EWHA WOMANS UNIVERSITY | Research

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EUICF Chosen for MSIT’s I-Corps for Laboratory Business Startups

EUICF Chosen for MSIT’s I-Corps for Laboratory Business Startups The Ewha University-Industry Collaboration Foundation (EUICF, President Lee Hyang-sook) has been chosen as a new member of I-Corps for Laboratory Business Creation, which will run the supporting project for the exploration of market-linked business startups (hereinafter “Korean-style I-Corps”) based on public technologies with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT). The Innovation Corps, comprised of total seven universities—Ewha Womans University, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan University, KAIST, GIST, POSTECH, UNIST—will identify around 90 startup teams and collaborate with educational institutions for market identification, development of startup items through hands-on training and real-time mentoring for five years (two years + three years) with the average annual fund of KRW 1.2 billion for a maximum total of KRW 6 billion. The Korean I-Corps is a MSIT project that has been operated since 2015, benchmarking the existing I-Corps program under the National Science Foundation (NFS) in the United States and customizing it for the Korean environment in cooperation with the NSF. It is an educational program for innovative business startups, where aspiring startup teams belonging to each I-Corps interview 100 potential customers within and outside of Korea to verify the validity of their business models, and based on the responses, the project provides support to modify and pivot each business item. Newly chosen for the project for the first time this year, Ewha has established its own Innovation Corps for Business Startups (overseen by Lee Hyung-june, Director of the Business Incubator) and will operate programs specialized for women, such as a mentor group comprised of female start-up experts, education for technology startups, phased commercialization support, and a female technology forum for business startups to transfer the experience of starting businesses and knowhow specialized for women with a vision and objective to identify innovative female entrepreneurs and build relevant systems through the CORE system. co-working place at University-Industry Cooperation Building Furthermore, Ewha provides various business startup spaces and co-working spaces to aspiring business startups teams and support research outcomes in academic laboratories to be transformed for market commercialization as soon as possible, which will ultimately lead to creating quality jobs, forming new markets, and contributing to innovative growth. President Lee Hyang-sook of the EUICF remarked that the foundation will “support Ewha Womans University, which already possesses a solid foundation for research in science and engineering across the board, to grow into the control tower for laboratory business creation through the Korean I-Corps Project and furthermore achieve optimal performance as a pioneering institution for global female business startups.” She also added that she looks forward to the participation of Korea’s many female graduate students and researchers who possess promising technologies.
- No.81
- Writer
- Date2021.05.10
- Views961
80
A Team of Researchers Led by Prof. Kim Su-young Publishes a Paper in the World-Renowned SSCI Journal Structural Equation

