The POSCO TJ Park Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 20th POSCO TJ Park Prize (2026) through September 30. The POSCO TJ Park Prize was established in 2006 to honor the legacy of the late POSCO Honorary Chairman Park Tae-joon—who laid the foundation for Korea’s industrialization and modernization under his conviction of “serving the nation through steel”—and to promote public interest and participation in POSCO’s founding values of creativity, respect for talent, and spirit of service. Since its inception, the Prize has recognized a total of 68 laureates from Korea and abroad across 19 award cycles.

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The Prize honors outstanding individuals or organizations in four categories: Science, Education, community development philanthropy, and Technology. The Science Prize is awarded to Korean scientists who have achieved world-class research accomplishments in natural sciences or engineering while based in Korea. The Education Prize recognizes individuals or organizations that have contributed to the advancement of education through creativity and pioneering spirit. The community development philanthropy is open to individuals or organizations of any nationality who have demonstrated remarkable dedication and sacrifice in areas such as poverty alleviation, social problem-solving, and care for disadvantaged communities. The Technology Prize is awarded to those who, based in Korea, have developed world-class technologies, successfully commercialized them, and contributed to pioneering new industries and markets.

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In 2025, the POSCO TJ Park Prize honored Professor Moon Jeong Park of POSTECH (Science), Pohang Myeongdo School (Education), Cheol-yong Lee, CEO of Camp, and Dr. Hye-in Choo of Salim Clinic (community development philanthropy), as well as Jin-dong Kim, CEO of Lake Materials (Technology). Professor Park was recognized for her pioneering research in polymer end-group chemistry, while CEO Kim received acclaim for localizing ultra-high-purity compounds. The laureates in the Education and Community Service categories were acknowledged for their longstanding dedication to disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities.

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Nominated candidates must submit a recommendation form and a detailed record of achievements. Final laureates will be selected after a five-month-long independent and rigorous review process by expert committees and the Selection Committee. Results will be announced in February next year, with the award ceremony scheduled for April. Notably, beginning this year, the prize money for each category has been increased from KRW 200 million to KRW 300 million, enhancing the social recognition and prestige of the award.