Professor Kwon wins top scientist award of 2021

By Baek Byung-yeul

Kwon Oh-kyong, a distinguished professor of electrical engineering at Hanyang University, has won the 2021 Korea Best Scientist and Engineer Award for his contribution to the development of display technology, the science ministry said Thursday.

Since 2003, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies have recognized scientists and engineers who have achieved outstanding research results. The ministry said they chose Kwon as this year's awardee for his contribution to the country's display industry.

“Kwon succeeded in developing active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) technologies for both mobile and large-sized TV displays, contributing greatly to Korea becoming a display powerhouse,” the science ministry said.

The professor developed pixel circuits and drive circuits for AMOLED displays that can be accurately controlled to very low current levels, which were considered practically impossible, enabling the mass production of AMOLEDs for mobile devices.

He also developed AMOLED pixel circuits and drive circuits that can be controlled to current levels and compensate for the degradation of OLEDs, as well as succeeded in the mass production of AMOLEDs for TVs that can be used for a long time.

Kwon continues to work on developing and commercializing the latest AMOLED technologies that can guarantee high resolution and image quality for smartphones and virtual reality devices.

He has published numerous papers in prestigious display-related journals and conferences, and holds 310 domestic patents and 418 overseas patents, including 228 registered in the United States.

To commemorate Kwon's achievement, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies will hold an award ceremony on Sept. 10, granting him a presidential certificate and 300 million won ($256,265) in prize money.