Dr. HoYoung Yoon, Åbo Akademi University, Finland
Dr. Ho Young Yoon is a dedicated researcher in the field of Chemical Engineering, specializing in natural materials and environmental sustainability. Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Åbo Akademi University, Finland, he focuses on innovative materials derived from biological sources. With a Ph.D. from Gyeongsang National University, South Korea, he has made significant contributions to applied microbiology and biomaterials. His research explores novel approaches to wastewater treatment, bio-based fertilizers, and circular economy solutions. Dr. Yoon has been instrumental in pioneering smart fertilizers and sustainable material innovations, securing major research grants and patents. Recognized globally, he has participated in prestigious scientific summits and collaborated with international institutions. His groundbreaking work has led to several high-impact publications, highlighting his expertise in biotechnological applications. Passionate about eco-friendly engineering solutions, Dr. Yoon continues to push the boundaries of sustainable science to address critical environmental challenges.
Professional Profile
Scopus
Evaluation of Dr. Ho Young Yoon for the Research for Best Researcher Award
Dr. Ho Young Yoon is a highly accomplished researcher specializing in natural materials technology, applied microbiology, and biomaterials. His academic journey spans prestigious institutions such as Åbo Akademi University in Finland and Gyeongsang National University in South Korea, where he has excelled in research related to sustainable materials, environmental chemistry, and bio-based innovations. His diverse expertise is evident in his postdoctoral and doctoral work, which focuses on developing eco-friendly technologies for agricultural and industrial applications.
A key strength of Dr. Yoon’s research is his ability to secure competitive funding, including grants from the National Research Foundation of Korea and the Korea Water Resources Corporation. These grants have supported groundbreaking projects such as developing mycelium-based bricks for pollutant removal and creating slow-release fertilizers using wastewater sludge. His leadership in these projects underscores his ability to conduct impactful, real-world research that bridges academia and industry.
🎓 Education
Dr. Ho Young Yoon’s academic journey is rooted in excellence and innovation. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Life Science from Gyeongsang National University (2020-2024) under the mentorship of Prof. Jong-Rok Jeon. His doctoral research focused on advanced bio-based materials and environmental applications, particularly in wastewater treatment and sustainable fertilizers. Prior to that, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Applied Life Chemistry at the same university (2013-2020), where he developed a strong foundation in biochemistry and material science. Currently, Dr. Yoon is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Åbo Akademi University in Finland, specializing in Natural Materials Technology under Prof. Chunlin Xu. His education has been enriched by competitive fellowships and research grants, including the prestigious National Research Foundation of Korea Ph.D. fellowship. His interdisciplinary training in chemistry, microbiology, and material engineering equips him to develop groundbreaking solutions for environmental and industrial challenges.
💼 Professional Experience
Dr. Ho Young Yoon’s professional experience reflects his expertise in Chemical Engineering and sustainable technology. Since 2024, he has been a Postdoctoral Fellow at Åbo Akademi University, focusing on bio-based material innovations. Earlier, he was a Visiting Researcher at the same institution (Jan-Apr 2024), collaborating on advanced natural material applications. His contributions extend beyond academia, as he played a key role in technology transfer projects, including the development of a natural hair dye composition ($74,000 contract) and a nano-coated smart phosphorus fertilizer (European patent). Additionally, he was an official Korean participant at the Global Young Scientist Summit in Singapore (2024), where he engaged with top international researchers. Dr. Yoon’s research projects, funded by leading organizations, have addressed critical environmental concerns, from micropollutant removal to sustainable agriculture. His industry collaborations and pioneering patents highlight his commitment to bridging scientific discovery with real-world impact.
🏅 Awards and Recognition
Dr. Ho Young Yoon has received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding contributions to Chemical Engineering and environmental sustainability. He was awarded the prestigious Ph.D. fellowship from the National Research Foundation of Korea ($16,000), supporting his innovative work on bio-based slow-release fertilizers. His research was also funded by the Korea Water Resources Corporation’s Open Innovation R&D program ($8,000), acknowledging his groundbreaking work in wastewater treatment. His patented smart fertilizer technology led to a significant industry collaboration with Recover Ingredients in Italy, securing licensing rights with ongoing revenue. Additionally, his research has been featured as a front cover article in Advanced Sustainable Systems. His participation in the Global Young Scientist Summit (2024) further solidified his reputation as an emerging leader in sustainable engineering. Through his work, Dr. Yoon continues to make a lasting impact in academia and industry, driving forward eco-friendly material innovations.
Dr. Ho Young Yoon possesses a diverse range of research skills, specializing in biopolymer engineering, nanotechnology, and environmental sustainability. He has extensive experience in developing smart fertilizers, bio-based adsorbents, and eco-friendly composite materials. His expertise in wastewater treatment includes advanced methods for removing micropollutants using mycelium-based bio-materials. Dr. Yoon is proficient in structural analysis of natural polymers, employing techniques such as FTIR, SEM, and XRD. His ability to synthesize bio-functionalized nanoparticles has led to patented innovations in agricultural and cosmetic industries. He is skilled in technology transfer, having successfully commercialized multiple sustainable materials. His research approach integrates multidisciplinary knowledge from microbiology, chemistry, and engineering, enabling him to design circular economy solutions. With a strong publication record and collaborations across academia and industry, Dr. Yoon continues to drive innovation in environmental biotechnology, creating scalable solutions for real-world applications.
Publication Top Notes
Recycling tempura powder debris derived from the fried food industry as a binder for 3-dimensional biodegradable composites: A novel circular economy alternative to low-performance plastics.
Authors: M., Oh, Minseung, H., Yoon, Ho-young, N., Thanh Phong, Nguyen, … K., Kim, Kang-soo, J., Jeon, Jong-rok
year: 2024