Tech giant recognizes outstanding scientists in Korea
Merck Korea announced the winners of this year’s “Merck Award” and “Merck Young Scientists Award” during the International Meeting of Information Displays (IMID) 2023 on Aug. 24 in Busan.
Prof. Jeong Jae-kyeong of Hanyang University has won the 2023 Merck Award. He is the leading expert who made significant contributions to the mass production of AMOLED products based on oxide semiconductor technology.
The scientist developed the world’s first 12.1-inch WXGA AMOLED notebook driven by oxide TFTs in 2008. He also academically elucidated the origin of electrical reliability degradation, which was one of the most critical issues in implementing oxide TFT technology.
Prof. Jeong has published 194 SCI papers related to oxide semiconductors and has registered 200 international patents. His academic contributions are recognized with over 24,000 citations and an h-index of 60, according to a Scalar Google search.
“It is a tremendous honor for me to receive the prestigious Merck Award, recognized as the highest accolade in the display field,” Prof. Jeong said.
“Moving forward, my dedication remains steadfast in researching future display backplane technologies. By doing so, I aim to ensure the sustained prosperity of our domestic display industry.”
The Merck Young Scientist Award went to Prof. Kwak Jeong-hun of Seoul National University, who is an expert in optoelectronic devices using quantum dots and organic semiconductors for displays.
He has made significant contributions to the development of device structures for high-performance QLEDs and the comprehension of their light-emitting mechanisms.
In 2012, he developed the first inverted QLED structure, which greatly improved the efficiency and lifetime of QLEDs, and the paper reporting it has been cited more than 900 times to date.
“It seemed like a technology of the distant future, but it seems that the day when it will become a reality is not far away. I will continue to do what I can to advance the display technology in Korea,” he said.
Merck Award history & IMID event
The Merck Award, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, is a technical paper award established at the IMID in 2004 by the Korean Information Display Society (KIDS) to commemorate outstanding achievements in the field of display technology.
This year is especially meaningful as it is the 355th anniversary of the founding of Merck and the 135th anniversary of the discovery of liquid crystals.
At IMID 2023, Merck Korea will also hold ‘Merck Science Connect,’ with industry experts in the display field to share valuable insights.
“Displays will be even more embedded in our daily lives than it is today, optimizing spaces and objects. In particular, convergence with other industries will accelerate the creation of new display markets,” said Dr. WooKyu Kim, Managing Director of Merck Korea.
“As the pioneer of innovations in liquid crystals, Merck is driven by curiosity, and our research and development is constantly evolving. At Merck Science Connect, we will share insights into one of the hottest topics in the field: display collaboration with VR and AR.”
Merck Science Connect will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 24, at Room 316~317(Room H), BEXCO in Busan.
Marking its fifth anniversary this year, “Merck Science Connect” will discuss the AR/VR technology process and feasibility in various industries with the theme ‘Go beyond limits in AR/VR.’
Included in the speakers will be Prof. Jeong Jae-kyeong from Hanyang University, Park Jae-hyeung from Inha University, Jerry Kang from Omdia, and Song Dong-mee from Merck Korea.
