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 Hee-Chun Chung's research lab specializes in virology and molecular virology, with a focus on the environmental persistence and molecular characterization of animal and human pathogens. The lab investigates the genetic evolution, zoonotic potential, and transmission dynamics of emerging and re-emerging viruses such as porcine circoviruses, porcine parvovirus, SARS-CoV-2, and enteric viruses in oysters and environmental matrices. Their work integrates virological surveillance, nucleic acid amplification, bioinformatics, and cell culture to understand viral ecology and public health implications.
Professor Kyoungsik Kim's research lab specializes in nanophotonics, metamaterials, and sustainable energy technologies, with a focus on designing advanced nanostructured materials for efficient solar energy harvesting and conversion. The lab develops biomimetic and dielectric nanostructures—such as graded-index antireflection coatings, photonic crystal heterostructures, and 3D solar evaporators—to enhance light trapping, broadband absorption, and solar-to-vapor efficiency. Key research directions include nanofabrication techniques for photonic devices, refractive index sensing, and next-generation solar cells and desalination systems.
Professor Je-Wook Yu's research lab focuses on innate immunity and inflammasome biology, with a particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms underlying NLRP3 and NLRC4 inflammasome activation. The lab investigates how endogenous and exogenous danger signals—such as mitochondrial damage, bacterial outer membrane vesicles, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and ER-Golgi trafficking—modulate inflammasome signaling in macrophages and its implications in systemic inflammation, neuroinflammation, and depression. A central theme is understanding the crosstalk between cellular organelles, pathogen-associated molecular patterns, and host immune responses in disease pathogenesis.
Professor TaeWon Seo's research lab specializes in the design and control of advanced mobile robots, with a focus on climbing robots, service robots, and underwater robots. The lab develops innovative mechanisms such as underactuated modular systems, compliant joints, and active tail actuators to enable high-speed, high-payload climbing and complex transitions on diverse surfaces. Key research directions include biomimetic locomotion, adaptive control strategies like switching PD-based sliding mode control, and the integration of novel adhesion technologies such as dry elastomer adhesives. The lab also explores applications in hazardous environments and indoor service robotics, aiming to overcome mobility limitations like stair climbing and wall-to-wall transitions.
Professor Won Ju Hwang's research lab focuses on occupational and mental health, with a strong emphasis on psychosocial and environmental factors influencing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and mental well-being among blue-collar workers. The lab investigates the effectiveness of mobile health (mHealth) interventions, particularly app-based stress management programs, to improve psychological health and health behaviors in working populations. Research also explores the interplay between work-related stressors, social support, and health outcomes, aiming to inform evidence-based occupational health nursing practices and preventive strategies in small companies.
Professor Wook Song's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle aging and the beneficial effects of exercise on muscle health and metabolic function. The lab investigates how physical activity modulates key signaling pathways—such as apoptosis, myokine secretion, nitric oxide synthase isoforms, and ketone metabolism (e.g., beta-hydroxybutyrate and apelin)—to counteract age-related muscle atrophy and metabolic dysfunction. A central theme is identifying exercise-induced myokines and metabolites as potential therapeutic targets for treating sarcopenia, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline. The lab integrates preclinical models with translational human studies to bridge cellular mechanisms and clinical outcomes.
Professor Jae-Young Lim's research lab focuses on aging-related musculoskeletal health, particularly in older adults and patients with chronic conditions such as knee osteoarthritis and hemiplegia. The lab investigates non-invasive therapeutic interventions—including neuromodulation with botulinum toxin and alternative exercise modalities like AQE—to improve pain management, joint mobility, and physical function. Additionally, the lab explores the integration of assistive technologies, such as care robots, in long-term and post-surgical patient care to enhance monitoring efficiency and reduce caregiver burden.
Professor J.K. Choe's research lab specializes in environmental chemistry and engineering, focusing on the fate, transformation, and remediation of emerging contaminants in aquatic systems. Key research directions include the development of advanced sensor technologies—such as fluorescence-based aptasensors—for real-time monitoring of persistent pollutants like PFAS and perchlorate. The lab also investigates catalytic processes, particularly using noble metal and bimetallic catalysts, for the reductive decontamination of fluorinated pharmaceuticals and oxidized pollutants. Additionally, the group conducts mechanistic studies on disinfectant-protein interactions and disinfection byproduct formation to improve water treatment safety and efficiency.
Professor Dong Jun Kim's research lab specializes in advanced energy storage materials, with a strong focus on organic and solid-state batteries for sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions. The lab explores redox-active organic molecules, nanostructured hosts for alkali metal anodes, and high-conductivity solid electrolytes to address critical challenges such as voltage control, dendrite suppression, and ionic conductivity. Their work bridges molecular design, materials synthesis, and device engineering, emphasizing scalability and practical application in next-generation rechargeable batteries.
Professor Pyuck-Pa Choi's research lab specializes in advanced materials processing and microstructure characterization, with a focus on additive manufacturing of high-performance alloys and the formation mechanisms of complex intermetallic and long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phases in magnesium and nickel-based superalloys. The lab investigates defect mitigation strategies such as hot cracking resistance in non-weldable alloys through alloying and microstructural engineering, employing advanced techniques like transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe tomography (APT) to probe atomic-scale composition and phase evolution. Current research directions include the development of crack-resistant superalloys and the design of high-strength, lightweight Mg-Gd-Zn-Zr alloys with tailored LPSO phases for structural applications.
