ソウル大学、KAIST、延世大学など韓国QSトップ10大学の研究室情報です。
Professor Kwang-Woo Kim's research lab focuses on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with a strong emphasis on gene-environment interactions and the role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) variants in disease susceptibility. The lab also investigates the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis (SpA), especially through MHC class I associations in the Korean population. In addition to biomedical research, the lab explores energy-efficient building technologies, such as predictive control systems for radiant floor heating using artificial neural networks, and evaluates the performance of warm-mix asphalt under extreme temperature conditions.
Professor Cheol Soo Park's research lab specializes in intelligent building energy systems, focusing on the integration of machine learning, reinforcement learning, and physics-informed modeling to optimize energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The lab develops advanced data-driven and hybrid models—such as deep reinforcement learning, transfer learning, and artificial neural networks—for real-time control and inverse modeling of HVAC systems, building envelope properties, and energy consumption. Their work bridges simulation, real-world data, and predictive analytics to improve building performance, indoor air quality, and sustainability. The lab also explores novel sensing and classification techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy and kernel optimization, for health-related applications in smart environments.
Professor Joo-Youn Cho's research lab specializes in translational metabolomics and systems biology, focusing on identifying endogenous metabolic biomarkers for liver function, metabolic diseases, and neuroinflammation. The lab investigates the role of cytochrome P450 enzymes, nuclear receptors like PXR, and metabolic pathways in obesity, hepatocellular carcinoma, and neurodegenerative conditions. Using advanced metabolomic technologies—such as UPLC-TOFMS and GC-MS—combined with preclinical models and clinical cohorts, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms linking metabolism, inflammation, and disease progression. Their work bridges basic metabolic research with clinical applications, particularly in early disease detection and personalized medicine.
Professor Nam Ki Lee's research lab specializes in the theoretical and experimental investigation of biomolecular dynamics and non-canonical nucleic acid structures using advanced single-molecule fluorescence techniques. The lab focuses on understanding conformational transitions in complex biomolecules such as deoxyribozymes and DNA junctions through high-resolution methods like 3c-ALEX and smFRET, enabling real-time observation of folding and functional dynamics. A key research direction involves probing the role of mechanical forces—such as bending and twisting—in inducing structural transitions in DNA, including the formation of Z-DNA. Additionally, the lab explores the design and photophysics of novel fluorescent molecules, particularly dual-emissive single-benzene fluorophores, for applications in bioimaging and white-light emission.
Professor Young-Jun Lim's research lab specializes in biomaterials and oral implantology, focusing on the development and evaluation of titanium-based implant surfaces to enhance osseointegration and tissue response. The lab investigates the biomechanical and biological interactions between dental implants and host tissues, with particular emphasis on surface properties such as roughness and wettability. Additionally, the lab explores advanced drug delivery systems using electrospun fibers for chronic wound healing applications, especially in diabetic conditions. Their work integrates clinical imaging, computational modeling, and translational research to improve the accuracy and predictability of guided implant surgery.
Professor Seung Joon Baek's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive and antitumorigenic effects of natural dietary compounds, particularly polyphenols and phytochemicals such as 6-gingerol, resveratrol, and green tea catechins. The lab investigates how these compounds modulate key signaling pathways—especially those involving NAG-1, Egr-1, and PPARγ—leading to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in colorectal and other cancers. A central theme is the identification of PPARγ-independent mechanisms of action for anti-cancer agents, with a strong emphasis on transcription factor regulation and stress-response pathways. The lab also explores novel imaging tools, such as the lux system, for real-time visualization of biological processes in living cells.
Professor Sang-Kyu Ye's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory diseases, with a central emphasis on the role of STAT3 signaling in disease pathogenesis. The lab investigates how dysregulated signaling pathways—particularly IL-6/STAT3, NF-κB, and HIF-1α—contribute to tumor microenvironment formation, cancer stemness, and tissue damage in conditions such as liver cancer, colitis, and diabetic encephalopathy. A key research direction involves developing and evaluating small molecule inhibitors, such as ODZ10117, to target STAT3 for cancer therapy. The lab also explores the biological effects of physical forces, including simulated microgravity, on cancer cell behavior, revealing novel anticancer mechanisms.
