Personal Information
- Name: Heui Jae Pahk
- Year of Birth: 1961
- Title and Affiliation:
Professor
School of Mechanical Engineering
Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
Contacts
Office
- School of Mechanical Engineering
Seoul National University
1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea, 08826
- Tel:+82-2-880-7467
- Fax:+82-2-875-8955
- Email: hjpahk@snu.ac.kr
Educational Background
- DEng (Higher Doctorate in Engineering), Mechanical Engineering, University of Manchester, UK, 2019
- PhD, Mechanical Engineering, University of Manchester, UK (1990)
- MSc, Mechanical Design and Production Engineering, Seoul National University, South Korea (1985)
- BSc, Mechanical Design and Production Engineering, Seoul National University, South Korea (Top Graduate, 1983)
Professional Experience
- Full Professor, Seoul National University (2002~Present)
- SNU-HD Infra-core Endowed Professor (2022~Present)
- Associate Professor, Seoul National University (1997~2002)
- Assistant Professor, Seoul National University (1993~1997)
- Assistant Professor, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) (1991~1993)
- Founder and CEO, SNU Precision Co. (1998~2017.1)
- President and National CTO, Office of Strategic R&D Planning, Ministry of Trade Industry and Energy, Republic of Korea (2013~2017)
- Chairman of Korean Association for Industrial Technology Security (2017~Present)
- Chairman of the Board, Youth Foundation (2016~2018)
- Senior and Full Member of National Academy of Engineering in Korea (2014~Present)
- Member of National Academy of Engineering in Korea (2010~Present)Director, Institute of Advanced Machinery, Seoul National University(2020~Present)
- Chief, AI Valley Bureau, Seoul National University (2020~Present)
- Director of University-Industry Research Center, Seoul National University (2000~Present)
- Pahk Heui Jae Creative Space Open in SNU Engineering (2021.3.18)
- Research Associate, University of Manchester(UMIST), UK (1990~1991)
- Researcher, Korea Productivity Center, (1985-1987)
수상
- 2004: 대한민국 은탑산업훈장(대통령)
- 2015: 7,000만불수출의 탑(대통령)
- 2004/2013: IR52 장영실상(과학기술부)
- 2006: 닮고싶고 되고싶은 과학기술인(과학기술부)
- 2006: 젊은 공학인상 (한국공학한림원)
- 2010: 대한민국 100대 기술상(한국공학한림원)
- 2013: 제1회 백남상 (공학) (한양대학교)
- 2009/2011: KRX 히든챔피언 (한국거래소)
- 2014: Forbes Korea 글로벌 CEO 대상 (Forbes Korea)
- 2005: 서울공대 발전공로상(서울대학교 공과대학)
- 2006 서울대 총동창회 관악대상(서울대학교 총동창회)
- 2020 훌륭한 공대 교수상(서울대학교 공과대학)
- 2020 서울대학교 발전공로상(서울대학교)
연구분야
- 정밀측정 및 메카트로닉스 시스템
- 반도체 및 디스플레이 측정기술
- Ellipsometry/Interferometry/Reflectometry
기타업적
- 국내외 학술논문 200여편, 국내외 특허 150여건
- 연구과제수행 110여건, 석박사 배출인원 100여명
- 기계계측공학(역서), 축적의 시간(공저)
Summary of Achievements – Professor Heui-Jae Pahk
Professor Heui-Jae Pahk
Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University
1.Overview
Professor Heui Jae Pahk earned his Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), United Kingdom, as a government-sponsored scholar. Since joining POSTECH in 1991 and later Seoul National University, he has devoted over 30 years to academic excellence and technological innovation in engineering.
He has published over 200 research papers, filed and registered around 170 domestic and international patents, and supervised approximately 100 master’s and doctoral students. Through these accomplishments, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the advancement of engineering and technology both in Korea and abroad.
2. Pioneer of University-Origin Technology Commercialization
Based on a firm belief in the role of engineering in national economic growth, Professor Park has been a leading figure in industry–academia collaboration and technology commercialization.
In 1998, in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis, he founded SNU Precision Co., Ltd., one of the Korea’s first university laboratory-based ventures, together with his graduate students, to commercialize core engineering technologies developed at the university. Serving as CEO, he successfully bridged academic research and industrial application, creating a new model for university–industry technology transfer in Korea.
3. Development of World-Class Technology
Professor Pahk led the development of the world’s first ultra-precision, real-time 3D measurement technology for semiconductor and display manufacturing—an innovation that overcame fundamental limits of previous systems and enabled nanometer-level precision in real-time production environments.
This technology, officially certified by the Korean government as a World-Class Product, significantly strengthened the global competitiveness of Korea’s display manufacturing industry.
4. Global Commercial Success and National Contribution
Through SNU Precision, Professor Pahk successfully commercialized advanced measurement and inspection systems, achieving global market leadership, including entry into and dominance of the Japanese market—a first for Korean semiconductor and display equipment.
Under his leadership, the company grew into a global small giant, exceeding KRW 100 billion in annual sales, maintaining over 50% export ratio, and earning the 70 Million USD Export Tower Award in 2014.
His company’s innovations have contributed greatly to improving national trade balance and advancing Korea’s high-tech industries.
5. Public Service and National Policy Leadership
Professor Pahk’s entrepreneurial experiences inspired major regulatory reforms that enabled university professors to serve as CEOs of venture start-ups—forming the legal foundation for academic entrepreneurship in Korea.
As President of the office of Strategy R&D Planning (2013–2017) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, he led the planning of 13 national strategic industrial engine projects, including self-driving vehicles, wearable devices, unmanned aerial vehicles, and advanced material systems.
He also initiated the Industry–Academia–Research Innovation Forum, promoting R&D reform and policy shifts toward commercialization-driven evaluation.
As President of the Korea Association for Industrial Technology Security (2017–2023), he established practical strategies to protect national core technologies and strengthen industrial technology security for SMEs.
6. Philanthropy and Contributions to Academia
As a successful engineer and entrepreneur, Professor Park has demonstrated deep commitment to giving back to academia and society. Upon the public listing of SNU Precision, he donated approximately KRW 6.8 billion (USD 5 million) in personal shares to the Seoul National University College of Engineering to support research and scholarships.
He also endowed scholarships at other universities and established the “Heui Jae Pahk Creative Space” in 2021 to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and national service among young engineers.
7. Conclusion
Professor Heui Jae Pahk is a visionary engineer, educator, and entrepreneur who has pioneered the successful commercialization of university-origin technologies, contributed to Korea’s technological independence and export growth, and demonstrated exemplary service to the nation through innovation, policy leadership, and philanthropy.
His career embodies the highest standards of scientific excellence, industrial contribution, and national dedication, making him highly deserving of this distinguished award.