Dankook University Establishes Yeongang Academic Award for Next-Generation Researchers

Identifying Emerging Researchers and Supporting Outstanding Research Achievements

Dankook University announced on the 20th that it has established the 'Yeongang Academic Award' to identify and intensively nurture next-generation researchers who will lead the university's future research at an early stage.

Exterior view of the symbolic tower at Dankook University Jukjeon Campus. Dankook University

The Yeongang Academic Award was created to carry on the academic and talent fostering spirit of Chairman Jang Ho-sung of the Dankook University Educational Foundation, to support the challenges and growth of outstanding researchers, and to enhance the university's research competitiveness.

'Yeongang (硯岡)' is the pseudonym of Chairman Jang Ho-sung. It combines 'Yeon (硯)', symbolizing scholarship and wisdom, and 'Gang (岡)', meaning a broad perspective and steadfastness. The name implies a commitment to diligent scholarship akin to consistently grinding an inkstone, and the robust cultivation of talent and research foundations, like a firm hill.

Each year, the university will select 14 faculty members among next-generation researchers who have achieved outstanding results and present them with awards. By field, recipients will include six in research achievements, six in academia-industry cooperation, one in medicine, and one in dentistry. The award system is designed to support researchers at various stages of their growth, allowing them to accumulate achievements early in their careers and develop as leading scholars. In contrast to the 'Beomeun Academic Award,' which is presented to top researchers, the Yeongang Academic Award focuses on the growth potential of next-generation scholars.

Dankook University plans to encourage awardees to take on higher-level research challenges and to establish a virtuous cycle in which strengthened research capabilities lead to further accomplishments.

President Ahn Soon-chul stated, "We will honor the dedication and intentions of Chairman Jang Ho-sung in research, medicine, and academia-industry cooperation, and spare no effort in supporting our researchers so they can achieve world-class results."

Meanwhile, since 1997, Dankook University has selected and presented the 'Beomeun Academic Award,' the university's highest honor, to top researchers who have contributed to the advancement of academia. The award was initially named the 'Research Achievement Award' but was renamed in 2007 to its current title.

'Beomeun' combines 'Beom,' from the university founder Beomjeong Jang Hyeong, and 'Eun,' from the other pen name 'Eundang' of Lady Jo Hee-jae, who co-founded Dankook University. The name signifies the university's commitment to carrying on the founders' educational philosophy and dedication to nurturing talent.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.