On February 3, 2016, Konkuk University awarded 43 “Research Pioneers” to encourage research among professors and improve the quality. The ceremony was hosted by the Research and University-Industry Cooperation Foundation, and took place at The Classic 500. In congratulating the award recipients, President Heeyoung Song said, “I am convinced that the professors present here will play a leading role in adapting to the various changes that universities are facing today.”
Based on their performance during 2013-2014, the research pioneers were selected according to five criteria—published papers, external research grants, citations, technology transfers, and international patents. Among them, Professor Deok-kun Oh of the College of Bioscience & Biotechnology received the “triple crown” ranking #1 in published papers, #3 in external research grants, and #2 in citations. Four other professors—Professor Jin Hoi Kim of the College of Animal Bioscience & Technology, Professors Doo Kyung Moon and Jae Whan Cho of the College of Engineering, and Professor of the College of Veterinary Medicine—ranked top 5 in two areas.