International Programs is pleased to announce that Young Sunwoo (MS chemical and materials engineering ’87, PhD chemical and biochemical engineering ‘93) is the recipient of the 2026 International Impact Award.
Young Sunwoo, director general of the International Union of Air Pollution Prevention and Environmental Protection Associations (IUAPPA), has built an exemplary career advancing clean air and environmental sustainability initiatives on a global scale. From his early research as a University of Iowa (UI) graduate student to his leadership of major academic and international organizations, he has developed lasting global partnerships, expanded opportunities for students and researchers, and helped shape the future of environmental sustainability and public health.
Gregory R. Carmichael, University of Iowa professor of chemical and biochemical engineering, nominated Sunwoo for the award. Carmichael highlighted Sunwoo’s achievements as vice president for international affairs at Konkuk University, where he expanded the institution’s global reach; his leadership of professional organizations, including the Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment; and his contributions to United Nations clean air initiatives. Most notably, as the first Asian director general of the IUAPPA, Sunwoo led efforts resulting in the permanent relocation of the secretariat of the IUAPPA to Seoul from London, where it had been headquartered for more than 40 years. The move reflected the growing global importance of Asia's role in addressing environmental challenges, particularly air pollution.
“Professor Sunwoo's career exemplifies the values embodied by the University of Iowa International Impact Award,” said Carmichael. “Through his leadership in higher education, environmental science, and international collaboration, he has contributed meaningfully to addressing some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.”
While a student at Iowa, Sunwoo received the prestigious NASA Global Change Fellowship for three consecutive years, participated in research collaborations in Japan, and contributed to NASA's Pacific Exploratory Mission-West on regional air pollution. He was active on campus and in the community, serving in leadership roles within the Korean Graduate Student Association and volunteering as a translator.
Sunwoo’s connections to Iowa remain strong. He currently serves as vice president of the Korea Iowa Club, and in 2026, he returned to Iowa City to participate in the centennial celebration of the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, serving as one of the conference chairs.
Sunwoo, reflecting on the significance of receiving this award, said that it is, “the most desirable and important recognition I could possibly receive as a 'Forever Hawkeye'."
Established by UI International Programs in 2010, the International Impact Award recognizes distinguished alumni and other individuals with significant ties to Iowa who have made sustained and deep contributions internationally or in the U.S. to promote global understanding.
Read more about this year's recipient
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.