Professor Nam-Gyu Park from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering/Polymer Science and Engineering awarded the 2024 Eni Award
-Recognized for pioneering contributions to next-generation solar technology through perovskite research
-Achieved global success in research on renewable energy sources and energy storage

Professor Nam-Gyu Park from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering/Polymer Engineering has been awarded the 2024 Eni Award for his pioneering contributions to next-generation solar cell technology through his research on perovskites. He received the award under the "Energy Frontiers Award" category, which recognizes groundbreaking achievements in energy efficiency, sustainable energy production, decarbonization, and environmental protection.
The Eni Award, established in 2007, is a prestigious recognition encouraging innovative research in these fields. Professor Park is renowned for his work in developing third-generation solar cells using perovskite materials, which are seen as a next-generation solar technology with significant potential. Perovskites are cost-effective compared to traditional silicon-based solar cells, offering greater flexibility and higher conversion efficiency. However, the material initially faced challenges with stability, limiting its practical use. Professor Park made critical advancements in overcoming these hurdles, significantly enhancing the commercial viability of perovskite solar cells and shifting the landscape of the renewable energy market.

The 2024 Eni Award ceremony will take place at the Quirinal Palace in Rome, Italy, on October 15, 11 a.m. local time, presided over by Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The Eni Award honors exceptional scientific achievements in the energy and environmental sectors, with winners selected by a scientific committee that includes Nobel laureates and distinguished international scientists. Professor Park's recognition not only highlights his contributions on a global scale but also enhances the academic reputation of Sungkyunkwan University worldwide.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Park expressed his honor, saying, "It is a great privilege to see our research on perovskite-based solar cells recognized internationally. I will continue to pursue advancements in sustainable energy technologies." He also hoped that this achievement would help promote the research accomplishments of Sungkyunkwan University and South Korea on the global stage.