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9 July 2025
Processes | Interview with Prof. Dr. Young-Cheol Chang, Session Chair of the 4th International Electronic Conference on Processes

 

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Prof. Dr. Young-Cheol Chang, who is serving as one of the Session Chairs for the upcoming 4th International Electronic Conference on Processes – Sustainable Process Design, Engineering, Control, and Systems Innovation (ECP2025). Prof. Dr. Chang is chairing the session on environmental and green processes, where he brings valuable insight and expertise in sustainable process engineering.

The following is our interview with Prof. Dr. Young-Cheol Chang:

1. As the session chair for Session 1: Environmental and Green Processes, what do you hope to achieve through this session at our conference?
My main goal is to foster meaningful exchange among researchers from diverse backgrounds. Interdisciplinary dialogue is essential in solving today’s complex environmental challenges.
Personally, I work with researchers across different fields and countries. Sometimes these collaborations lead to innovative studies or co-authored review articles. I believe joint research doesn’t just multiply output—it transforms perspectives and opens new doors.

2. Have you seen significant changes in environmental engineering practices over the past decade?
Yes, definitely. Environmental engineering has evolved rapidly, and we are witnessing a true paradigm shift: Sustainability has moved to the core of every process, Advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and real-time sensors are now integral tools, nature-based solutions are replacing purely artificial systems, and carbon neutrality is no longer optional—it’s a design standard. This transformation is as inspiring as it is necessary.

3. Have you encountered any challenges in your research? How did you overcome these challenges? Could you share your experience?
Absolutely. Research is full of challenges—technical, financial, and even emotional. One of the biggest hurdles I've faced is funding. Securing research grants requires not only exceptional results but also collaboration with top-tier researchers.
To overcome this, I’ve focused on continuously improving both the quality and quantity of my work. I also actively engage with researchers worldwide to share knowledge and build strong networks. Persistence is key—research takes time, and I never give up.
For example, I aim to publish in journals with an IF of 5 for short-term projects, 8 for mid-term ones, and over 10 for large-scale collaborative efforts. I treat each project as a step forward in a long and rewarding journey.

4. What advice would you give to young researchers or graduate students who are just beginning their journey in the field of environmental and sustainable engineering?
Believe in the importance of your work. Your research contributes directly to the future of our planet. Remain curious, stay open to other disciplines, and seek collaboration whenever you can. Great breakthroughs often happen at the intersection of different fields. Stay persistent, stay passionate—and never stop asking questions.

5. What are your thoughts on the current trends and developments of open access publishing?
Open access is the future. It makes knowledge more accessible, more equitable, and more impactful. The speed and reach it offers are unmatched. In Japan, even the government has started recommending universities make their research outputs open access. It’s a global movement—and I fully support it.

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