Dr. Hee-Sook Yoon of the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) was recognized for her contributions to the development of 3D printing technology, patents, and technology transfer.

Dr. Hee-Sook Yoon of the Bio and Health Materials Research Center at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) received the Minister of Science and ICT Award in the industry category of the 24th Women Scientists and Engineers of the Year Awards in 2024. The awards ceremony was held at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Seoul on December 6.

This award is given to discover and reward female scientists and engineers who have contributed to the advancement of science and technology through outstanding achievements.

Dr. Yoon was recognized for his contributions to developing the world's first photopolymerization-based multi-ceramic 3D printing technology and sintering-less ceramic 3D printing technology, and for obtaining patents and technology transfers.

This technology can be applied to various industrial fields by overcoming the brittleness of ceramics. Dr. Yoon developed functional bone graft materials and medical parts using this technology, and advanced the commercialization of biomedical materials.

In addition to research and development, Dr. Yoon has also worked to foster female scientists and engineers. As the Chairperson of the Women's Committee of the Korean Materials Society and the Korean Society for Biomaterials, she continues to mentor young people to inform them of the role and vision of female scientists.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Yoon said, “I believe that we will enter a society where many women play a major role in science and technology and it becomes natural for this to happen,” and added, “I will set an example as a researcher and strive to help more women grow in science and technology.”