Korea Toray Science Foundation (Chairman Lee Young-Kwan) selected Professor Jang Young-tae of POSTEC’s Department of Chemistry in the basic field of chemistry and materials and Professor Moon Joo-ho of Yonsei University's Department of advanced materials science and engineering in the application field as winners of the 6th Korea Toray Science and Technology Prize, and each received the prize of 100 million won and plaques.

Professor Jang Young-tae was evaluated for his significant contribution to disease diagnosis and treatment research by identifying target proteins of bioactive molecules in the field of bioorganic chemistry and developing sensors and probes to distinguish living cells using a ‘fluorescence library.’

Professor Moon Joo-ho was recognized for his outstanding achievements by implementing a low-cost, high-efficiency green hydrogen production system based on solar energy devices. This is expected to improve national competitiveness in the energy market by developing source technology for the commercialization of the system and transferring related technology to the industry.

In addition, five young scientists, who are challenging creative research will be selected as recipients of the Korea Toray Fellowship and each will be supported with research funds of 150 million won over the next three years.

Total of five people were awarded for the basic and application fellowships, while adding one more person from the existing fellowship to contribute to improve research environment. Professor Kim Doo-ri of the Department of Chemistry at Hanyang University and Professor Kim Hyun-woo of the Department of Chemistry at POSTECH were awarded for the basic fellowship. For application fellowship, Professor Ku Kang-hee of the Department of energy and chemical engineering at UNIST, Professor Kim Yeon-soo of the Department of advanced materials science and engineering at POSTECH, and Professor Ryu Jae-gun of the Department of chemical and biological engineering at Sogang University were awarded.

At this award ceremony, the Korea Toray Science Foundation plans to hold an academic symposium to present the research results of the six winners and provide an opportunity to share and discuss new ideas including practical approaches in the fields of chemistry and materials, thereby striving for the development of related studies and technology. The awards ceremony will be held on October 25th.

In addition to awarding, Korea Toray Science Foundation is making efforts to foster next-generation talent by sponsoring scholarships to 30 college students in science and engineering every year.