Research labs at Korea's QS Top 10 universities including SNU, KAIST, and Yonsei.
Professor Naomichi Yamamoto's research lab specializes in indoor and outdoor fungal ecology, focusing on the dynamics, diversity, and health impacts of airborne and dust-associated fungi. The lab employs advanced molecular techniques such as quantitative PCR, high-throughput sequencing, and tracer gas measurements to investigate fungal exposure in residential, school, and urban environments. Key research directions include understanding size-resolved fungal communities, source apportionment of indoor allergens, and the role of ventilation and building characteristics in modulating human exposure. The lab also develops and validates novel sampling and detection methods for fungal pathogens and allergens in environmental media.
Professor Chung-Hwi Yi's research lab specializes in biomechanics and neuromuscular control, focusing on postural stability, musculoskeletal health, and the effects of external loads and interventions on movement and muscle activity. The lab investigates how factors such as backpack design, taping, and posture influence spinal and lower limb function, particularly in children and young adults. Key research directions include the impact of load distribution on neck and back posture, the role of neuromuscular control in injury prevention, and the optimization of therapeutic techniques like taping and exercise. The lab employs surface EMG, motion analysis, and force plate measurements to evaluate physiological responses during dynamic tasks such as walking and landing.
Professor Changsik Song's research lab specializes in advanced materials chemistry, with a focus on sustainable polymer design, energy storage materials, and functional molecular systems. The lab develops biomass-derived and recyclable polymers, including network polyurethanes with dynamic covalent bonds for self-healing and shape-memory applications, and designs high-performance polymer electrolytes for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the lab investigates electron spin systems and dynamic nuclear polarization for enhanced NMR techniques, as well as functional organic materials such as emissive π-dimers and conductive hydrogels for optoelectronic and sensing applications.
Professor Jisoo Lee's research lab focuses on immunology and cancer biology, with a particular emphasis on understanding the development and function of B cell subsets, especially pre-naive and CD5+ B cells, in human immunity and disease. The lab also investigates the therapeutic potential of natural compounds—such as walnut phenolic extracts and their bioactive components—against cancer stem cells, aiming to overcome chemotherapy resistance. Additionally, the lab addresses health disparities in autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), among women of childbearing age. These interdisciplinary efforts integrate immunophenotyping, in vitro differentiation assays, and functional screening of natural products to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
Professor Jae-Sung Rieh's research lab specializes in advanced semiconductor devices, with a primary focus on silicon-germanium heterojunction bipolar transistors (SiGe HBTs) for high-speed and terahertz applications. The lab investigates device scaling, thermal management, and reliability in nanoscale transistors, emphasizing the simultaneous optimization of high-frequency performance (fT and fmax), noise characteristics, and thermal resistance. Key research directions include the development of analytical and simulation models for thermal behavior, structural design for improved heat dissipation, and the integration of SiGe HBTs into broadband communication systems. The lab's work bridges fundamental device physics with practical applications in next-generation RF, mixed-signal, and terahertz electronics.
Professor Kyoung Doo Song's research lab specializes in interventional radiology and medical imaging, with a primary focus on image-guided ablation therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The lab investigates the technical feasibility and long-term outcomes of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation, particularly for small and recurrent HCCs, using advanced fusion imaging techniques that combine ultrasound with MRI or CT. Research also extends to the characterization of renal masses using dual-energy CT and the differentiation of benign from malignant pulmonary lesions using PET/CT. The lab emphasizes improving diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic precision through innovative imaging integration and image-guided interventions.
Professor Hyungsuk Kim's research lab focuses on translational and molecular mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal disorders, particularly degenerative spinal conditions and chronic pain. The lab investigates spinal deformity correction, especially sagittal decompensation and lumbosacral fixation, alongside the molecular transcriptomic transitions from acute to chronic low back pain. Additional research explores the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy and the therapeutic potential of natural compounds like garlic phytocompounds in cancer. The lab integrates clinical outcomes with molecular biology and bioinformatics to identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
Professor Seung Yong Hwang's research lab focuses on environmental health and molecular toxicology, investigating the biological impacts of environmental exposures—particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and industrial pollutants—on human health. The lab employs high-throughput 'omics' technologies, including microarray analysis, epigenetic profiling (DNA methylation), and lncRNA expression analysis, to understand molecular mechanisms underlying disease susceptibility. A key research direction involves identifying biomarkers and genetic responses associated with combined chemical exposures, especially in occupational and environmental settings. The lab also explores the role of endogenous signaling molecules, such as type I interferons, in immune and hematopoietic regulation.