Professor Soon-Tae Lee's research lab focuses on innovative neurotherapeutic strategies for neurological emergencies and neurodegenerative diseases, with a strong emphasis on translational neuroscience. The lab investigates neuroprotective mechanisms in stroke and epilepsy, exploring cell-based therapies such as neural stem cell transplantation, miRNA regulation of neurotrophic factors like BDNF, and novel drug delivery systems. A key focus is on developing personalized, implantable medical devices for real-time treatment of conditions like status epilepticus, integrating wireless monitoring with on-demand drug release. The lab also explores natural compounds, such as Panax ginseng, for cognitive enhancement in Alzheimer’s disease, combining preclinical and clinical approaches.
Professor Tae Hui Kim's research lab specializes in digital mental health interventions and neuropsychological assessment, with a focus on developing and evaluating brief, reliable, and culturally adapted tools for screening cognitive and mental health conditions in older adults. The lab investigates the efficacy of internet-based psychological therapies—such as iACT and iBA—across diverse populations, particularly in addressing depression, anxiety, and quality of life. A key research direction involves validating clinical instruments like the SMMSE-DS and FAB-K for use in diverse geriatric populations with varying educational backgrounds.
Professor Seong Wook Yang's research lab specializes in the development of novel nanomaterial-based biosensors, with a strong focus on DNA-silver nanoclusters (DNA/AgNCs) for sensitive and selective detection of microRNAs—key biomarkers in disease diagnosis and developmental regulation. The lab explores the fundamental principles of DNA-nanomaterial interactions, particularly how DNA secondary structures influence the formation and optical properties of AgNCs, enabling applications in multiplexed diagnostics and live-cell imaging. Additionally, the lab investigates molecular mechanisms in plant stress responses, especially the roles of phytochromes and ubiquitin-proteasome systems in regulating developmental plasticity under environmental stress. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge nanotechnology, molecular biology, and plant systems biology to create innovative tools for biomedical and agricultural biotechnology.
Professor Gilsoo Jang's research lab specializes in power system stability, control, and power quality enhancement, with a strong focus on nonlinear dynamics, harmonic mitigation, and HVDC integration. The lab develops advanced control strategies using nonlinear analysis techniques such as the method of normal forms to improve system resilience under stressed conditions. It also addresses challenges in high-penetration renewable integration and transmission system stability, particularly in small and isolated power systems. The lab's work emphasizes practical solutions through optimal reactive power compensation, fault analysis, and secure power flow control using PTDF and LODF formulations.
Professor James Jungho Pak's research lab specializes in advanced functional materials and their applications in energy conversion, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), and electronic devices. The lab focuses on developing novel nanomaterials such as ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs), cellulose-based fibers, and transition metal oxide/fluoride heterostructures for use in micro-actuators, micro-pumps, supercapacitors, and electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution. Key research directions include resistive switching memory (RRAM) devices with multilayer insulating structures, scalable synthesis of ultrathin 2D materials like BiOCl, and electrowetting-based droplet manipulation for lab-on-a-chip systems. The lab emphasizes materials design, device fabrication, and comprehensive electrochemical and physical characterization to enable high-performance, stable, and scalable technologies.
Professor Han Ah Lee's research lab specializes in hepatology and metabolic liver disease, with a strong focus on the intersection of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), cardiovascular risk, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The lab investigates the pathophysiology, prognostic markers, and treatment outcomes in chronic liver diseases, particularly the transition from immune-tolerant to active hepatitis B, the role of immune cells like NK cells in HCC progression, and the impact of vascular invasion on HCC prognosis. The team also explores longitudinal risk factors and personalized management strategies for MASLD-related cardiovascular disease.
