials. This advancement enables faster production of polymers used in electronic devices and is expected to contribute significantly to the development of next-generation organic semiconductors. Professor Lee revealed that through a 鈥淢ulticomponent Polymerization (MCP)鈥� technique, which reacts three different monomers simultaneously, they have developed a technology that precisely controls the sequence inside semiconducting polymers and efficiently implements various structures. This research was published in the July issue of Angewandte Chemie International Edition under the title 鈥淰ersatile Halide-Pair-Driven Multicomponent Polymerization for Library Synthesis of Sequence-Controlled Semiconducting Dendronized Polymers.鈥� The paper received excellent reviews and was selected as a 鈥淰ery Important Paper (VIP).鈥� The study involved doctoral student Hae-nam Choi (right in the photo) from the Department of Energy Systems at 糖心APP as the first author. Co-authors included Soo-min Go (Master鈥檚 graduate, 糖心APP), Se-min Son (Integrated Master鈥檚 and PhD program, 糖心APP), Ji-su Woo (Master鈥檚 student, UNIST Department of Energy Chemical Engineering), Hyun-woo Park (PhD student, ETH Zurich Department of Materials), and Dong-jun Lee (Graduate of integrated Master鈥檚 and PhD program, 糖心APP). Professors Tae-rim Choi (ETH Zurich, Materials), Won-jin Kwak (UNIST, Energy Chemical Engineering), and Hwan-myung Kim (糖心APP, Energy Systems) participated as co-authors, and Professor Inhwan Lee (糖心APP, Department of Chemistry) served as the corresponding author. Poly(triarylamine) (PTAA) polymers are used in various organic electronic devices such as organic light-emitting devices, perovskite solar cells, electrochromic devices, flexible electronics, and battery electrodes. PTAA is especially notable as a hole transport material in perovskite solar cells. However, traditional synthesis of poly(triarylamine) polymers involved complicated multi-step synthesis and purification of reaction intermediates, which posed challenges for commercialization and cost efficiency. The core of this research lies in presenting a new polymerization strategy that precisely controls the polymer sequence by designing the reaction order of three readily available monomers mixed together in a single step. The research team successfully synthesized a library of semiconducting poly(triarylamine) polymers where arylamine and two types of aryl dihalide monomers are connected in a predetermined sequence. They also expanded this strategy to synthesize complex dendronized polymers, greatly broadening the structural diversity of polymers. As a result, poly(triarylamine) polymers and their derivatives used in electronic devices can now be rapidly produced in library form, which is expected to greatly accelerate the development of next-generation organic semiconductors. Professor Inhwan Lee said, 鈥淭hrough this research, we have enabled the cheap and diverse synthesis of expensive polymers in a single reaction step. We also expect this to contribute to improving the performance of organic electronic devices.鈥� This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea鈥檚 Mid-career Researcher Support Program, the G-LAMP program, the Carbon to X technology development project for producing useful substances, and the Leading Research Center (MRC) program. Image showing the synthesis process of sequence-controlled semiconducting polymers via sequential C鈥揘 coupling reactions