A Team of Researchers Led by Prof. Kim Su-young Publishes a Paper in the World-Renowned SSCI Journal Structural Equation Modeling Prof. Kim Su-young (psychology, corresponding author) and his teaching student Jeon Min-jeong (lead author) have explained issues regarding estimation accuracy and scaling-related interpretation of the second-order latent growth model through a paper titled Performance of Second-Order Latent Growth Model Under Partial Longitudinal Measurement Invariance: A Comparison of Two Scaling Approaches. These factors had remained unexplained under social science research methodologies due to their complexity. The paper was published in Structural Equation Modeling, an internationally renowned SSCI academic journal in the field of social science research methodologies including psychology, sociology, and education that has been ranked first place on four occasions over the last decade in the fields of Social Sciences and Mathematical Methods as the most frequently cited journal. A core aspect of social science research is collecting longitudinal data across various points to explain causal relationships that cannot be explained with cross-sectional data and changes in the target variable over time. The latent growth model, frequently adapted for this purpose, is an excellent statistical model using the framework of a structural equation model when analyzing changing patterns over time, which has been widely used in academic fields such as psychology, education, nursing science, and business administration. However, it entails a downside that, in the research of human psychology, it is inevitable for measurement errors to occur and these errors cannot be controlled. On the other hand, the second-order latent growth model allows researchers to control measurement errors that arise during the psychological measurement process of longitudinal data, gaining significant attention in various fields where a psychological construct is applied. Nevertheless, despite these benefits, the scaling of the second-order latent growth model has not yet been fully investigated. Against this backdrop, the latest research revealed which method, out of the method of using long-applied marker variables or the newly-emerging method of effects coding, leads researchers to a more accurate estimate and connotes higher potential for meaningful interpretations through formula expansion and computer simulation. A team of researchers at Ewha adopted a simulation method that created virtual longitudinal data with programming and conducted model estimations using both the marker variables and effects coding methods before comparing the margins of error. Consequently, it was found that the two methods each showed advantages in their respective areas, but in general, the newer method of effects coding provided more accurate data in a realistic data collection environment and was proven to be a scaling method with a lower probability of errors. Considering the majority of published dissertations using the second-order longitudinal measurement model are based on marker variables, Prof. Kim and his research team’s paper is the first study that has proven the superiority of the effects coding method. Prof. Kim stated that “Our research outcomes will provide researchers who are planning to analyze longitudinal data by using the second-order longitudinal measurement model and interpret their outcomes with meaningful guidelines and I expect that both domestic and international research methods of longitudinal data will take a leap forward in the future.”
- No.79
- Writer
- Date2021.05.07
- Views1661
78
Prof. Lee Hyang-woon at the College of Medicine Publishes Research in Neuroimage, a World-leading Journal

Prof. Lee Hyang-woon at the College of Medicine Publishes Research in Neuroimage, a World-leading Journal Professor Lee Hyang-woon (Medicine) published her research in the April issue of Neuroimage, world-renowned journal in the field of brain mapping (rated first place in neuroimaging). The outcome of her research carries significance as a meaning achievement that lays the foundation for various international activities to resolve the issue of the marginalization of women and minorities in science and engineering and to embrace diversity and inclusiveness in the academic environment in collaboration with brain science researchers across the world. Over the past five years, Prof. Lee Hyang-woon has served as a special member of the Inclusivity & Diversity Committee (DIC) under the Organization of Human Brain Mapping (OHBM). The OHBM was founded in 1955 with the participation of researchers around the world to improve the anatomical and functional understanding of human brains as an area of neuroscience that is taking center stage in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The committee contributes to brain science, an uncharted domain of science and a blue ocean sector for the future, through the study of “brain function mapping”, which maps the operating method of each part of the brain using cutting-edge imaging technology. Prof. Lee has been engaged in enhancing inclusivity and diversity within the organization and promoting scientific advancements and various cooperative opportunities through the activities of OHBM DIC. These activities have led to meaningful outcomes in the field of brain function mapping, which requires multidisciplinary convergence and the participation of researchers from diverse areas. “Although the scientific research sector requires us to present innovative ideas and continuously defy existing knowledge systems and preconceptions, in reality, there is systematic discrimination against women, ethical and cultural minorities, and the disabled, who are excluded in terms of general visibility regarding promotions, publishing and other areas,” remarked Prof. Lee. “Researchers across the world recognize the need to support isolated scientists and create various role models.” In particular, Prof. Lee sought to ensure equal distribution in terms of sexual and racial diversity among OHBM members by improving the voting method to select organization members, recognizing that, although Asian members comprised 15 percent of the OHBM, there were no Asian members in its 2016 general committee, in addition to making active appeals to the nominating committee regarding the new voting method. As the result of her efforts, the OHBM general committee has changed with the most diverse membership ever in the organization’s history, with 41-percent female members and 31-percent Asian members.
- No.77
- Writer
- Date2021.04.28
- Views4111
76
Ewha Ranks First Place in Korea for Gender Equality in the “THE World University Rankings” for Two Consecutive Years