Professor Jaehyuck Jang's research lab specializes in nanophotonics and metamaterials, focusing on the design and application of advanced optical structures for sensing, imaging, and secure information technologies. The lab develops tunable structural color devices, including ultrafast humidity sensors and dynamic color printing, using materials such as chitosan hydrogels and dielectric metasurfaces. Key research directions include hybridized Mie-lattice resonances, Kerker's condition-based metasurfaces, and polarization-encrypted nanoprints for next-generation security and IoT applications. The lab bridges fundamental photonics with practical devices, emphasizing low-loss, high-sensitivity, and energy-efficient optical systems.
Professor Seog Ju Kim's research lab focuses on the neurobiological and psychological underpinnings of trauma-related disorders, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), ADHD, and sleep-wake disturbances in adolescents and young adults. The lab employs advanced neuroimaging techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate white matter integrity and neurochemical markers like GABA in brain regions associated with emotion regulation and attention. A key research direction involves understanding how circadian phenotypes—such as morningness-eveningness preferences—and sleep patterns, including weekend catch-up sleep, contribute to cognitive and psychiatric outcomes. The lab also evaluates the efficacy of trauma-focused psychotherapies, such as narrative exposure therapy, in refugee populations and clinical populations with sleep and mood disorders.
Professor Geum-Youn Gwak's research lab focuses on the pathophysiological links between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and systemic metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The lab investigates how NAFLD, even in the absence of obesity or traditional risk factors, contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, diabetes, and colorectal neoplasia. A key research direction involves identifying high-risk subgroups—particularly those with 'lean NAFLD'—to enable early intervention and improve clinical outcomes. The lab also explores prognostic factors in hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in advanced-stage disease, to refine patient stratification and treatment strategies.
Professor Seon-Cheol Park's research lab focuses on the neurobiological and clinical aspects of mood and psychotic disorders, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between stress, inflammation, and depression. The lab investigates clinical phenotypes of major depressive disorder (MDD), including the role of age at onset and insomnia as key indicators of disease severity and prognosis. It also conducts systematic reviews and meta-analyses to evaluate treatment efficacy and safety, especially comparing long-acting injectable and oral second-generation antipsychotics in schizophrenia. The lab aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies through evidence-based psychiatry and translational research.
Professor Seung-Jun Shin's research lab specializes in smart manufacturing and industrial data analytics, focusing on the integration of big data, machine learning, and advanced sensing to enhance manufacturing efficiency, sustainability, and predictive capability. The lab develops intelligent systems for real-time monitoring, modeling, and optimization of manufacturing processes—particularly in metal cutting—by leveraging data-driven approaches and interoperable platforms like OPC UA. A key focus is enabling self-learning factories through holonic systems and hybrid learning models that allow machines to autonomously anticipate performance outcomes based on historical data and real-time conditions. The lab also explores cutting-edge nanoscale devices, such as ultra-small single-electron transistors, for next-generation smart manufacturing components.
Professor Nalee Kim's research lab specializes in radiation oncology and medical physics, focusing on advancing radiotherapy through innovative imaging, treatment planning, and adaptive radiotherapy techniques. The lab investigates deep learning-based segmentation, hypofractionated and ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy, and radiobiological biomarkers to improve treatment accuracy, reduce toxicity, and personalize cancer care. Key research directions include the integration of artificial intelligence in contouring and image guidance, the clinical application of advanced radiotherapy techniques such as VMAT and adaptive RT, and the identification of molecular markers like ATM and IDH status for predicting treatment response in gliomas and other cancers.
Professor Dong-Kwon Lim's research lab specializes in the development and application of plasmonic nanomaterials, particularly gold nanoparticles, for advanced biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics. The lab focuses on leveraging the photothermal and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties of these nanomaterials to enable rapid, sensitive, and label-free detection of pathogens and biomolecules. Key research directions include the design of nanosensors for early sepsis diagnosis, integration of nanomaterials with techniques like photoacoustic imaging and PCR, and the use of SERS for molecular-level analysis of nucleic acids and cellular components. The lab aims to bridge nanotechnology with clinical needs to create point-of-care solutions for infectious diseases and cancer.
