Professor Hee‑Dae Kim of the Department of Semiconductor Science and Technology at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) received the 'J&L Tech Academic Award', jointly established by the Korean Vacuum Society and J&L Tech. The award is presented to early‑career researchers under the age of 45 who have made outstanding academic and technical contributions to the advancement of industrial technology.

Professor Kim was honored in recognition of his significant research achievements in next‑generation advanced technologies such as quantum photonics engineering, energy harvesting, and quantum–artificial intelligence (AI) convergence, which have driven progress in both academia and industry.

In particular, Professor Kim's research team recently developed a novel energy‑generation technology that opens the possibility of realizing next‑generation quantum computers 'without external power', attracting strong interest from the academic community. By using silver nanoparticles and graphene oxide to dramatically boost the efficiency of a radiation‑pressure power generator, this research is expected to become a key to solving the chronic power‑supply problems of quantum computing systems.

Additionally, Professor Kim has continued broad‑based efforts leading research on convergent quantum technologies, including IoT sensor technologies based on quantum energy harvesters. Recently selected for the 'Korea–UK Science and Technology Cooperation Window Program', he has been strengthening international collaborative research networks and playing a leading role in enhancing South Korea's global technological competitiveness.

Professor Hee‑Dae Kim said, 'The honor of this award is thanks to the dedication of my lab members and collaborators who have worked tirelessly day and night,' and added, 'Going forward, I will focus all of my research capabilities on developing quantum‑based innovative technologies that can be applied in real industrial settings rather than research confined to the laboratory.'