Toyota Technological Institute, Japan

Dr. Masafumi Yamaguchi is now Professor Emeritus and Invited Research Fellow at the Toyota Technological Institute, Nagoya, Japan. He is the Chairman, PV R&D Review Committee under the NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization): since 2008. He was the Research Supervisor of the “Creative Clean Energy Generation using Solar Energy” under the JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency): 2009-2017. Prof. Yamaguchi has contributed to R&D for high-efficiency multi-junction, Si tandem and Si solar cells, space solar cells, defects in semiconductors, PV-powered vehicle applications. He has received numerous awards such as The Becquerel Prize from the European Commission in 2004, The William Cherry Award from the IEEE in 2008, The PVSEC Award in 2011, The WCPEC Award in 2014, The Science and Technology Award by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2015, the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Japan Society of Applied Physics in 2025 and the Purple Ribbon Medal from the Emperor in 2025 for his outstanding contributions to the development of science and technology of photovoltaics such as high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells, space solar cells, concentrator solar cells and as one of the world leaders of the development of photovoltaics and as one of the driving forces for international co-operation.

Kookmin University, South Korea

Woongchul Choi is a Professor of Automotive Engineering at Kookmin University. He received his Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering) from Seoul National University in 1987 and earned his Master of Science and Ph.D. degree both from the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio in 1989 and 1995 respectively. He started his professional career as a founding member of a small high tech venture company specializing in the development of stereoscopic image based flow field measurement system and successfully carried out many research projects with major automotive OEMs. His research interest includes vision based 3-D velocimetry, modeling of advanced vehicles for energy analysis, system integration of advanced vehicles for proof-of-concept, thermal management of energy storage systems, bidirectional interaction between vehicles and electric power grid, strategic placement and operation of charging infra-structure and eco-friendly smart city energy analysis. He has been heavily involved in the development of undergraduate and graduate curricula (BK21+, CK II) through government projects as a department chair. Also, he has carried out various government sponsored and private sector (Samsung Electronics, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Hyundai Motors, SK) sponsored projects including the development of battery swappable electric bus as a public transportation system, battery pack thermal management system, strategy development of charging infrastructure and more. Recently, he is actively monitoring the charging behavior of electric vehicle owners in Jeju island, Korea to establish the strategy for smart placement of heavily loaded charging infrastructure called EV Charging Theme Park. Lastly, but not the least, his recent research interest includes characterization of battery cells, diagnostics and performance evaluation of battery cells and modules, development of super-fast charging algorithm with little damage to battery cells, and more on the development of early detection algorithm for faulty cells inside battery modules and packs for safer EV battery pack management.  He writes articles to promote the better understanding of EV, charging infrastructures, battery technologies and future mobilities for energy independent smart cities.