Taeghwan Hyeon

Taeghwan Hyeon serves as the Director of the Center for Nanoparticle Research at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and is a Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Seoul National University, where he holds the prestigious title of SNU Distinguished Professor. His career spans over two decades of groundbreaking research in nanomaterials science, with significant contributions to both academic and industrial applications of nanoparticle technologies.

Dr. Hyeon received his B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry from Seoul National University in 1987 and 1989, respectively, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 1996. He completed postdoctoral training at the Catalysis Center, Northwestern University from 1996-1997 before joining Seoul National University's faculty. His professional journey includes serving as Director of the National Creative Research Initiative Center for Oxide Nanocrystalline Materials from 2002-2010 and assuming his current role as Director of the Center for Nanoparticle Research at IBS in 2012.

Dr. Hyeon's research focuses on the scalable synthesis of uniform nanoparticles and the designed synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials for biomedical, energy, and soft-electronic-device applications. He is particularly renowned for developing the 'heat-up process,' which has become a standard protocol for producing uniform-sized nanoparticles widely adopted by both academic laboratories and industry. His recent work has expanded into therapeutic applications, including the development of a combined 'Nano + Stem Cell' technology that shows potential for curing rheumatoid arthritis by simultaneously addressing multiple disease causes through ceria nanoparticles and nanovesicles.

Analysis of his most recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on energy harvesting technologies, particularly droplet-based electricity generation and triboelectric nanogenerators. His team has pioneered innovations in 3D/4D printing of energy harvesting devices, biomimetic approaches inspired by natural structures like lotus leaves, and novel materials engineering for improved performance. The research spans fundamental materials science to practical applications, with increasing focus on commercialization pathways for sustainable energy technologies.

• International Member, National Academy of Engineering (USA) (2024-)
• International Fellow, Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) (2023-)
• NAEK Grand Prize, The National Academy of Engineering of Korea (2022)
• Citation Laureates in Chemistry (Clarivate, 2020)
• Highly Cited Researcher in Materials Science (2014-2023)
• Highly Cited Researcher in Chemistry (2014-2022)
• IUVSTA Prize for Technology (2016)
• Presidential Award for Korea's Best Scientist (2016)

Dr. Hyeon has mentored an extensive network of students and researchers, with over 100 current and former advisees spanning PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, and research professors. His editorial leadership includes serving as Associate Editor for ACS Nano (2025-) and previously for the Journal of the American Chemical Society (2010-2020), along with numerous editorial board positions across leading materials science journals. His research has been supported by significant grants from the Institute for Basic Science and National Creative Research Initiative programs.

The Center for Nanoparticle Research under Dr. Hyeon's direction maintains state-of-the-art facilities for nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, including TEM, XRD, CHNS, and ICP equipment. The research team operates across multiple laboratories at Seoul National University and collaborates extensively with industry partners including Samsung, LG Chem, and other major technology companies. Current research directions include therapeutic applications of nanoparticles, energy harvesting technologies, and advanced materials for electronic devices.