Ki Ryong Kwon | Artificial Intelligence in Statistics | Best Faculty Award

Prof. Ki Ryong Kwon | Artificial Intelligence in Statistics | Best Faculty Award

Pukyong National University | South Korea

Professor Ki-Ryong Kwon is an eminent and highly respected scholar in electronics engineering, artificial intelligence, and computer science, serving as a leading Professor in the Division of Computer Engineering and AI at Pukyong National University, South Korea. he pursued his academic journey at Kyungpook National University, where he completed his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Electronics Engineering, later advancing his research expertise through a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Minnesota under the mentorship of Prof. Ahmed H. Tewfik, followed by a visiting scholar appointment at Colorado State University that further broadened his international academic exposure. Throughout his long-standing academic career, Professor Kwon has demonstrated exceptional leadership by serving as Dean of the College of Engineering, Vice-Dean of Engineering, Director of the Artificial Intelligence Lab, Director of the Center for Start-up Foundation, Director of the Center of IP Transfer, and Vice-Director of Industry-University Foundation Cooperation, contributing extensively to academic development, research infrastructure advancement, and student innovation ecosystems. Beyond the university environment, he has played influential strategic roles as Chairman of the Global Fintech Industry Promotion Center, Vice-Chairman of the Korea Cloud Association, Vice-Chairman of the Busan Federation of Service Industry, and Chair of the 4th Industrial Revolution Leadership Promotion Team for Busan City, where he has been instrumental in guiding regional and national initiatives in AI-driven transformation, digital economy growth, and emerging technology integration. His contributions to the global research community include major leadership roles in IEEE, the Korea Multimedia Society, the Korea Information Processing Society, and multiple international conferences where he has served as General Chair, Industrial Chair, Program Chair, and Organizing Chair. His research encompasses deep learning, digital watermarking, image forensics, signal processing, marine AI applications, smart digital-twin systems, cybersecurity, and intelligent multi-agent architectures. With approximately 118 published research documents, around 1,309 citations, and an estimated h-index in the mid-20s, he maintains a strong and influential academic footprint. Over his career, he has been honored with numerous Best Paper Awards, national recognitions, institutional leadership awards, and international distinctions that reflect his outstanding dedication to research excellence, innovation leadership, and the advancement of technology-driven societal development.

Profile: Scopus

Tao Zhong | Machine Learning and Statistics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Tao Zhong | Machine Learning and Statistics | Best Researcher Award

Sun Yat-sen University | China

Dr. Zhong Tao is a dedicated interdisciplinary researcher specializing in environmental engineering, material science, and computational modelling. A native of Chongqing, China, he is a member of the Communist Party of China and currently based in Guangzhou. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Ecological Engineering with a minor in Computer Science and Technology from Sichuan Agricultural University, followed by a Master’s in Environmental Science and Engineering from Guangxi University under Prof. Yu Zebin, and is pursuing his Doctor of Engineering (Ph.D.) in Resources and Environment at Sun Yat-sen University under Prof. He Chun. His research focuses on the design and development of high-activity environmental functional materials for atmospheric and water pollutant removal, catalytic ozonation, and clean-energy catalysis, including hydrogen production via water splitting. He also employs Density Functional Theory (DFT) to analyze catalytic materials and pollutant molecular structures, building structure–property relationships to guide experiments. Dr. Zhong has contributed to 31 SCI-indexed papers, including 11 as first or co-first author, and applied for 5 patents, with 4 granted. His ongoing research includes national and provincial projects as principal investigator or key contributor. He has received multiple national and university-level scholarships and awards for academic excellence, innovation, and leadership. His Scopus metrics reflect a growing international influence, with an h-index of 10, 22 documents, and over 343 citations, underscoring his strong academic productivity. Known for his rigorous research approach, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentoring of peers and students, Dr. Zhong also pursues interests in history, literature, and sports, maintaining an optimistic, resilient, and disciplined outlook that complements his scientific career.

Profiles: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Guo, X., Yao, Z., Long, X., Zeng, L., Wang, C., Fang, Z., Zhong, T., Tian, S., Shu, D., & He, C. (2025). Recent advances in tailored nanostructured ozonation catalysts for enhanced VOCs removal: Synergistic optimization of scale configuration and electronic microenvironment.

Zhong, T., Yao, Z., Zeng, L., Zhao, H., Long, X., Li, T., Tian, S., & He, C. (2025). Manipulating spin-configuration via electron reverse overflow to dynamically tune the adsorption behavior of sulfur-containing intermediates for enhanced sulfur resistance.