Sogang University student Kang Hyung-woo selected as Presidential Science Scholar

Kang Hyung-woo, a master's student in mechanical engineering at Sogang University, has been named a Presidential Science Scholar, a prestigious program designed to nurture top talent in science and engineering.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Student Aid Foundation selected 277 new scholars for 2026, including 157 undergraduates and 120 graduate students. The program aims to support these individuals in their growth into world-class researchers.

This year's selection saw a highly competitive applicant pool for graduate students, with an approximate 22:1 ratio. A total of 2,651 graduate students applied, an increase of 296 from the previous year, highlighting the growing interest among outstanding science and engineering talents.

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I am happy to be recognized for the research value I have built at Sogang University.

The selection process involved a rigorous two-stage evaluation: an initial document review followed by an in-depth interview. Expert committees, drawing from a pool of specialists managed by the National Research Foundation of Korea, conducted fair and professional assessments.

Selected graduate scholars receive a scholarship certificate bearing the President's name. Master's students receive 1.5 million won (approximately $1,100) per month, totaling 18 million won annually, while doctoral students receive 2 million won per month, or 24 million won annually.

Kang expressed his delight, stating, "I am happy to be recognized for the research value I have built at Sogang University." He added, "I will continue to grow as a researcher contributing to the advancement of South Korea's aerospace materials technology." Kang is currently conducting research in Professor Kim Sang-yeop's composite materials intelligence lab at Sogang University.

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I will continue to grow as a researcher contributing to the advancement of South Korea's aerospace materials technology.