UNIST announced that Professor Hyunhyub Ko, Head of the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, has been awarded a Presidential Commendation at the commemorative ceremony for the 2026 Science and Information & Communications Day, recognizing his contributions to bio-inspired electronic devices that replicate human sensory functions. 

Professor Ko's research focuses on translating human senses—including touch, taste, and hearing—into flexible electronic systems. His team has developed electronic skin modeled after human fingertips, capable of simultaneously detecting pressure, fine texture, and temperature. This work has been extended to artificial sensory platforms, including electronic tongues that can distinguish complex taste profiles such as astringency, and acoustic sensors inspired by the human cochlea that differentiate sound frequencies. 

The group has also created ultrathin, transparent speakers and microphones that can be applied directly to the skin, opening new possibilities for wearable devices and human–machine interfaces. 

Beyond device development, Professor Ko has advanced functional materials inspired by natural systems. His work includes MXene-based nanochannels that regulate ion transport in response to light, as well as temperature-responsive adhesive systems modeled after octopus suction structures. 

These technologies are widely regarded as enabling components for next-generation applications, including tactile robotics, wearable healthcare systems, immersive virtual and augmented reality, and broader Internet of Things (IoT) and human–machine interface platforms. 

Since joining UNIST in 2010, Professor Ko has published 168 peer-reviewed international journal articles. His work has received more than 21,000 citations, with an h-index of 75, reflecting sustained global research impact. 

“This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our research group,” Professor Ko said. “I am deeply grateful to all members of the lab who have contributed to this work.” 

The award was presented at the 2026 Science and Information & Communications Day, held in Seoul on April 21, 2026. A total of 164 individuals were honored at the event, including 22 recipients of Presidential Commendations in the field of science and technology.