Ewha Ranks First Place in Korea for Gender Equality in the “THE World University Rankings” for Two Consecutive Years Ewha was ranked first place among Korean universities for two years in a row in the gender equality category of the “THE World University Rankings” published by Times Higher Education (THE), a British publication of university ratings. The THE World University Impact Ratings, launched in 2019, assess the efforts made by universities towards the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the social responsibilities of universities comprising a key evaluation criteria. Unlike existing ratings that largely focus on research performance and social reputation, the THE impact ratings have been gaining attention as the first evaluation in the world to assess universities’ commitment to global pledges for “sustainable global development” in areas such as climate change, gender equality, and sustainable development and wellbeing for humanity. Ewha has cemented its place as a leading institution of female education by participating in the world university impact ratings and holding the first place in Korea for “Gender Equality” for two consecutive years. Moreover, Ewha occupied the 82nd place in the world university rankings, becoming the sole Korean university to be honored with an individual numbered ranking. Since its beginnings in 1886 as the first modern education institution for women, the school has grown into a world-class female university with 24,000 students and 1,000 faculty members and contributed to gender equality by nurturing talented women. In addition, Ewha acquired a relatively high grade in the “No Poverty” category, ranking 84th globally and 3rd in Korea. The ratings represent the fruits of efforts such as the school’s financial and academic support for low-income students and cooperation with communities to relieve poverty. The favorable grade in the THE World University Impact Ratings demonstrates Ewha’s standing as one of Korea’s most prestigious higher education institutions and one of the leading universities in terms of commitment to social responsibilities in area such as gender equality and elimination of poverty. Beyond solely focusing on high-quality research and education, Ewha has made comprehensive efforts to better humanity and create a sustainable future for the Earth to fulfill its social responsibilities as an institution of higher education. Ewha will continue to devote itself towards realizing its school spirit of serving and sharing through its social contributions in gender equality, the welfare of low-income students, job creation, global partnerships, as well as extraordinary research achievements.
- No.75
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- Date2021.04.26
- Views2603
74
The EUICF Selected for a Project to Foster Technology Commercialization Specialists and Provide Platform Support

The EUICF Selected for a Project to Foster Technology Commercialization Specialists and Provide Platform Support Ewha is taking the lead in promoting the hiring of science and engineering personnel in businesses and establishing the foundation for the commercialization of technology developed through pubic research, as demonstrated by its selection for the Business-linked Youth Technology Specialist Training Project and the Support Project for Commercialization Platforms of Biohealth Clinical Field-linked Technology. The Ewha University-Industry Collaboration Foundation (EUICF, President Lee Hyang-sook) was chosen for the Business-linked Youth Technology Specialist Training Project supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Commercializations Promotion Agency for R&D Outcomes (COMPA). The project is a follow-up of the Fostering Youth TLO (Technology Licensing Officer) project, which aims to foster workers specializing in technology commercialization based on the needs of academic-industry joint research fields and to promote the utilization and application of public research outcomes as a result. Ewha succeeded in facilitating new employment and business start-ups in science-related majors by hiring graduate alumnae in science and engineering and strengthening the practical capacity for technology commercialization through the Fostering Youth TLO project over the last three years, which allowed Ewha to receive the highest grade of S in the final evaluation. Based on these successful experiences, Ewha will strive to successfully implement the Business-linked Youth Technology Specialist Training Project (March 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022 (1+2 years)) as well. In addition, Ewha was selected as the chair school for the Seoul Council out of the six regions of the Business-linked Youth Technology Specialist Training Project, and accordingly, the EUICF will dedicate its utmost effort into operating joint training programs to strengthen commercialization capacity in cooperation with participating universities in Seoul and host an academic-industry cooperation conference to provide a job-matching service with enterprises based in Seoul. Meanwhile, Ewha was also chosen as a top Grade-A partner of the Track2 Coordinating Support Type for the Support Project for Commercialization Platforms of Biohealth Clinical Field-linked Technology, which is supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute. The EUICF will lay the groundwork to assist the entire commercialization process from the discovery of a technological invention to its advancement and practical use, which in turn will lead to technology transfers and startup foundations as well as follow-up support to ensure effective commercialization specializing in health care and medical treatment. Lee Hyang-sook, President of the EUICF, remarked that “universities, research institutes, and businesses are focusing on invigorating academic-industry cooperation through programs linked to technology transfer and commercialization with the aim to apply research outcomes across a wide range of areas. The EUICF also plans to provide various types of support for obtaining a valid patent based on Ewha’s excellent research resources and transferring and commercializing such technology with the aim to create further research outcomes for industrial innovation in this new era.”
- No.73
- Writer
- Date2021.04.02
- Views1599
72
The Research Group of Professor Youngmin You Has Discovered a Model Capable of Predicting the Operational Lifetime of...

