Nanophotonics, the field that studies light at the nanometer scale, lies at the heart of many advanced technologies we use today. By precisely investigating the properties of light in an almost invisible realm, this discipline has steadily expanded the possibilities for future technological advancement.

Professor Sejeong Kim, who has long been engaged in research and teaching in nanophotonics abroad, joined the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Sungkyunkwan University in September 2025, embarking on a new chapter in nanophotonics research. Returning home with a broadened perspective shaped by her experiences in a diverse and stimulating international research environment, Professor Kim now invites us to listen closely to her story.

| You spent many years conducting research and teaching at the University of Melbourne. What led you to return to Korea and join Sungkyunkwan University?

While preparing for a career move at the University of Melbourne, I applied not only to universities in Korea but also to several institutions in the United States. After considering Sungkyunkwan University’s research infrastructure, strong industry collaboration opportunities, and outstanding students, I concluded that it offered an excellent environment for my work as a researcher, which ultimately led to my decision to join SKKU. On a personal note, returning to Suwon—my hometown where I spent my formative years—also held special meaning for me.

| Nanophotonics may sound unfamiliar to general readers. Could you briefly explain nano- and quantum optics?

Light is something we encounter every day and thus feels very familiar, yet how light is being utilized at the forefront of current research may seem less intuitive. In fact, optics has an extremely wide range of applications—it would be difficult to find areas where optical technology is not involved.

My research focuses on using particles of light, or photons, to create various optical devices. Just as modern electronic devices integrate countless electronic components to achieve computing performance, I aim to fabricate optical components using photons and integrate them onto chips to build future computing and communication devices.

| Korea is often recognized as a leader in nanophotonics technology. Based on your overseas experience, what do you see as the unique strengths of Korean research?

There are many strengths in Korea’s research environment, but one particularly notable aspect is the remarkable advancement of research capabilities at domestic universities. Twenty to thirty years ago, it was common for researchers to acquire advanced technologies abroad and return to Korea. Today, however, it is increasingly common for Ph.D. graduates trained domestically to be appointed as professors, demonstrating that Korean universities now stand shoulder to shoulder with leading institutions worldwide.

In addition, Korea’s strong manufacturing infrastructure and the presence of globally competitive semiconductor companies provide an ideal environment for conducting related research. Having lived in Australia—where manufacturing-based industries are relatively limited—I came to fully appreciate the advantages of Korea’s solid production base.

| Is it common for Korean researchers to be appointed as professors at overseas universities? What did that journey mean to you?

While there are certainly Korean professors working abroad today, it is still not very common for those who completed all of their degrees in Korea to be appointed overseas. Building networks and obtaining information related to faculty recruitment were not easy, and it took some time before I secured my first appointment. I spent a total of six years as a postdoctoral researcher.

Looking back, however, every stage of the process was meaningful. Working under three different advisors allowed me to learn the research know-how and lab cultures of multiple groups. As I established my lab at the University of Melbourne and grew into a principal investigator, I also gained insight into the decision-making processes, workplace culture, and values emphasized in Australian universities. Living in two countries and engaging with diverse people broadened my perspective and helped me develop a more flexible way of thinking. I consider this expanded worldview to be one of the most valuable outcomes of my experiences abroad.

▲ Professor Sejeong Kim, during her tenure as President of KASEA (Korean Academy of Scientists and Engineers in Australia), with the former Consul General of Melbourne

| You spent many years conducting research abroad. Did you encounter any particular challenges during that time?

I spent four years as a postdoctoral researcher in Sydney and four and a half years as a faculty member at the University of Melbourne, totaling eight and a half years in Australia. Initially, adapting to cultural and language differences took time, but although challenging, the process was also enjoyable and educational. In particular, my four years as a professor abroad provided invaluable insight into the local academic system and organizational culture in Australia. It was also a rewarding experience that helped me realize the importance of the Korean scientific community while working as a Korean researcher abroad.

▲ During her postdoctoral years at the University of Technology Sydney

| In addition to your research, your writing activities have drawn attention, especially your columns in Science Dong-A. Do you approach writing differently depending on the audience?

Somehow along the way, I found myself expanding beyond academic papers to writing books for a general audience and contributing articles to Science Donga. I don’t consciously draw a sharp distinction in my writing style; rather, I try to write in a way that is accessible to anyone. Since writing is not my primary professional responsibility, I also see it as something that improves with practice, which motivates me to write more often.

I began by writing for a magazine called Iroun Net, and gradually discovered the joy of writing. Science Dong-A was a publication I greatly enjoyed reading when I was young, so it was an honor to contribute to it. Because many of its readers are middle and high school students, I aimed to connect scenes from Netflix series or films with the latest scientific trends, creating content that is both engaging and educational.

| You joined SKKU as a faculty member in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering last September. What goals do you hope to achieve as an educator and researcher?

As an educator, I believe true fulfillment comes from helping students fully realize and expand their potential. I hope to support students as they experience small successes throughout their academic journey, grow into confident individuals, and eventually contribute meaningfully to society. With the graduate students in my lab, I aim to build a research environment where we enjoy working together while also persevering through challenging tasks and sharing the joy of accomplishment. Ultimately, my goal is to help every member of the lab grow into a world-class researcher.

| What kind of space is your lab, and what do you value most when leading it?

I am now just beginning this new chapter at SKKU. Fortunately, many students applied, and I am currently working with seven selected students. What I value most is the growth of every member of the lab, including myself and the graduate students. My role is to ensure that the success of the group aligns with the individual growth of each member.

For the young researchers who spend such a crucial period of their lives—roughly from their mid-20s to mid-30s—in my lab, I hope their graduate experience becomes a foundation that allows them to move forward into the next stage of life with confidence. To achieve this, the lab should function as a sandbox where ideas can be freely shared and tested. I believe such an environment must be created jointly by the advisor and the university.

NOVA Lab Website

| What future do you envision for nanophotonics?

Optical research has the potential to become a powerful key to overcoming the bottlenecks faced by conventional electronic-based technologies. One example is optical neural networks (ONNs), a topic of growing interest in our lab. As artificial intelligence technologies advance rapidly and user demand increases, global tech companies are focusing heavily on data center infrastructure and power supply. To meet this explosive demand, low-power, high-performance AI hardware is essential, and ONNs—which maximize computational efficiency using light—are emerging as a promising solution.

In this way, optical technologies hold the potential to overcome the physical limitations of electronic devices, and I believe they will continue to be actively explored as key technologies for the future.

 * Bottleneck: a phenomenon in which the performance or speed of an entire system is limited by a single component.

| Finally, do you have a message for SKKU students who aspire to become researchers?

It has been only about four months since I returned to Korea, but I have already met many students who say, “I think I might be too old to start now.” This may stem from the strong age-based expectations that exist in Korean society. Pursuing graduate studies and a research career is a path that differs from conventional expectations and is certainly not an easy choice.

However, if you have scientific curiosity and a desire to learn how to solve new problems, I encourage you to explore this path—starting even as an undergraduate research assistant. It may sound clichéd, but the moment you think it is too late is often the best time to begin.

Interview: Jung Suyeon