The Gyeongam Education and Culture Foundation announced on September 15, 2026, the selection of four recipients for the 22nd Gyeongam Prize: Professor Zhang Haseok from the University of Cambridge, Professor Park Nam-kyu from Sungkyunkwan University, Associate Professor Noh Seong-hoon from Seoul National University, and Professor Kim Sang-wook from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).
Professor Zhang, the recipient in the humanities and social sciences category, is recognized for pioneering 'action-oriented realism,' a perspective that views scientific knowledge not merely as information but as a capacity for action. His book, 'Inventing Temperature,' offers a rational and philosophical understanding of science and technology, and he has received the prestigious Lakatos Award in the global philosophy of science community.
In the natural sciences category, Professor Park is acknowledged for developing the world's first 'long-term stable solid-state perovskite solar cells.' By utilizing inorganic-organic halide perovskites as solid light absorbers, he has overcome the limitations of traditional liquid electrolyte solar cells, presenting a new paradigm in next-generation renewable energy research.
Associate Professor Noh, awarded in the life sciences category, has developed unique technologies and analytical methods to observe how proteins are produced, acquire proper shapes, and function within cells. His research findings have been published in leading journals such as Nature, Cell, and Science, and are expected to contribute to understanding the causes of cancer and degenerative brain diseases, as well as new drug development.
Professor Kim, recognized in the engineering category, has pioneered the field of 'molecular assembly of nanomaterials,' academically establishing it and expanding its industrial applicability. He has applied polymer nanomaterial self-assembly technology to next-generation semiconductor processes and commercialized graphene technology through startups. He has also developed graphene-based artificial muscles and single-atom catalyst technology.
This year's recipients were selected from 55 candidates recommended by university presidents, deans, and leaders of major academic societies. The selection process involved two rounds of evaluations by a panel of experts and final deliberations by the Gyeongam Prize Committee. Each recipient will receive a cash prize of 300 million won and a plaque.
The award ceremony is scheduled for November 6 at the Gyeongam Hall in Seomyeon, Busan. The Gyeongam Prize is an academic award established in 2004 by the late Song Geum-jo, who donated his estate to create the Gyeongam Education and Culture Foundation, marking its 22nd year since the first awards were presented in 2005.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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