Published an article related to ‘Calculation of Dipole Moment’ introducing quantum mechanics to chemical reaction for the first time
Obtained global reputation with an article published jointly with professor Henry Eyring, ‘Theory of Non-Newtonian Flow’
(Late) Lee Tae-gyu
Honorary Professor, KAIST (1902~1992)
- Academic background
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1920 ~ 1924
Graduated from Hiroshima High School, Japan
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1924 ~ 1927
Graduated from Kyoto Imperial University, Japan
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1927 ~ 1931
Ph.D., Kyoto Imperial University, Japan
- Professional career
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1931 ~ 1945
Professor, Kyoto Imperial University, Japan
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1945 ~ 1946
Dean, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kyungsung University
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1946
The 1st chairman, Korean Chemical Society
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1948 ~ 1970
Professor, Utah University, US
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1973 ~ 1992
Honorary Professor, KAIST
- Awards
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1971
Order of Civil Merit, Peony Medal
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1982
Sejong Culture Prize
Global theoretical chemist who published ‘Theory of Non-Newtonian Flow’ and introduced quantum mechanics to the chemistry for the first time
Professor Tae Gyu Lee is a global chemist who was nominated as a candidate for Nobel Prize in recognition of his superior academic achievement in the 1960s. It made headline that he received a Ph.D. degree with an article ‘decomposition of carbon monoxide using reduced nickel', overcoming discrimination and economic difficulties in Japan in 1931 during the Japanese colonial era.
Called as genius science trio with Seung Ki Lee and Eui Taek Jeong, he contributed to the introduction and spread of quantum chemistry to Japan during professor of Kyoto Imperial University. Although he was appointed formally as professor of Kyoto Imperial University, he moved to Princeton University where he could find great scholars in those days to fulfill his intellectual curiosity.
The article on the ‘calculation of dipole moment’ published jointly with professor Henry Eyring met at Princeton University was evaluated as the first case that introduced quantum mechanics to a chemical reaction. The theory related to molecular movement on the boundary when liquid flows, ‘mitigation theory of transport phenomenon’ was published jointly with Professor Henry Eyring.
Immediately after liberation, he returned back to Korea transiently and trained younger students including Sang Jun Han, Moo Sik Jeon, Sang Yeop Chor, Yong Tae Lee, Se Heon Chang, Suk Il Kwon, Gak Jung Kim, Wan Kyu Kim, and Gwang Pyo Lee, serving as the dean of science and engineering college, Kyungsung University, the former Seoul National University, and dean of liberal arts and science college, Seoul National University and acting as the first chairman of Joseon Chemical Society (Korean Chemical Society).
Contributed to chemical research and construction of educational foundation as the first Korean chemist
After appointment as a professor of Utah University, US, He became a promising chemist with the publication of superior articles related to chemical kinetics and liquid theory and then received great attention from the international academic society with the article published jointly with professor Henry Eyring ‘Theory of Non-Newtonian Flow', namely Ree-Eyring Theory. The Theory of Non-Newtonian Flow', which explains that change of viscosity theoretically in the non-Newtonian flow where the deformation rate of the object is not proportional to external action (stress), has great meaning at the point to present a general formula to deal with non-Newtonian flow phenomenon which was difficult to approach theoretically.
This research achievement called ‘Ree-Eyring Theory’ named after both names of the professors was spotlighted greatly from the international academic society.
Due to his academic superiority and achievements, he was appointed as a recommendation member of the Nobel Prize and nominated as the Candidate of Nobel Prize to raise the status of Korea 4 years after that.
Buried in National Cemetery for the first time as a scientist in recognition of his contribution to the foundation of Korea Chemistry
Acting as the director of the Pacific Science Association (1974) and the director of theoretical physics center (1975), he was invited as an honorary professor of KAIST after his 70s and trained 12 doctors and 24 masters.
In the recognition of his contribution to the founding the base of Korea's modern chemistry and building the base of Korea chemistry, he was buried in the National Cemetery for the first time as a chemist.