Prof. Dr. Choonman Lee | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Choon-Man Lee is a distinguished professor emeritus at Changwon National University, South Korea, specializing in mechanical design engineering and precision manufacturing. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Korea Maritime and Ocean University and both his Master’s and Ph.D. from KAIST, where he conducted pioneering research in 3D extrusion using curved molds. With over 869 publications, including 111 SCI-indexed papers, Lee has made significant contributions to his field. His research is recognized globally, with work ranked in the top percentages of prestigious journals and dual international patents. Lee has received numerous prestigious awards, such as the Minister of Knowledge Economy Award and the Springer Awards for his work in mechanical engineering. His leadership roles in academic societies and industry projects, including those with the Korea Science Foundation and Gyeongnam Province, further highlight his influence in shaping both academic research and regional technological development.

Professional Profile :  

Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile

Education : 

• Bachelor’s Degree (1976-1980)
  • University: Korea Maritime and Ocean University
  • Major: Marine Engineering
  • Advisor: H.J. Jeon
• Master’s Degree (1984-1986)
  • University: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
  • Major: Production Engineering
  • Advisor: D.Y. Yang
• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) (1986-1989)
  • University: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
  • Major: Production Engineering
  • Advisor: D.Y. Yang
  • Thesis Title: Numerical Analysis of 3D Extrusion Using Weighted Residual Method Through Curved Molds

Professional Experience :

• Professor Emeritus (2023-Present)
  • Department of Mechanical Design Engineering, Mechatronics Research Center, Changwon National University
• Professor (1990-2023)
  • Department of Mechanical Design Engineering, Changwon National University
• Visiting Professor (1997-1998)
  • Department of Mechanical Engineering, Monash University, Australia
  • Supported by the LG Yonam Foundation
• Director (1999-2008)
  • Research Center for Machine Tools (RRC), Changwon National University
  • Managed a 9-year project funded by the Korea Science Foundation (Annual funding: 500 million KRW)

Awards and Recognition : 

• Minister of Knowledge Economy Award (2009)
  • Grand Prize in the 1st Machining Technology Paper Contest for Engineering Graduate Students
• Minister of Education, Science and Technology Award (2012)
  • Recognized as an Expert and Chief Expert in Mechanical Engineering for the National Research Foundation of Korea
• Springer (Germany) Awards (2018)
  • Received both the “Most Downloaded Award” and “Most Cited Award” for International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing (IJPEM)
• Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award (2017)
  • Recognized for contributions to regional industry competitiveness and technological development
• Other Honors:
  • Total of 44 academic awards including the prestigious Kaheon Academic Award

Academic and Professional Memberships : 

• Society of Manufacturing Systems (2002-Present)
  • Editorial Board Member
• Korean Society of Manufacturing Processes Engineers (2005-Present)
  • Academic Director
• The Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers (KSME) (2005-Present)
  • Auditor
• International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing (2006-Present)
  • Editor
• Korean Society for Precision Engineering (KSPE) (2004-2016)
  • Director, Vice President, and President

Research Achievements : 

• Publications: Over 869 publications, including 111 SCI-indexed papers, 153 domestic journal articles, and 136 international presentations.
• Significant Research Contributions:
  • Three of his key research works rank within the top 6.4% in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) with an Impact Factor (IF) of 5.671.
  • One of his research works ranks in the top 8.5% (IF 5.329).
  • Lee also holds dual international patents in the United States and Netherlands.
• Editorial Roles: Editor for International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing (IJPEM) and IJPEM-Green Technology.

Leadership in Industry and Academia : 

• Cluster Development Projects:
  • Director of the Cluster Development Project for Knowledge-Based Machinery Parts and Materials, Gyeongnam Province (2004-2023)
  • Representative of the Machine Tools Mini-Cluster, Industrial Complex Cluster Development Project (2004-2018), Korea Industrial Complex Corporation (KICOX)
• Committee Roles:
  • Member of the Gyeongnam Science and Technology Promotion Council (2002-2011)
  • Committee Member of the Changwon City Public Love Review Committee (2006-2010)

Publication Top Notes :