Yonsei University Succeeds via Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity

Abstract

FOUNDED IN 1885 AND LOCATED IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, YONSEI University has a rich history in scientific research. It began by focusing on health and medical sciences and expanded to encompass research and development in science and technology. Today, the school has more than 38,000 undergraduate and graduate students across multiple disciplines.

Yonsei University's success in display sciences is driven by its commitment to cutting-edge research and close collaboration with the display industry. The university offers specialized programs such as Display Convergence Engineering, which integrates materials science, optics, and electronics to prepare students for the evolving display industry. Yonsei also partners with leading companies, including Samsung and LG Display, which provide funding and support initiatives such as the Samsung Display Track and other similar projects. These collaborations ensure multiple opportunities for students to engage in advanced study and practical applications in display technologies before they graduate (Fig. 1).

Yonsei University is active in display research with interdisciplinary efforts across departments such as electrical engineering (61 laboratories), materials science (28 laboratories), and chemical and mechanical engineering. Notably, the Department of Integrated Display Engineering, established in collaboration with LG Display, focuses on training display specialists through education and hands-on research in devices, materials, circuits, and optics. Each lab typically consists of a professor, graduate students (5 to 40), and occasionally postdoctoral researchers, all committed to advancing display innovations.

The university operates under a foundation and consists of three campuses: Sinchon (the main campus), Songdo, and Wonju. Yonsei's renowned medical school and strong research capabilities translate into its display sciences and engineering programs.

By adhering to a philosophy of liberal education, Yonsei fosters critical thinking and creativity to prepare students for life beyond academia. Engineering students regularly participate in hands-on lab courses, where they apply theoretical concepts using advanced equipment in university research facilities. These experiences bridge theory and practice, offering valuable preparation for careers in academia and industry.

Before graduation, engineering students undertake independent research projects, selecting topics aligned with their interests and working with faculty to design and execute experiments. This thesis process helps them to develop skills in planning, problem-solving, and data analysis. Many students also present their findings at university-hosted events or academic conferences, gaining opportunities to exchange ideas and enhance their communication abilities.

Yonsei University is committed to fostering global engagement through immersive academic experiences, such as the 2024 Global Display Field Trip and Display Week 2024 (Fig. 2). During the trips, students explored cutting-edge research and emerging trends in display technology. They had an opportunity to observe a wide range of academic presentations and industry showcases, gaining valuable insights into the latest advancements in the field. Electrical and electronic engineering students participate in the Eastern Electrics (EE) Festival, an academic event where students present their thesis research through oral presentations and poster sessions. This event further enhances their ability to communicate complex ideas to fellow students, professors, and potential colleagues.

“At my lab, we believe that universities should focus on future technologies that companies are not yet exploring,” said Hyun Jae Kim, a professor in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Yonsei University, with a specialty in display technologies. “This includes pioneering research in areas like advanced sensors and neuromorphic devices, alongside our core work in display technologies. By pushing the boundaries of innovation, we aim to open new possibilities for emerging applications,” said Kim.

Kim received a PhD from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Columbia University in New York City in 1996. He is a Fellow of the Society for Information Display (SID), the regional vice president for the Rest of Asia (RoA) region, and the SID Academic Committee chair. He has received national recognition for his work on p-type oxide materials, a contribution that was honored as one of Korea's Top 100 Excellent Research Achievements.

“In our primary research, we focus on developing oxide-based thin-film transistors (TFTs), a key technology for display backplanes. Oxide semiconductors perform over ten times better than amorphous silicon (a-Si) and offer lower power consumption compared to traditional materials, making them ideal for modern displays requiring longer battery life.”

According to Kim, current backplane technology—low-temperature polycrystalline Si and oxide (LTPO)—combines the strengths of oxide and low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) TFTs by using oxide for low-power switching and polycrystalline silicon for high-speed. However, as the industry moves toward larger OLED panels, such as the 8.6-generation IT OLED, Kim believes that LTPS faces challenges in uniform processing on larger glass sizes.

“To address this,” said Kim, “our lab is working on high-mobility oxide TFTs to potentially replace LTPS in large displays. If successful, this innovation could lead to entirely oxide-based backplane technology, enabling more efficient and scalable displays. Our goal is to develop reliable oxide TFTs and explore new device concepts that will drive the future of technology, both in displays and beyond.”

The engineering program has faced challenges common to leading institutions. One significant issue has been limited space and facilities to accommodate the growing demand for advanced research and education. Additionally, with many companies seeking cutting-edge technologies and collaborations, meeting all these demands has been challenging. There simply are not enough students and labs to go around.

To address these issues, the university has invested in expanding infrastructure and upgrading research facilities, including the development of the International Campus in Songdo. Efforts also have been made to prioritize partnerships and streamline research focus areas, to ensure impactful outcomes despite these constraints.