The Research Group of Professor Youngmin You Has Discovered a Model Capable of Predicting the Operational Lifetime of Organic Light-Emitting Devices A research team led by Professor Youngmin You of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science has established a model that can predict the lifespan of Organic Light-Emitting Devices (OLEDs) for the first time. Conducted by Yu Kyung Moon (first author), a graduate of the Combined Bachelor's-Master's Program of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, the results of the study was compiled into a paper and published in Advanced Materials, a world-renowned scientific journal on materials science within the top 1.014% of JCR in chemistry and physics, on February 15 (Monday), 2021. The group has been focusing on the interactions between dopants and host materials, which are the key components of the light-emitting layers of OLEDs, in order to elucidate their influences on the operational stability of devices. The operational lifetime of OLEDs depends critically on the intrinsic stability of the materials. The group initiated research projects to uncover the chemical mechanisms that cause the deterioration of materials. Earlier studies published in Nature Communications in 2018 were on the blue-phosphorescent light-emitting layers, which receive huge academic attention. This time, the research group identified the entire processes of decomposition of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) dopants and host materials, including the formation of charge-separated species. Based on direct spectroscopic evidence, the group established a numerical model that can predict the operational lifetime of OLEDs. This model can be utilized to choose the best materials for the enhanced longevity of OLEDs. Professor You said, “It was difficult to know how long a display will be operated. But, our model can predict the operational lifetime of OLEDs, given the materials,” further voicing his expectations by adding “This study will provide an important steppingstone for improving the operational stability of OLEDs and significantly enhance the design of stable organic electronic materials.”
- No.71
- Writer
- Date2021.03.10
- Views2245
70
Ewha Research Institutes Achieve Excellent Results in Various Performance Evaluations

The Center for Hybrid Interfacial Chemical Structure, the Center for Climate/Environment Change Prediction Research, and the New and Renewable Energy Research Center received the highest rank in evaluations for government-supported projects, demonstrating Ewha’s capabilities as an outstanding research university. First, the Center for Hybrid Interfacial Chemical Structure (Director: Park, So-Jung) achieved the highest grade of “S” in the phase assessment for Science Research Center, supported by a grant from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF). Ewha’s Center for Hybrid Interfacial Chemical Structure (CICS), a Science Research Center supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the NRF, was established in 2017 to conduct research on the interfacial phenomena of hybrid materials. The center achieved outstanding research outcomes with the support of research funding amounting to a total of 4.9 billion KRW as of this year, leading the fundamental research on hybrid chemical materials. For the second stage project (March 1, 2021 – February 28, 2024), the center will receive 3.9 billion KRW to continue its study on understanding the mechanism behind the interfacial phenomena with the anticipation of establishing design rules for new high performance chemical materials in energy and nano/bio fields. The Center for Climate/Environment Change Prediction Research (Director: Choi Yong-Sang) acquired the highest grade of “S” in the first-stage project evaluation under the Priority Research Institute Program in science and engineering, which is supported by an NRF grant funded by the Ministry of Education. The Center for Climate/Environment Change Prediction Research was designated as a priority research center for climate change in 2018 and has since conducted research in the said field, supported by a research fund amounting to a total of 6.2 billion KRW. In the evaluation at the first stage of the project, the center received excellent reviews in the categories of academic achievements, training of talented individuals, and social contribution under the aim of addressing climate change. At the second stage of the project, in line with the change of landscape regarding the goal of global carbon neutrality and the great energy transition, the center plans to continue to strengthen the convergence research of climate change and energy. In addition, various roles as climate change designated research institutes are expected through the international climate response through Green Climate Fund project targeting the Pacific Island, climate risk research with major domestic companies, and proceeding with a wide range of collaborative research-education programs. The New and Renewable Energy Research Center (Director: Jo William) also achieved excellent results in the first-stage project evaluation of the Priority Research Institute Program in science and engineering. Since 2018, the center has been conducting a research project titled “A research institute for multi-dimensional materials-based quantum transport energy,” funded with a total of 6 billion KRW. Following the first-phase study aiming at “creating next-generation energy sources using composite structures and elements based on multi-dimensional new materials,” the center will conduct a study with the goal of “understanding the synthesis of new organic-inorganic hybrid materials and quantum transport properties based on multiple dimensions” in the second phase. In addition, it plans to secure core technologies based on newly issued patents and pursue to creative new venture companies. Eventually, the center will develop industry-adapted science and technology towards solar cells and fuels and batteries for carbon-neutral environment and societies. The importance of basic science research and R&D projects in science, technology and ICT is continuing to rise as part of efforts to transition into an advanced economy that is prepared for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Amidst this context, Ewha, which has achieved excellent research outcomes based on its internationally recognized research capacity and global research networks, is planning to further consolidate its status as an outstanding research university through active investments to enhance its research capabilities.
- No.69
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- Date2021.03.08
- Views2240
68
Research Team of Professor Na Jong-geol at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Publishes a...

