The Jeppson Award recognizes distinguished scientific, technical, or engineering achievements in ceramics.
Nomination Process
Nominations should consist of a single-page cover letter from the first sponsor setting forth the qualifications of the nominee and giving a full and complete statement of the reasons for proposing the candidate. Single page endorsement letters from additional members may accompany the nomination but are not necessary. No more than three additional single-sided sheets containing a record of the candidate’s professional and industrial achievements may be included. Nominations must conform to this format. Nominations are active for five years then are dropped from the list. A nominee may, however, be re-nominated.
Award Namesake
John Jeppson, in whose honor this award is made, was instrumental in establishing the Norton Company. His ceramic experience in forming and firing were major factors in producing some of the first ceramic grinding wheels. Mr. Jeppson’s work formed the basis for the subsequent growth of an important segment of the ceramic industry.
Contact
Erica Zimmerman
ezimmerman@ceramics.org
Award Winners
Ungyu Paik
Ungyu Paik is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Energy Engineering at Hanyang University, Korea. His research interests are centered on the exploration and development of materials for advanced Li-ion batteries and next-generation electronic devices. Based on a fundamental understanding of the physical and electrochemical properties of materials, his research has encompassed various aspects of advanced Li-ion batteries, particularly those designed for environmentally benign and carbon neutral energy systems as well as semiconductor processing and materials. He has published over 500 papers and holds more than 200 granted patents and patent applications, applied to energy and nano technologies (ET&NT). He has consistently been recognized as a highly cited researcher (HCR) by Clarivate Analytics, consistently ranking in the top 0.1% of scientists for five consecutive years (2020 ~ 2025). His industry–academia collaborative achievements have been recognized with the industry–academia cooperation excellence patent award from Samsung Electronics (2024). In addition, he has actively translated research outcomes into practical technologies through technology transfer, thereby advancing industrial technology. His substantial contributions to energy storage systems solidify his position as a distinguished professor and researcher in his field.
He delivered ACerS Rustum Roy Award Lecture in MS&T 2025; ACerS-ECD Plenary Award lecture at Daytona Beach, FL in 2025. He is also recipient of ACerS Global Ambassador Award.
From 2017 to 2018, he served as Minister of Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea, where he directed national initiatives related to batteries, renewable energy projects, and sustainable energy policy. Through this role, he provided strategic leadership at the intersection of research, industry, and policy to advance the country’s energy sector, while also contributing to global efforts to address climate change.