Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) graduate student Kang Jin-hyeok of the Department of Organic Materials and Textile Engineering (integrated master's and doctoral program) has been selected as a recipient of the '2026 Graduate Presidential Science Scholarship', one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the field of science and technology.

Kang is conducting research in Professor Nam Chang-woo's laboratory on solar-driven eco-friendly desalination technologies and is developing as a future researcher in the field of sustainable advanced materials.

Notably, following last year's recipients—graduate students Kwak Young-woo (integrated master's and doctoral program) and Choi Young-min (master's program)—Professor Nam's laboratory has again produced a Presidential Science Scholarship recipient this year with Kang, achieving the feat of producing the nation's most prestigious scholarship awardees in a single laboratory for two consecutive years.

The 'Presidential Science Scholarship' is a national scholarship program jointly administered by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Student Aid Foundation. Aimed at cultivating world-class science and technology talent, it selects outstanding STEM graduate students each year and provides support.

This year, approximately 120 recipients were selected nationwide, including 50 master's students and 70 doctoral students (30 new and 40 continuing). Recipients receive KRW 1.5 million per month for up to four semesters for master's study, and KRW 2.0 million per month for up to eight semesters for doctoral study. Recipients may also receive other government and private scholarships concurrently, making this a substantive form of support that enables scholars to focus on their research.

Since beginning research as an undergraduate research student, Kang has, over the past two years, published six papers as first author in international journals with impact factors above 10, including Advanced Materials (IF 29.1), distinguishing himself as a next-generation researcher in eco-friendly materials.

"This result was possible thanks to my advisor's devoted guidance since my undergraduate years and the support of senior and junior members of the laboratory," Kang said. "I intend to continue producing meaningful research outcomes in the development of sustainable and eco-friendly advanced materials."

Professor Nam Chang-woo, who supervised Kang, said, "This achievement is the valuable fruit of the Undergraduate Research Program that the laboratory has independently operated for the past six years," adding, "We will continue to provide wholehearted support and efforts so that young and talented researchers can grow to their full potential."