Ranked Top 5 in Korea for the 2025 Highly Cited Researchers (HCR) list

Professors LEE Yong-rok, CHOI In-ho, Sumanta Sahoo, and Raji Atchudan named among the world’s most influential researchers

Four professors selected in the Cross-field category, demonstrating international leadership in interdisciplinary and convergent research

[November 21, 2025]

‘The World’s Most Influential Researchers’

Based on the 2025 Clarivate Plc Highly Cited Researchers (HCR) list/criteria

 Yeongnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) has been ranked Top 5 among Korean universities in the global 2025 Highly Cited Researchers (HCR) list, announced by Clarivate Plc, an international academic information company.This year, 6,868 researchers from 1,300 institutions across 60 countries were selected worldwide, including 76 researchers from Korea.Among them, four YU professors were selected in the Cross-field category, placing YU in the Top 5 in Korea, alongside Kyung Hee University and the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST).The Cross-field category recognizes globally influential researchers who have demonstrated exceptional impact and outstanding research achievements across multiple disciplines rather than in a single specialized field.

<From left: Prof. LEE Yong-rok, Prof. CHOI  In-ho, Prof. Sumanta Sahoo, Prof. Raji Atchudan>

This year, the four YU professors selected are:

▲ LEE Yong-rok (School of Chemical Engineering)

▲ CHOI In-ho (Department of Biomedical Engineering / Director, Cell Culture Research Institute)

▲ Sumanta Sahoo (School of Chemical Engineering)

▲ Raji Atchudan (School of Chemical Engineering)

 Professor LEE Yong-rok (Chemical Engineering, Professor Emeritus) earned his B.S. at Jeonbuk National University and M.S./Ph.D. at Seoul National University. He has led pioneering studies in new organic reactions and the synthesis of aromatic compounds and natural products widely used in pharmaceuticals. Building on this foundation, he expanded his research into the design and synthesis of nanocatalysts and nanomaterials, achieving internationally recognized accomplishments. His eco-friendly nanocatalyst and carbon-dot synthesis research, utilizing natural products and biomass, has been widely published in world-leading journals with high citation counts. His application-focused research includes photocatalytic reactions, bio-imaging, biosensors, and metal-ion sensing materials, strengthened by extensive global collaborations.

Professor CHOI In-ho, Director of the Cell Culture Research Institute, earned degrees from Korea University and Florida State University in the U.S., and previously served as a researcher at the University of Illinois. Over the past decade, he has published over 140 international journal papers, registered 22 patents, and completed six technology transfers. Recognized globally for research in cell culture and natural-substance-based biotechnology, he has led the establishment of the Uiseong Cell-Culture Industrial Complex, laying the foundation for Korea’s cell culture industry. By combining cell culture technology with in-silico and AI-based analysis, he has successfully implemented strategies for high-value utilization of regional natural resources. He now leads AI-based food ingredients and drug development, corporate recruitment, talent education, and research infrastructure projects, strengthening the regional bio-cluster. He also leads the Ministry of Education RISE project ‘K-U City Cell-Culture Program’, contributing significantly to regional innovation ecosystems.

Professor Sumanta Sahoo (School of Chemical Engineering) completed his B.S. and M.S. at Vidyasagar University in India and earned his Ph.D. from IIT Kharagpur. He is globally recognized for research on energy storage, ultra-fast synthesis, and electrochemical catalysis using metal oxides, MXene, and graphene-based nanomaterials. His research on microwave-assisted ultra-fast synthesis and performance optimization of MXene, perovskite, and graphene composites has gained international recognition. He has also achieved significant citation impact in bio-convergence application research, including the development of gene-based bioimaging and nanocomposites for photothermal cancer therapy, thereby expanding new research domains across the fields of energy, environment, and bio-convergence.

Professor Raji Atchudan (School of Chemical Engineering) earned his B.S. from the University of Madras, M.S. from Annamalai University, and Ph.D. from Anna University. He leads research on simple and eco-friendly synthesis of carbon-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites. His graphene oxide(GO), graphene sheet, carbon-dot(DDs), and carbon–metal-oxide composite synthesis technologies have produced groundbreaking outcomes in energy storage and dye degradation, earning high citation records. He is actively expanding research applications to fields such as bio-imaging, fluorescent inks, and fluorescent sensor development, along with domestic and international collaborations to broaden global research influence.

YU is enhancing global research competitiveness through innovation in research infrastructure, strengthened international collaborations, and expanded researcher support.These efforts are evident in YU’s Top 5 domestic ranking for the second consecutive year in the Leiden Ranking. YU also achieved a 100% freshman enrollment rate for 2025, demonstrating high trust among students and parents, while consistently improving university reputation with outstanding evaluation results. This year’s HCR recognition further validates YU’s research excellence and demonstrates the strengthening of its international research impact.

YU President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “Having YU professors listed among the world’s most influential researchers reflects their dedication and hard work, and I extend my sincere appreciation and congratulations.” He continued, “YU will continue to fully support bold and innovative research, striving to grow as a global leader in education and research that contributes to the nation and to humanity.”