SKKU Appoints Professor Nam-Gyu Park as 

Korea’s First Distinguished University Professor

SKKU has appointed Professor Nam-Gyu Park (School of Chemical Engineering) as its first Distinguished University Professor, a title that symbolizes the highest academic authority and honor at the University.

Professor Nam-Gyu Park is a world-renowned scholar who transformed the paradigm of solar energy by developing the world’s first high-efficiency perovskite solar cell. In recognition of his contributions, which have elevated SKKU’s academic standing to a global level, he has been selected as a Highly Cited Researcher (HCR)—ranking among the top 1% of researchers worldwide—for nine consecutive years, received the ENI Award and the National Scientist and Technologist Award of Korea, and has been mentioned as a Nobel Prize candidate.

On Tuesday, February 24, SKKU held the event titled “The Future of Sungkyun: In the Company of Great Scholars” at the Chobyungdoo International Hall of the 600th Anniversary Hall to honor outstanding faculty members who serve as a driving force behind the University’s development. The event paid tribute to distinguished scholars with exceptional academic achievements and reinforced the University’s research competitiveness.

Through a commemorative inscription presented to Professor Nam-Gyu Park bearing the phrase, “Illuminating the future of humanity, reaching the pinnacle of wisdom at SKKU,” the University expressed its deep respect for his dedication and contributions.

Distinguished University Professor Nam-Gyu Park remarked, “I can feel that SKKU’s global standing is approaching its peak, as evidenced by its recent entry into 40th place in the medical field in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. I believe that the title of Distinguished University Professor is not a period marking past achievements, but rather a signal flare announcing the beginning of a new journey toward SKKU’s leap into the ranks of the world’s leading universities.” His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

President Ji Beom Yoo stated, “Professor Nam-Gyu Park’s passion and dedication, which have shaped SKKU’s present and set a direction for its future, will serve as a cornerstone for the University’s path ahead.” He further emphasized, “As the appointment of the first Distinguished University Professor symbolizes the pride of our academic community, we will extend the highest honor and tribute so that his legacy may remain an enduring inspiration to all members of SKKU.”