Research Team of Professor Na Jong-geol at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Publishes a Paper in Applied Energy A joint research team at Ewha developed a solvent identification method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions easily and efficiently by applying deep learning technologies and chemical process simulations. Incorporating the findings of this study, a paper titled “Learning the properties of a water-lean amine solvent from carbon capture pilot experiments” was published in Applied Energy (SCIE), an academic journal within the top 3.85% of JCR in the engineering and chemical fields, on February 1 (Monday), 2021. Professor Na Jong-geol and his joint research team from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at ELTEC College of Engineering developed a methodology to estimate the properties of a solvent that can efficiently absorb CO2, integrating deep learning technologies and chemical simulations to minimize the need for experiments. The Ewha research team developed a new water-lean amine solvent that can capture a large amount of CO2 using a lower amount of energy compared with existing solvents. In order to ensure the proper application of this newly developed solvent, it is necessary to develop an optimized process that is aligned with the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of the solvent. The research team applied a deep learning-based hybrid Bayesian inference technique to the pilot-scale tests, through which the team made it easier to infer the properties of a solvent using solely the pilot process with many uncertainties, and enabled the simultaneous implementation of a large-scale process optimization and analyses of the physiochemical properties of a solvent. This advancement is expected to reduce costs for processing greenhouse gases and lead to a large-scale reduction in CO2 emissions. This study was jointly conducted by Professor Na Jong-geol (co-first author) at Ewha, senior researcher Lee Ung (corresponding author) at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, and Dr. Kim Jeong-nam (co-first author), with the support of the “Carbon to X technology development project for the production of value-added chemicals” under the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF). Professor Na remarked, “The key of this study was to develop a methodology to simultaneously carry out the properties analysis and optimization processes, which were previously conducted in sequence,” and added, “This represents a successful case of a convergence study combining AI and domain knowledge to apply deep learning technology onto chemical process technology as a step toward achieving zero carbon emissions.” In particular, he emphasized, “This study is expected to greatly improve the speed of product development through highly advanced design techniques including AI-based solvents, materials, and catalysts,” voicing his aspirations to lead the field in the future.
- No.67
- Writer
- Date2021.03.03
- Views1990
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Research Team Led by Prof. Chun Lays the Cornerstone for the Development of a Measurement Scale for Youth Cyberbullying

