knu&unl launch joint ph.d degree progra

The Department of Future Convergence Engineering at Kongju National University (KNU), supported by the BK21+ Eco-Friendly Future Automotive Materials, Parts, and Manufacturing Process Human Resource Development Program, has successfully concluded an official academic visit to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).

Representing KNU, Dongkyoung Lee, Professor, and Daejong Yang, Professor, visited UNL and finalized the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the establishment of a Joint Ph.D. Degree Program between the two institutions.

Joint Ph.D. Program Overview

With this agreement, 국립공주대학교 (KNU) and UNL will officially launch a joint doctoral program starting as early as Fall 2026. Doctoral students enrolled in the program will complete:

• 2.5 years at Kongju National University, and

• 2.5 years at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln,

fulfilling the doctoral degree requirements of both institutions and receiving a jointly awarded Ph.D. degree.

UNL is recognized as the top public university in the state of Nebraska and is internationally renowned for its excellence in engineering, particularly in Mechanical and Materials Engineering. This program represents a significant milestone, as it is known to be the second Joint Ph.D. program in engineering in Korea following Seoul National University, and the only such program led by a regional national university.

Expanded Academic and Research Collaboration

During the visit, the KNU delegation held a series of strategic meetings with UNL leadership, including the Chair of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and Associate Deans of the College of Engineering. Discussions extended beyond the joint degree to include:

• Joint research project development

• Faculty and graduate student exchanges

• Establishment of long-term global joint research laboratories

These initiatives align closely with KNU’s broader internationalization strategy under the RISE Program and the Glocal University 30 Initiative, through which KNU aims to strengthen its global research presence.

Research Seminars at UNL

As part of the visit, Professors Lee and Yang delivered invited research seminars to graduate students and faculty in UNL’s Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering:

• Prof. Dongkyoung Lee; "Application of Laser-Aided Manufacturing for Secondary Batteries", Introducing advanced laser-based manufacturing technologies for next-generation battery systems.

The seminars fostered in-depth technical discussions and laid the groundwork for future co-advised doctoral research and joint publications.

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