Four scientists have been selected as this year’s winners of the Korea Science Award.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation announced their selections on Tuesday.

Professor Kang Hyeon-bae of Inha University was chosen after gaining worldwide recognition for solving a mathematical problem that had gone unsolved for six decades.

Professor Lee Yong-hee of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology was also selected for his research on photonic crystals, while Sogang University Professor Yoon Kyung-byung was chosen for his development of nano materials.

Seoul National University Professor Oh Woo-taek was selected for his development of a treatment for cystic fibrosis.

The ministry and the research agency also picked four others, including Seoul National University Professor Suh Kab-yang and three professors at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, as winners of this year’s Young Scientist Award, which is presented to outstanding scientists under the age of 40.