Although Yonsei University is privately funded, financial constraints have not been an issue. According to Kim, “As a leading private university in South Korea, we operate independently while receiving support from various sources, including tuition, donations, and research grants. While program funding can vary, Yonsei has a strong track record of securing resources for its engineering and display-related programs through partnerships with industry leaders and government grants. Notably, display technology has been designated as one of South Korea's 12 core technologies, which is expected to lead to increased government funding in the future. This support positions Yonsei to continue advancing its research and education in these critical areas.”

The school's partnerships with leading companies have helped secure support, which in turn furthers research and helps recruit new students. LG Display, for example, currently supports more than 10 distinct research labs. The company co-established the Department of Integrated Display Engineering with Yonsei to foster future talent. Similarly, Samsung Display funds a dedicated research center to advance cutting-edge display technologies. Additionally, individual labs collaborate with various display companies on private projects, addressing industry-specific challenges (Fig. 3).

According to Kim, the university's success in display research stems from strategic investments and initiatives, including the establishment of the aforementioned Department of Integrated Display Engineering, which offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in fields related to display research and engineering.

The university also collaborates with global display leaders through industry-academia research centers, facilitating annual knowledge exchanges and providing students with valuable industry insights. Many employees from these companies also return to Yonsei for advanced degrees, further strengthening ties between the institution and private industry. This collaborative cycle has solidified Yonsei's reputation as a leader in display technology, fostering innovation and driving advancements in the field.

These collaborations have led to several display technology-related patents, although commercialization has not been pursued nor have the patents led directly to startups or independent companies.

However, Yonsei operates a specialized department in collaboration with LG Display as part of an employment-linked program. This program provides students with industry-relevant education and opportunities, with many graduates securing positions at the company upon completing their studies. Yonsei has agreements with 12 specialized patent firms across various scientific disciplines to manage and commercialize intellectual property, ensuring that research outcomes are protected and leveraged for societal and industrial benefits.

Many graduates of the master's and doctoral programs secure employment at top research institutes, such as the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), or become professors at Yonsei University or other institutions. Other graduates go on to work at leading companies in technology development.

Kim said, “The greatest challenge currently facing the advancement of research in display technology is the stagnating growth of the display industry itself. Consumers are replacing TVs and smartphones less frequently, and the high cost of premium TVs deters many from upgrading. While advancements in performance continue, the lack of affordability limits broader adoption.

“Additionally, new markets for display technology, such as AR and VR, remain technologically immature. Issues like limited display quality, latency, and user comfort need to be addressed before these technologies can achieve widespread adoption. These factors collectively create challenges for driving innovation and expanding the industry.”

As to which emerging areas of display technology hold the most promise, Kim feels that microLED and quantum dot (QD)-based displays are shaping the future of visual displays. He expects OLED to dominate the high end of the display industry for at least 10 years, as microLED and emissive QD technologies still face significant challenges before becoming mainstream.

According to Kim, “Currently, OLED technology is widely applied in IT devices like tablets and smartphones, offering slim, lightweight designs with high image quality and energy efficiency. In AR/VR, ultrahigh pixel densities of 6,000 ppi or more and brightness levels up to 10,000 nits are critical for immersive and realistic visuals, even in compact devices. These advancements rely on improved emissive materials and precise pixel structures to balance resolution, power efficiency, and brightness.

“Beyond IT and AR/VR, OLED and microLED are revolutionizing large-scale displays, providing superior energy efficiency, excellent contrast, and enhanced color accuracy. Innovations in patternable emissive materials continue to address challenges in manufacturing and performance stability.”

Outside of research hours, Kim emphasizes the importance of sufficient rest to recharge mental and physical energy reserves. “While working hard and staying focused is important, I believe that rest and taking time for myself are equally essential for refreshing both my body and mind. I've noticed that when I push myself too hard without breaks, my passion and drive can gradually fade.

“I often visit art galleries during my downtime. I'm especially drawn to works that creatively reinterpret their subjects, as they often provide me with unexpected inspiration for my research. Creativity is a vital element in scientific and engineering innovation, and breakthroughs often stem from exploring new materials or designing novel structures that others might not have considered. While art and science are fundamentally different disciplines, observing art that offers fresh perspectives can sometimes spark unique and innovative ideas for my work.

“I encourage my students to take time to recharge as well. Our lab organizes summer and winter retreats, where we participate in sports and other activities to relax and relieve stress together.”

Kim feels that Yonsei University can continue to attract top candidates and advance display technologies by prioritizing cutting-edge research. Also, maintaining and even strengthening partnerships with global industry leaders in the display field will provide valuable opportunities for students.

“Over the past 20 years of teaching, I have had the privilege of mentoring and guiding around 50 graduates. Hearing about their accomplishments in industry and academia fills me with immense joy and a sense of purpose. Knowing that I played a small role in shaping their journeys is a deeply gratifying part of my career.”

Kim believes that offering competitive scholarships, maintaining advanced facilities, and fostering interdisciplinary education will continue to attract talented minds not only within Korea but from all over the globe. “Additionally, focusing on sustainable display technologies, such as low-power displays and recyclable materials, will align with global trends and appeal to innovative, impact-driven candidates. These strategies will solidify Yonsei's leadership in display technology research and education.”.