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80 faculty members selected as Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers and Elsevier’s World’s Top 2% Scientists Sharing and dissemination of research excellence boost faculty pride and institutional reputation President CHOI Oe-chool: “I am proud that our creative and challenging research achievements have been recognized globally” [January 27, 2026] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) held the 2025 Academic Year Outstanding Research Faculty Award Ceremony on January 23 at the Cheonma Art Center, honoring faculty members whose outstanding research achievements have contributed significantly to enhancing the University’s research competitiveness and global standing. <President CHOI Oe-chool presents an Award of Merit to an outstanding research faculty member.> The ceremony was organized to recognize outstanding researchers, foster faculty pride, and strengthen the University’s overall research capacity through the sharing and dissemination of exemplary research outcomes.Award recipients were selected based on internationally recognized and authoritative researcher evaluation results. Among the honorees were Professors LEE Yong-rok (School of Chemical Engineering), CHOI In-ho (Department of Biomedical Engineering), SUMANTA Sahoo (School of Chemical Engineering), and RAJACHUDAN (School of Chemical Engineering), who were named Highly Cited Researchers (HCR) in the 2025 list released by Clarivate Plc. In addition, faculty members selected as World’s Top 2% Scientists (2025) by Elsevier were also included, bringing the total number of award recipients to 80. <Professors selected as Highly Cited Researchers (from left): RAJACHUDAN, SUMANTA Sahoo, CHOI In-ho, and LEE Yong-rok.> In his congratulatory remarks, President CHOI stated, “In an era marked by unprecedentedly rapid technological change—driven by artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced materials, and biotechnology—the competitiveness of a university ultimately stems from research. I am extremely proud of our faculty members who have been recognized as outstanding researchers through globally respected evaluations.” He added, “Your dedication and willingness to take on challenges are shaping both the present and future of Yeungnam University. We will continue to expand research infrastructure and strengthen administrative and financial support so that our researchers can fully devote themselves to creative and challenging research endeavors.” YU has continued to secure major government- and local government-funded initiatives, expanding strategic investments aimed at nurturing talent and strengthening research capacity in next-generation growth sectors. These investments have translated into qualitative advancements across education and research, yielding tangible results in major domestic and international university rankings. Backed by sustained strategic public funding, YU has steadily enhanced its research capabilities, achieving notable distinctions such as Top 5 nationwide for two consecutive years in the Leiden Ranking, joint 15th place domestically in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, No. 1 among regional private universities in the 2025 INUE–Hankyung University Evaluation, 3rd nationwide in SCI publications per faculty member, and entry into the global top tier of the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). Building on these accumulated research achievements, YU aims to further advance as a world-class research-oriented university.
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Recognition for in silico- and AI-based development of food-grade materials for cultivated meat culture media Next-generation culture medium technology ensures human safety and cost competitiveness, demonstrating strong commercialization potential Professor CHOI In-ho continues momentum following selection as a “2025 Highly Cited Researcher” [February 3, 2026] <Professor CHOI In-ho of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Yeungnam University (Director, Cell Culture Research Institute)> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that the research team led by Professor CHOI In-ho of the Department of Biomedical Engineering (Director, Cell Culture Research Institute) has been selected in the Life and Marine Sciences category of the “2025 National R&D Top 100 Achievements,” an honor awarded by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT). Professor CHOI’s team attended the 2025 National R&D Top 100 Achievements Award Ceremony, held on January 30 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, where they received an official certificate and commemorative plaque presented in the name of the Minister of Science and ICT. The National R&D Top 100 Achievements program annually selects and honors the top 100 projects from approximately 70,000 government-funded national R&D projects, following a comprehensive evaluation of excellence and societal and industrial impact. Around 1,000 projects recommended by relevant ministries undergo a rigorous review process before final selection.Launched in 2006, the program has become the government’s flagship initiative for recognizing outstanding research achievements and enhancing researchers’ professional pride. The selected research was highly praised for addressing one of the key barriers to the commercialization of the cultivated meat industry—the high cost of cell culture media—through the development of culture media formulations based on food-grade materials. Using proprietary in silico and artificial intelligence (AI)-based analytical platforms, Professor CHOI’s team identified natural compound-based media additives capable of significantly improving culture efficiency. The research outcomes have been published in international academic journals, secured related patents, and successfully transferred to industry, demonstrating strong commercialization viability.The project was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and carried out through an industry–academia–research collaboration led by Professor CHOI In-ho, with participation from Professor HUH Sun-jin (Chung-Ang University), HAN Ki-soo, CEO of Neo Crema Co., Ltd., Dr. MOON Ik-jae of T-Ribose Co., Ltd., and Professor KIM Ji-hoe of Yeungnam University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering. The collaborative framework underscores the project’s significance as a successful model of cross-sector innovation. Professor CHOI commented, “Following my selection as one of Elsevier and Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists (2025) and Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers (2025), it is especially meaningful to be recognized among the National R&D Top 100 Achievements.” He added, “This accomplishment is the result of the collective efforts of all participating researchers and industry partners. Moving forward, I will continue striving to link fundamental research with industry applications to contribute to the advancement of regional communities and the national bioindustry.”