A research team led by Professor Chun JongSerl from the Department of Social Welfare has drawn attention by presenting a systematic review of tools to measure cyberbullying in 17 countries around the world, identifying problems with existing tools and developing a foothold for an international standard to ensure the accuracy of such measurements. The research findings were published in the global academic journal Computers in Human Behavior (impact factor = 5.003, top 5% in Psychology and Experimental categories) under the title “An international systematic review of cyberbullying measurements.” At a time when the importance of online interactions is rising rapidly due to COVID-19, the existing problem of school violence is evolving into a new form of cyberbullying that transcends time and place, owing to the increased use of smartphones and social media. However, there is no standardized scale for the objective measurement of this problem. As such, the research findings from Professor Chun’s team are considered a significant achievement in a context where the incidence rate of cyberbullying has not been accurately identified. The research team analyzed 64 international studies on cyberbullying severity scales in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, using the following categories: general characteristics, definition of cyberbullying, study sample characteristics, sample size, format of scale, time frame, survey type, criteria extraction method, reliability, and validity. The results of the study showed that 71.9 percent of the examined papers provided concepts and definitions of cyberbullying but failed to present a standardized definition, as the term is used interchangeably with similar concepts, such as online violence and cyber violence. In addition, existing cyberbullying scales were developed in Western countries while only five papers cover cases in Asia, raising the need to develop measurement tools that reflect the socio-cultural characteristics of Asian countries. Furthermore, there were no measurement scales that reflect gender characteristics despite gender differences in the number of cyberbullying victims, and about 30 percent of the papers did not clearly measure the time of occurrence for cases of cyberbullying, indicating insufficient accuracy. Particularly, existing measurement tools showed low degrees of reliability and validity, with only 23 percent of studies developing measurement tools following the scale development guidelines and procedures and only half of them verifying the reliability and validity of the measurement tools. This study was conducted with the support of the National Research Foundation of Korea, with Professor Chun JongSerl as the lead and corresponding author and Professor Lee Jungup at the National University of Singapore and Ewha Ph.D. students, Kim Jinyung and Lee Serim as co-authors.
- No.65
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- Date2021.01.22
- Views2835
64
Research Team Led by Prof. Lee Sang-gi Publishes Paper in Chemical Reviews

The research team led by Professor Lee Sang-gi from the Department of Chemistry & Nanoscience in the Ewha College of Natural Sciences published a paper in the top-rated international science journal Chemical Reviews (Impact factor=52.76) under the title of “Synergistic Dual Transition Metal Catalysis” on Wednesday, December 23. Catalysis, the process of using small amounts of catalysts to synthesize large amounts of products, is the most atom economic reaction. As such, different kinds of catalytic reactions have been developed over the past few decades, especially those using transition metal catalysts, which play a vital role in the synthesis of natural products, medicines and functional materials. In particular, recent years have seen the rapid growth of research in the field of "synergistic dual catalysis," which selectively activates two types of substrates using two different types of catalysts. As the selection of catalysts is critical for the success of synergistic dual catalysis, many researchers have been studying reactions that take place through dual catalysis using two organic catalysts or the combination of an organic catalyst and a transition metal catalyst, which ensures very little or no redox reaction between catalysts. Professor Lee became the first in Korea to research synergistic dual catalysis in 2014 with the support of the Samsung Future Technology Incubation Program, and secured research funding from various projects such as a support program for mid-career researchers under the National Research Foundation of Korea, eventually publishing his research findings and leading the field of organic synthesis and catalysis. The paper presented the findings published up to June 2020 by research teams at Ewha as well as other global researchers on synergistic dual catalysis between two transition metal catalysts. It is expected that the paper will contribute to the understanding of synergistic dual catalysis using transition metal catalysts and to building the foundation for related research. The paper was published with support from the BK21 PLUS Project under the names of Professor Lee Sang-gi as a corresponding author; post-doctoral researcher Kim U-bin as the first author; Dr. Jung Da-jung and Dr. Jeon Hyun-ji who are graduates of the Department of Chemistry & Nanoscience; and post-doctoral researcher Dr. Kris Rathwell.
- No.63
- Writer
- Date2021.01.19
- Views1939

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