Recognized for contributions to food sensory and consumer science research

Ottogi Ham Tae-ho Foundation board member Park Ki-moon (left) and Dankook University professor Lee Young-seung pose for a photo. [Ottogi Ham Tae-ho Foundation]
Ottogi Ham Tae-ho Foundation board member Park Ki-moon (left) and Dankook University professor Lee Young-seung pose for a photo. [Ottogi Ham Tae-ho Foundation]

The Ottogi Ham Tae-ho Foundation announced Thursday that it has selected Lee Young-seung, a professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at Dankook University, as the recipient of the 35th Ottogi Ham Tae-ho Academic Award.

The award ceremony was held Wednesday at the Jeju International Convention Center in a joint event with the Korean Society of Food and Nutrition. The foundation presented Lee with a trophy and a prize of 30 million won ($22,700).

Lee was recognized for research achievements in food processing and sensory and consumer science. Lee has introduced 3D food printing and mixed reality technology into food sensory and quality evaluation. Research areas include developing 3D-printable materials from alternative meats and edible insects, optimizing sensory characteristics for low-sodium and low-sugar food development, and standardizing quality evaluation methods for traditional liquors and regional specialty products. Over the past decade (2016–2025), Lee has published 78 papers, including 43 in SCI(E)-indexed journals, along with 15 domestic patents and four books.

The foundation established the academic award in 2009. Starting this year, the pool of eligible candidates was expanded to include the Korean Nutrition Society, in addition to the existing Korean Society of Food Science and Technology and the Korean Society of Food and Nutrition. Including Lee, a total of 35 researchers have received the award.

The foundation, established in 1996, operates academic promotion and scholarship programs. Through the first half of 2026, it disbursed 10.3 billion won in scholarships to about 1,587 university students. Through this year, it has provided 14.1 billion won in research funding to 92 researchers.


andy@heraldcorp.com