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Forum held to review and share first-year outcomes of Phase 3 of the University Innovation Support Program Innovative cases and participating students’ experiences in education, research, and student support shared Keynote address explores trends in academic data- and AI-based educational innovation [February 9, 2026] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) held the “2025 University Innovation Support Program Innovation Outcomes Dissemination Forum” on February 5 at the Lee Si-won Global Convention Hall of the Cheonma Arts Center, providing a platform to share the first-year outcomes of Phase 3 of the University Innovation Support Program. The forum was organized to review major achievements in the areas of education, research, and student support promoted through the University Innovation Support Program and to disseminate best practices both within and beyond the university. Approximately 70 participants, including LEE Byeong-jun, Vice President for Educational Innovation at Yeungnam University, LEE Hee-yong, Director of the University Innovation Support Program, internal university members, and external stakeholders, attended the event. The forum was also live-streamed on YouTube, enabling university officials nationwide to engage with and share the outcomes. During the forum, JUNG Kwang-hoon, Director at the Korea Education and Research Information Service (KERIS), delivered a keynote address titled “Trends in Academic Data Services for Researcher Support.” His presentation drew strong interest as he highlighted changes in research support environments driven by academic data and outlined strategic responses universities should adopt going forward. Subsequent innovation outcome case presentations showcased concrete examples of educational innovation initiatives currently being implemented at Yeungnam University, including: ▲Operation of an AI Smart Education Innovation Platform (Smart Education Content Team) ▲Customized student counseling support for adaptation and growth (Student Counseling Center) ▲Implementation of an advanced integrated management system for student success-oriented extracurricular programs (Center for Educational Innovation) ▲Outcomes of AI-based teaching and learning innovation programs (Center for Teaching and Learning Development) A student case-sharing session further enriched the forum, with students who had directly participated in the University Innovation Support Program taking the stage to share their experiences and outcomes.Presentations such as “YU&EYE: Connecting the University and Students, and Students with One Another” and “Standing at the Threshold of Our Majors: Finding Answers through the University Innovation Support Program” vividly conveyed the program’s on-the-ground impact and tangible benefits, receiving enthusiastic responses from attendees. LEE Hee-yong, Director of the University Innovation Support Program, commented, “This Innovation Outcomes Dissemination Forum provided a meaningful opportunity to jointly review the direction of Yeungnam University’s innovation efforts and the changes occurring in practice,” adding, “We will continue to pursue innovation across education, research, and student support to further strengthen the university’s overall competitiveness.”
