Professor Hong Jin-pyo from Hanyang University's Department of Physics was awarded the Academic Award during the 70th Korean Vacuum Society Annual Conference held in Hongcheon, Gangwon-do, on February 10. This award recognizes Professor Hong's long-term scholarly achievements in the field of semiconductor materials and device properties based on vacuum technology. His research has focused on thin-film deposition processes, surface and interface control, and mechanisms for examining defects and interface states, establishing a systematic foundation for the basic properties of materials.

In addition to his foundational research, Professor Hong has also expanded his work into the design of next-generation memory devices such as spin memories, selector-only memories, and capacitor-less 2T-0C devices. His integration of material properties with device characteristics has led to the development of research systems that connect various semiconductor technologies. Notably, his precise identification of core physical phenomena, such as impurity and defect concentration control and interface engineering techniques, has been widely recognized and linked to practical device implementations. His research outcomes have been published in numerous international academic journals, leading to over 80 patent applications and registrations in the fields of next-generation memory, spintronics, energy storage devices, and functional electronic devices, establishing both technological scalability and industrial applicability.

Since joining Hanyang University in 1998, Professor Hong has continually engaged in semiconductor material and property research while also actively participating in academic activities in the vacuum and semiconductor domains. His work has significantly contributed to scholarly exchanges and the advancement of the research ecosystem within these scientific fields. This award is seen as a comprehensive acknowledgment of his academic originality, continuous research accumulation, and contributions to the development of domestic vacuum and semiconductor science and technology.