Professor Ki-Jong Rhee's research lab focuses on the intricate interactions between the gut microbiome and host immunity, particularly in the context of intestinal homeostasis, inflammation, and cancer. The lab investigates how specific bacterial species, such as enterotoxigenic *Bacteroides fragilis*, contribute to disease pathogenesis through virulence factors like the Bacteroides fragilis toxin (BFT), which drives colitis and colorectal carcinogenesis via dysregulation of epithelial signaling pathways. Using genetically defined murine models and advanced imaging techniques, the lab explores the molecular mechanisms underlying microbiota-induced immune development, antibody repertoire diversification, and host-microbial crosstalk in gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT). A central theme is understanding how commensal and pathobiont bacteria shape the host immune system and contribute to inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the intestine.
Professor Jee-Seon Shim's research lab focuses on dietary patterns, dietary assessment methods, and their associations with chronic disease risk, particularly cardiovascular disease and hypertension, in the Korean population. The lab investigates the impact of ultra-processed food consumption, food insecurity, and socioeconomic factors on dietary quality and health outcomes, with an emphasis on population-level dietary behaviors and nutritional epidemiology. Using large-scale national survey data, the lab aims to inform public health strategies for improving dietary intake and preventing diet-related diseases.
Professor Gyu-Tae Kim's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of advanced 2D materials and nanostructured devices for next-generation electronics and energy applications. Key research directions include interface engineering in 2D semiconductor heterostructures, high-performance field-effect transistors via chemical doping, and nanoarchitectured anodes for high-rate lithium-ion batteries. The lab also focuses on innovative nanofabrication techniques for suspended nanostructures and optoelectronic devices such as p-n heterojunction photodetectors and light-emitting diodes. Their work bridges fundamental nanoscale phenomena with practical device integration, emphasizing performance enhancement through material innovation and defect control.
Professor Woo-Jae Chung's research lab specializes in biomimetic materials and nanobiotechnology, focusing on the design and fabrication of functional nanostructures for tissue engineering and biomedical applications. The lab develops advanced materials such as silica-coated magnetic microspheres, genetically engineered M13 bacteriophages, and bioactive scaffolds that integrate biochemical cues (e.g., RGD peptides) with structural organization to guide cell behavior. Key research directions include templated mineralization for bone-like materials, phage-based tissue engineering scaffolds with controlled alignment, and microfluidic platforms for protein purification using stimuli-responsive beads. The lab emphasizes the integration of biological functionality with synthetic materials to create smart, biocompatible systems for regenerative medicine.
Professor Jeong Park's research lab specializes in thermal and chemical characterization of advanced optoelectronic and power semiconductor devices, with a strong focus on understanding temperature-dependent performance and combustion chemistry. The lab investigates junction temperature effects in GaN-based LEDs and HFETs using innovative thermal measurement techniques such as liquid crystal thermography and numerical modeling. Additionally, the group conducts detailed numerical simulations on flame structures and NOx emissions in oxy-fuel and diluted combustion systems, isolating chemical and thermal effects of CO2 and other diluents. Their work bridges materials science, thermal management, and combustion science, with applications in energy-efficient lighting, power electronics, and clean combustion technologies.
Professor Nam-Jung Kim's research lab specializes in the development of innovative transition-metal-catalyzed methodologies for the efficient synthesis of bioactive heterocyclic compounds, with a strong focus on flavonoids and nitrogen-containing heterocycles such as benzodiazines and prostaglandins. The lab pioneers atom-economical, one-pot transformations using Pd(II) and Rh catalysts to enable concise, enantioselective access to complex natural products and pharmaceutical candidates. Additionally, the group explores surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy using functionalized gold nanoparticle substrates to probe molecular dynamics and metal–molecule charge transfer at the nanoscale. Their work bridges synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis, and nanomaterials for applications in drug discovery and molecular sensing.
Professor Chunhoo Cheon's research lab specializes in integrative oncology, focusing on the discovery and preclinical evaluation of natural products and herbal medicines for cancer therapy. The lab investigates the synergistic effects of natural compounds with conventional anticancer drugs, aiming to enhance therapeutic efficacy while reducing toxicity. Key research directions include the molecular mechanisms of plant-derived compounds—such as cucurbitacin D, SH003, and *Gardenia jasminoides*—in treating aggressive cancers like prostate, pancreatic, and glioblastoma. The lab also conducts clinical trials to translate preclinical findings into patient-centered therapies.
Professor Jong-Hoon Lee's research lab focuses on the intersection of environmental health, neuroinflammation, and clinical oncology. The lab investigates regional air pollution sources and their health impacts, particularly fine particulate matter and its link to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, where chronic inflammation in neurons is identified as a central mechanism. Additionally, the lab explores novel therapeutic strategies, including inflammasome inhibition, for preventing inflammatory damage in conditions ranging from viral lung injury to neurodegeneration. The lab also contributes to clinical oncology through outcomes research in stereotactic body radiation therapy for prostate cancer, emphasizing personalized treatment in elderly and comorbid patients.
Professor Sang Yoon Park's research lab specializes in advanced nanomaterials and functional devices for energy storage, wearable electronics, and intelligent sensing. The lab focuses on developing novel carbon-based nanomaterials—such as reduced graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, and hybrid composites—for high-performance supercapacitors, lithium metal batteries, and flexible sensors. Key research directions include the design of smart materials with dual functionality (e.g., chemical sensitivity with temperature insensitivity), next-generation battery separators, and multifunctional textiles for thermal and electromagnetic invisibility. The lab emphasizes scalable fabrication techniques and real-world applications in sustainable energy and wearable technology.
Professor Bung-Nyun Kim's research lab focuses on the impact of environmental exposures—particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenols and phthalates, as well as heavy metals—on child neurodevelopment and mental health. The lab investigates the neurotoxic effects of prenatal and early-life exposure to these pollutants, with a strong emphasis on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cognitive development (e.g., IQ), and comorbid behavioral and psychological outcomes such as depression and problematic internet use. Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies are employed to explore gene-environment interactions, especially between environmental toxins and genetic susceptibility in neuropsychological disorders.