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Professor KWON Sung-jin’s research team wins both the Grand Prize and the AI Innovation Award AI-based detection of road blind-spot hazards demonstrates strong capacity for solving real-world social problems Consecutive wins in the Idea and Solution categories highlight both technical excellence and public value [January 28, 2026] <Professor KWON Sung-jin’s research team from Yeungnam University, winner of two major awards at the KEIT AI Life Challenge> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that a research team led by Professor KWON Sung-jin of the Department of Future Automotive Engineering captured two major awards at the “AI Life Challenge,” hosted by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KEIT). The team won the Grand Prize in the AI Life Idea category and the AI Innovation Award in the AI Life Solution category. The AI Life Challenge is a nationwide, citizen-participatory AI innovation program designed to identify AI-based solutions to everyday social problems proposed by the public. The competition was conducted over approximately 100 days, from September to December of last year, progressing step by step from idea development to the actual implementation of AI technologies. At the competition, Professor Kwon’s team presented a project titled “AI-Based Detection and Alert Service for Road Blind-Spot Hazards.” The project received high evaluations for its practicality and social impact. The technology analyzes road CCTV footage and in-vehicle dashcam video using AI models to detect hazards—such as potholes and fallen objects—located in blind spots outside the visual range of drivers and pedestrians. The system then accurately extracts the geographical coordinates of detected hazards and delivers real-time accident-prevention alerts by linking with vehicle and smartphone navigation systems. Led by Professor KWON, the research team consisted of LEE Je-ho, CHA Jun-hyung (third-year), SEO Min-gwon (second-year) from the Department of Future Automotive Engineering, and KIM Seol-bin (fourth-year) from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The team first received the Grand Prize in the Idea category for its strong social ripple effect and feasibility, and subsequently secured the AI Innovation Award in the Solution category by successfully implementing the AI technology—demonstrating excellence in both conceptual design and technical execution. Professor KWON commented, “This achievement is particularly meaningful in that the students were able to connect AI and mobility technologies developed through coursework and research to the resolution of real social issues,” adding, “The experience of independently defining on-site problems and realizing solutions through technology will serve as a valuable asset in the students’ future growth.” Meanwhile, this achievement represents the culmination of research and educational activities supported by Yeungnam University’s Regional Innovation System & Education (RISE) Project. Moving forward, the university plans to continue producing practice-oriented talent and technology-driven solutions to social challenges through the RISE project’s Autonomous Mobility Demonstration Innovation Lab, in close alignment with regional and industrial needs.
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CES Innovation Award–winning startups demonstrate global technological competitiveness Hands-on exposure to future industries deepens academic strengths and provides practical opportunities for cultivating global talent President CHOI Oe-chool strengthens cooperation networks through an MOU with the LA Korean American Chamber of Commerce and special lectures for U.S.-based alumni [January 15, 2025] <Visitors touring Yeungnam University’s booth at CES 2026> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) has reaffirmed its global technological competitiveness at CES 2026, the world’s largest IT and consumer electronics exhibition held recently in Las Vegas, while accelerating the expansion of its global network through strengthened cooperation with alumni and institutions across the Americas. <YU delegation visiting the booth of HUMANICS, a YU faculty-founded startup> At CES 2026, startups that have grown through YU’s industry–academic cooperation ecosystem showcased their technologies on the global stage.DeepFusion AI, a YU industry–academia collaborative startup, drew international attention by winning the Highest Innovation Award at CES 2026 for its autonomous driving technology based on 4D imaging radar. In addition, HUMANICS, an AI healthcare and fitness robotics company founded by Prof. CHOI Jeong-soo of Department of Robotics Engineering, won a CES Innovation Award for the second consecutive year, emerging as a representative success story of faculty entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and global market entry. These achievements highlight YU’s full-cycle industry–academia