Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Department of Applied Plasma and Quantum Beam Engineering graduate students Do-won Lee and Ji-min Shin (Integrated Master's–Doctoral Program, advised by Professor Seo Hee) recently won awards for outstanding paper presentations — Lee in the oral category and Shin in the poster category — at the 2026 Korean Association for Radiation Protection Spring Conference held in Pyeongchang.

Do-won Lee presented the study 'Validation Study of the Principle for Measuring Heavy-Ion Beam Position Using Prompt Neutron Scattering Imaging Equipment' in the Radiation Measurement session and received the Outstanding Oral Presentation Award.

The study verified the principle of a technique for real-time measurement of the beam position during treatment to improve the precision of heavy-ion therapy, which has fewer side effects and is effective in treating intractable cancers. The research was conducted with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea's Mid-Career Research Program.

Do-won Lee said, 'I am honored that the importance of the research has been recognized,' and added, 'I will continue the research to contribute to the clinical application of heavy-ion therapy and to improving its precision.'

Ji-min Shin presented the study 'Conceptual Design of New-Fuel Mass Verification Equipment for Innovative Small Modular Reactors' in the same session and won the Outstanding Poster Presentation Award.

The study aims to develop equipment to precisely verify the nuclear material content in new fuel to strengthen safety measures for small modular reactors (SMRs), which are drawing attention as next-generation nuclear power plants.

Ji-min Shin said, 'I am grateful for the help of my advisor and the members of the laboratory,' and added, 'I will continue to contribute to research that enhances the safety of next-generation nuclear power plants.'