UNIST faculty continue to earn national recognition across a wide spectrum of research—from technologies that replicate human senses to breakthroughs in fundamental physics. These recent honors reflect how research at UNIST is advancing both applied innovation and the frontiers of basic science.

Engineering Human Senses: Professor Hyunhyub Ko Honored with Presidential Commendation

Professor Hyunhyub Ko, Head of the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST, has been awarded a Presidential Commendation at the 2026 Science and Information & Communications Day, recognizing his contributions to bio-inspired electronic systems. 

His research focuses on translating human sensory functions—touch, taste, and hearing—into flexible electronic platforms. His team has developed electronic skin capable of detecting pressure, fine texture, and temperature, along with artificial sensory systems, such as electronic tongues and cochlea-inspired acoustic sensors. They also demonstrated ultrathin, skin-attachable speakers and microphones, expanding possibilities for wearable devices and human–machine interfaces. 

Beyond device innovation, Professor Ko has advanced functional materials inspired by nature, including MXene-based nanochannels and temperature-responsive adhesive systems. 

These technologies are widely seen as enabling components for next-generation applications in wearable healthcare, robotics, immersive AR/VR, and the Internet of Things. 

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AI Meets Fundamental Physics: Professor Rak-Kyeong Seong Wins 2026 Baekcheon Physics Award

Professor Rak-Kyeong Seong has received the 2026 Baekcheon Physics Award from the Korean Physical Society (KPS) in recognition of his contributions to theoretical particle physics. 

He has pioneered the application of machine learning to non-perturbative problems in quantum field theory and string theory—areas traditionally considered analytically intractable. 

His early work on predicting the geometric properties of Calabi–Yau manifolds using AI is regarded as one of the foundational studies introducing machine learning into mathematical physics. 

Professor Seong’s research has also gained international visibility, with invitations to the International String Data Conference hosted by leading institutions including the University of Cambridge, the California Institute of Technology, and Kyoto University. 

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