cooperation system, in which outstanding research capabilities are effectively translated into market-ready innovations. <YU delegation visiting the YU booth operated by the RLRC> YU’s research and educational presence was also prominent at CES 2026.The Regional Leading Research Center (RLRC) for Blue Technologies in Autonomous Vehicle Parts and Materials operated an independent booth, introducing global industry and research leaders to its achievements in passive material technologies, active component technologies, and driving environment recognition and control technologies for autonomous vehicles, while exploring opportunities for international collaboration. In particular, YU enhanced the educational value of the CES visit by dispatching a large-scale delegation of faculty and students.More than 40 participants, including members from the Software-Centered University Project Group, the RISE Future Aut omotive Innovation Parts Project Group, the Leading Research Center for Multimodal Untact Sensing for Lifelogging, and the SME Joint Research Support Program Group, attended the exhibition. Through first-hand exposure to cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence, robotics, mobility, and digital healthcare, participants benchmarked global best practices and reflected on how universities should adapt their educational content and teaching methods in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.The visit reaffirmed that, even in an era defined by AI and robotics, university education must ultimately remain people-centered, nurturing warm, ethical, and socially responsible talent alongside advanced technical expertise. <Special lecture and alumni night event with the US General Alumni Association> <President CHOI Oe-chool delivering a special lecture to U.S.-based alumni> An alumni gathering held in conjunction with the CES visit underscored the strength of YU’s global alumni network. Approximately 60 alumni, including LEE Don, President of the US General Alumni Association, joined President CHOI and university officials for an LA Alumni Night, fostering deeper exchange and solidarity among alumni.In his special lecture, President CHOI shared YU’s recent achievements, including strong performances in university evaluations and rising admissions competitiveness, and outlined the university’s strategies for educational and research innovation and enhanced student support. He emphasized YU’s sustainable growth model, in which the university, alumni, local communities, and industries grow together, highlighting YU’s vision of becoming a globally recognized private university. <LEE Don, President of the US General Alumni Association, delivering a welcome address> LEE Don (Architecture, Class of ’73) stated, “We sincerely welcome President CHOI’s visit to Los Angeles. The positive developments at our alma mater are truly encouraging and meaningful to alumni abroad.” He added that alumni across the Americas would continue to actively support YU’s growth. YU’s U.S.-based alumni have collectively donated over KRW 5 billion in scholarships, providing strong support for students’ academic pursuits and global engagement. This robust global alumni network serves as a key foundation for YU’s efforts to cultivate world-class talent. <YU signs an MOU with the LA Korean American Chamber of Commerce (from the middle left: JUNG Sang-bong, President of the LAKACC; President CHOI Oe-chool)> YU also achieved a significant milestone in expanding its global industry–academia cooperation network by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the LA Korean American Chamber of Commerce (LAKACC), led by President JUNG Sang-bong. The agreement establishes a strategic platform for expanding Korea–U.S. cooperation in education and industry.Under the MOU, the two organizations agreed to collaborate on ▲education and talent exchange ▲joint career development and internship programs for students and young professionals ▲exchange and cooperation between Korean and U.S. companies and institutions ▲joint promotion and network-building activities ▲mutual support for events and key initiatives. President CHOI commented, “CES 2026 provided a valuable opportunity to confirm how Yeungnam University’s achievements in industry–academia cooperation, research, education, and entrepreneurship are being evaluated and can expand on the global stage.” He added, “When our startups’ innovation, students’ vivid global experiences, and cooperation with overseas institutions and alumni are organically connected, the university’s competitiveness is maximized.” He concluded, “YU will continue to expand opportunities for faculty and students to gain global perspectives and experiences through internships and participation in international exhibitions.Through global industry–academia cooperation and educational innovation, we will remain committed to cultivating talent that meets the demands of the times and contributes to the shared prosperity of humanity.”
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Stronger in times of challenge: All 20 examinees pass through robust and well-structured medical education A testament to the educational competitiveness of YU College of Medicine and its role in cultivating future physicians Demonstrates the strength of a prestigious medical school through educational normalization and enhanced customized training [January 22, 2026] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that all 20 examinees from its College of Medicine passed the 90th National Medical Licensing Examination, achieving a 100% pass rate, according to results released by the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute. This year’s examination was conducted amid a significant nationwide decline in the number of examinees. A total of 1,078 candidates took the exam, of whom 818 passed, marking a notable decrease in both examinees and successful candidates compared to previous years. Despite this challenging environment, YU College of Medicine distinguished itself by recording a perfect pass rate, once again demonstrating the strength and substance of its medical education. YU College of Medicine has remained focused on maintaining academic stability and educational quality, even under difficult circumstances. The university attributes this achievement to its systematic, customized education framework, including courses designed to strengthen clinical competence, intensive training programs, and student-centered learning support, all of which have consistently enhanced students’ preparedness for the national licensing examination. President CHOI stated, “This 100% pass rate in the National Medical Licensing Examination is a truly meaningful achievement made possible by the dedication of our students, who remained fully committed to their studies despite challenging conditions, the faculty members who devoted themselves to education in the field, and all members of the university who worked together to normalize academic operations.” He added, “YU will continue to support our students so that they may grow into professional medical practitioners who contribute to humanity, grounded in a systematic and high-quality medical education.” Meanwhile, YU College of Medicine is accelerating its efforts to cultivate future-oriented medical professionals capable of responding proactively to a rapidly changing healthcare environment, through continuous curriculum improvement and the strengthening of clinical education.
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YU launches a new chapter of university innovation based on ESG standards Declaration of a value-chain ESG university encompassing education, research, operations, and social contribution University-wide solidarity consolidates commitment to ESG implementation, advancing a sustainable management system [January 23, 2026] <YU officially declared its university-wide ESG management vision at the “YU-ESG Management Vision Declaration Ceremony.”> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) officially declared its ESG management vision on the afternoon of January 22 at the Lee Si-won Global Convention Hall, Cheonma Art Center, during the “YU-ESG Management Vision Declaration Ceremony.” The ceremony was organized to establish ESG management as a core operational philosophy of the university and to share this vision with university members and the local community, thereby laying a foundation for action-oriented ESG implementation. The event was attended by approximately 60 participants, including HAN Jae-sook (Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation), President CHOI Oe-chool, JUNG Tae-il (former President of the YU Alumni Association and Chairman of Korea OSG), LEE Sang-gil (Executive Vice President of the Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry), CHOI Sang-soo (Executive Vice President of iM Bank’s Institutional Banking Group), along with university executives, faculty, staff, student representatives, alumni, and key regional figures. Participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to realizing the YU-ESG management vision. <From left: JUNG Jin-young (Head-of the YU Office of Social Contribution) ; CHOI Sang-soo ( Executive Vice President of iM Bank’s Institutional Banking Group); LEE Sang-gil ( Executive Vice President of the Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry); JUNG Tae-il (former President of the Yeungnam University Alumni Association and Chairman of Korea OSG); President CHOI Oe-chool; HAN Jae-sook (Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation); SHIM Chang-seop (President of the YU Student Council); LEE Dong-hyung (Chair of the YU Faculty Council); and PARK Young-bong, (Chair of the YU Staff Labor Union)> This declaration ceremony served as an opportunity to officially introduce YU’s distinctive ESG brand both internally and externally, translating global sustainability discourse into a concrete core slogan for university governance. YU presented its ESG vision as a commitment to building “a safer and happier world”—one that respects the planet’s ecological boundaries while ensuring that all members are guaranteed a solid social foundation. The university made clear its intention to move beyond symbolic declarations by embedding ESG as practical, applicable standards across all aspects of university operations. ESG is positioned not as an external evaluation tool, but as YU’s overarching management philosophy, guiding every decision-making and operational process. Furthermore, YU proposed a “value-chain ESG university model” that integrates its unique asset—the global sharing of K-Spirit—into the ESG value chain, alongside education, research, organizational structure, and operations. Through this model, all educational and research activities, administrative operations, and external partnerships are organically connected under the ESG philosophy, enabling university-level practices to expand their impact from the local community to the global stage. This ESG management framework will serve as a fundamental operating principle across education, research, governance and operations, social contribution, and global cooperation. <President CHOI Oe-chool delivers a commemorative address at the “YU-ESG Management Vision Declaration Ceremony.”> During the ceremony, the process and objectives behind the establishment of the YU-ESG management vision were shared. Participants viewed award-winning entries from a student-produced ESG practice video contest, reflecting on the true value and meaning of ESG practices in everyday life. This was followed by the official reading of the YU-ESG Management Vision Declaration, culminating in a collective vision announcement involving the chairperson, president, and representatives of faculty, staff, and students, thereby formally institutionalizing ESG management at YU. In addition, YU designated the day of the declaration as “YU-ESG Global Donut Day”, hosting participatory events across campus to raise ESG awareness. Inspired by the concept of Doughnut Economics, the program served as a symbolic initiative unique to YU, conveying the meaning of ESG and sustainability in an approachable and engaging manner. Through the distribution of ESG-themed donuts and SNS participation events, the university encouraged voluntary engagement, creating momentum for integrating ESG as a shared, everyday practice within the campus community. <HONG Young-eun, Director of the ESG Innovation Center, presents the development process of the YU-ESG management vision.> President CHOI stated, “Today, we stand together to reaffirm the new roles and responsibilities of Yeungnam University upon the noble values the university has long upheld.” He continued, “Amid challenges such as AI advancement, climate crisis, polarization, and rapidly changing technological environments, YU seeks to clearly present its direction through its own ESG management philosophy.” He added, “This is a practical declaration to apply the values of K-Spirit, rooted in the founding philosophy and the spirit of Hongik Ingan—benefiting humanity at large—across education, research, administration, and social contribution.” President CHOI emphasized, “Starting with this vision declaration, YU will strive to become a model university that fosters a safer and happier world for local communities and the global society through ESG practices embraced and implemented by all members.”
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Selective eradication of cancer cells through intracellular ion concentration regulation without damaging healthy cells NRF-supported achievement demonstrates YU research team’s world-class bio-technology capabilities Research findings published in the prestigious international journal Nature Communications [January 22, 2025] <From left: NGUYEN Bao Loc, researcher at the College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University; Professor KIM Jong-oh; and Professor KIM Jeong-hwan.> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that a research team led by Professors KIM Jong-oh and KIM Jeong-hwan of the College of Pharmacy has developed an innovative nanotechnology-based immuno-oncological therapeutic strategy that selectively eliminates cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. The research team focused on disrupting mechanisms related to calcium ion homeostasis, which plays a critical role in cell survival, to induce cancer cell death.Previous studies demonstrated that elevating sodium ion concentrations in conjunction with calcium ions could effectively trigger cancer cell apoptosis; however, the high solubility of sodium ions posed significant limitations in developing clinically injectable therapeutic agents. To overcome these challenges, the team designed a novel nanoparticle platform that responds exclusively within the tumor microenvironment, enabling the simultaneous release of calcium and sodium ions while minimizing effects on normal tissues following systemic administration. Once the nanoparticles circulate through the bloodstream and selectively activate within tumor tissue, they induce intracellular ionic imbalance in cancer cells, triggering self-directed cancer cell death. Notably, the newly developed technology extends beyond direct cancer cell eradication by activating the body’s immune system, thereby amplifying anti-cancer efficacy. The researchers confirmed that the localized delivery of calcium and sodium ions within tumors enhances the anti-tumor activity of immune cells, presenting a new strategy to improve the effectiveness of existing immuno-oncological therapies. The research team stated, “This study demonstrates that a novel ion-regulation approach can simultaneously enhance the selectivity and safety of cancer treatment,” adding, “It holds strong potential for development into a next-generation nano-based anticancer therapy in combination with immunotherapy.” This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) under the Basic Science Research Program, including grants for Global Leader Research, Biomedical Technology Development, Outstanding Young Researchers, and Leading Research Center programs.The findings were published in the latest online issue of the globally renowned scientific journal Nature Communications under the title “Binary mineral nanoparticles enable intravascular delivery of metal ions to tumors for metalloimmunotherapy.”
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4,822 applicants for 808 slots; Biomedical Engineering tops the list at 14.2:1 Strong competition seen in Human Services, Education, and Environmental Engineering YU’s commitment to strengthening youth competencies earns strong recognition [December 31, 2025] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that as of 6:00 p.m. on December 31, the application period for 2026 regular admissions had closed with 4,822 applicants competing for 808 on-quota seats, resulting in an average competition rate of 5.97:1.This marks the highest competition rate on record, surpassing last year’s rate of 5.28:1 (4,508 applicants for 854 seats), with increases seen in both the number of applicants and the overall ratio. Under the General Student Track, the Department of Biomedical Engineering recorded the highest competition rate at 14.2:1, followed by the Department of Human Services (10.75:1), Department of Education (10.4:1), Department of Environmental Engineering (9.86:1), Department of Horticultural Life Science (9.71:1), French Language and Literature Major, School of European Languages and Cultures (9.6:1), School of Global Education (9.0:1), Department of Forest Resources (8.83:1), German Language and Culture Major, School of European Languages and Cultures (8.67:1), Department of Statistics (8.63:1), and Department of Mathematics (8.5:1), all showing notably high competition rates. President CHOI Oe-chool of YU stated, “Following a 100% freshman enrollment rate for the 2025 academic year and a 99% registration rate among successful applicants in the recent 2026 early admissions cycle, achieving the highest competition rate ever in regular admissions indicates that applicants and parents continue to place trust and confidence in YU’s sustained efforts to enhance student competencies, even amid a challenging admissions environment.” He added, “In particular, securing the largest-scale funding in the region through the RISE project and being selected for various financial support programs that provide strong backing for student capacity building have also served as important factors in students choosing YU.” He continued, “Going forward, we will continue to meet the expectations of students and parents by nurturing talent capable of leading the era of advanced industries such as AI and robotics, further strengthening YU’s differentiated educational competitiveness, and dedicating ourselves to cultivating individuals who contribute to making Korea a more refined nation and to the advancement of human society.” Meanwhile, YU will conduct practical skills tests for applicants in the arts and physical education tracks on a scheduled basis: January 20 (Tue) for Group “Na” (School of Physical Education, Department of Visual Communication Design, Department of Industrial Design, and Department of Living Product Design), and January 21 (Wed) for Group “Da” (Department of Special Physical Education). Final admission results will be announced on February 2, 2026 (Mon).
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December 4: Free health checkups provided to 100 undergraduate, graduate, exchange, and language program students at the Health Care Center University–hospital cooperative system established to protect international students’ right to health Strengthening comprehensive academic and living support systems for international students [2025-12-17] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) conducted free health checkups for 100 international students on December 4 at the on-campus Health Care Center. The program was organized in collaboration with Yeungnam University Medical Center to support international students in maintaining a healthy and stable study-abroad experience. A total of 100 international students participated in the checkups, including undergraduate students, general graduate students, Park Chung Hee School of Saemaul graduate students, exchange students, and Korean language program students enrolled in various academic tracks at YU. The initiative has drawn attention as a rare case in which a university independently provides free health checkups for international students. The program is particularly meaningful in that it expands customized welfare support for international students, encompassing not only academics but also their overall daily life and well-being. YU plans to continue supporting a healthy and safe learning environment for international students by improving access to medical services on campus and creating conditions that allow students to focus fully on their studies. Through these efforts, the university is strengthening the foundation for cultivating global talent. LEE Chun-young, Director of International Affairs at YU, stated, “Yeungnam University is committed to providing a healthy and stable study-abroad environment for international students of diverse nationalities. We will continue to further strengthen our support systems so that students can feel secure and concentrate on their academic pursuits on campus.” Meanwhile, the Office of International Affairs at YU operates a wide range of support programs to ensure a stable study-abroad experience for international students. These include: ▲ dedicated counseling and living support programs for international students; ▲ regular and special courses at the Korean Language Institute designed to improve Korean proficiency at each level; ▲ mentoring and tutoring programs to assist with daily adjustment; ▲ the ‘YU Global Festival’ and various cultural experience programs to promote multicultural exchange; ▲ scholarship and academic achievement support systems; and ▲ professional visa and immigration administrative services. Through this comprehensive service framework, YU helps international students adapt smoothly to both academic life and daily living in Korea.
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