Professor Sungyoung Choi's research lab specializes in microfluidic technologies for label-free, non-invasive cell and particle manipulation, with a focus on hydrodynamic and dielectrophoretic principles. The lab develops innovative microdevices that exploit hydrophoretic forces—generated by structured microchannels and obstacles—to achieve high-throughput, sheathless focusing, separation, and sizing of microparticles, blood cells, and platelets with minimal shear stress. A key research direction involves leveraging intrinsic physical differences such as size and dielectric properties for cell cycle synchronization and rare cell sorting, enabling applications in clinical diagnostics and regenerative medicine. The lab emphasizes simplicity, scalability, and physiological compatibility in its microfluidic platform designs.
Professor Sungyoung Choi's research lab specializes in microfluidic device development for point-of-care diagnostics and automated blood sample preparation. The lab focuses on innovative, low-cost, and user-friendly microfluidic systems that enable rapid, label-free separation and purification of blood cells—particularly white blood cells and plasma—without hemolysis or chemical treatment. Key research directions include hydrophoretic focusing, deterministic cell migration using structured microchannels, and the integration of smart pipetting technologies for clinical applications.
Professor Seong Chan Park's research lab focuses on theoretical particle physics and cosmology, exploring fundamental questions in high-energy physics, including dark matter candidates, supersymmetry, universal extra dimensions, and models of electroweak symmetry breaking. The lab investigates phenomenological implications of new physics beyond the Standard Model, such as heavy gauge bosons, Kaluza-Klein excitations, and axino-mediated dark matter, while also examining consistency of inflationary models with quantum gravity constraints. Recent work includes analyzing anomalies in cosmic ray data and X-ray line emissions, as well as studying the interplay between collider phenomenology and cosmological observations. The lab integrates theoretical frameworks with observational data from experiments like BICEP2, Fermilab, and the LHC to test and refine models of new physics.
Professor Young Ho Suh's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological and metabolic diseases, with a central emphasis on synaptic transmission, protein trafficking, and cellular quality control. The lab investigates the regulation of neurotransmitter receptors—particularly NMDA and metabotropic glutamate receptors—through posttranslational modifications such as glycosylation, phosphorylation, and palmitoylation, which govern their synaptic localization and function. Additionally, the lab explores the role of selective autophagy and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease, especially in the context of LRRK2 and aggregate clearance. Using integrative approaches combining biochemistry, cell biology, and in vivo models, the lab aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms that contribute to insulin resistance and neurodegeneration.
Professor Jongsup Hong's research lab specializes in advanced materials and catalysis for sustainable energy conversion, with a primary focus on carbon dioxide and methane utilization. The lab develops innovative electrochemical and catalytic systems—particularly solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) and bimetallic alloy catalysts—for efficient, coke-free conversion of CO2 and CH4 into valuable syngas and other chemicals. Key research directions include designing nanostructured electrodes and catalysts to enhance mass transport, suppress carbon deposition, and improve long-term stability under low-temperature operation. The lab also emphasizes energy efficiency and practical scalability, targeting applications in clean energy technologies such as power-to-gas and direct methane-fueled fuel cells.
Professor Kihang Choi's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of functional macrocyclic receptors and fluorescent probes for sensing biological and chemical species with high selectivity and sensitivity. The lab focuses on anion recognition using tailored macrocycles with unique binding cavities, as well as developing ratiometric fluorescent probes—particularly coumarin-based—for real-time monitoring of redox molecules like glutathione in live stem cells. Their work bridges supramolecular chemistry, chemical biology, and biomedical sensing, with applications in understanding cellular redox regulation and ribosomal function. The lab also investigates molecular interactions in complex biological systems, such as peptide–ribosome interactions, using photo-cross-linking techniques.
Professor Seunghwan Lee's research lab specializes in computational biomechanics and molecular systematics, focusing on the development of advanced musculoskeletal modeling and control systems for realistic human movement simulation, as well as the use of DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis to resolve species boundaries and evolutionary relationships in hemipteran insects such as aphids, whiteflies, and cimicoids. The lab integrates deep reinforcement learning, biomechanical simulation, and molecular genetics to address complex biological systems and ecological adaptations.
Professor Seong-Doo Hong's research lab specializes in cancer pharmacology and molecular oncology, focusing on the anticancer mechanisms of natural compounds, particularly norcantharidin (NCTD), in various human malignancies. The lab investigates the apoptotic, anti-invasive, and anti-metastatic effects of NCTD in oral squamous cell carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma, with an emphasis on identifying key molecular targets and signaling pathways. Their work integrates in vitro and in vivo models to elucidate the therapeutic potential of NCTD and related compounds in cancer treatment.
Professor Seunghwan Lee's research lab specializes in molecular systematics, phylogenetics, and evolutionary biology, with a focus on understanding the biodiversity, evolutionary relationships, and genetic mechanisms in insect groups such as Elateridae, Nitidulidae, Coccidae, and mealybugs. The lab integrates molecular markers (e.g., COI, EF-1α, 28S) with morphological and symbiotic data to resolve species boundaries, uncover cryptic diversity, and reconstruct robust phylogenies. A key emphasis is placed on using DNA barcoding and next-generation sequencing approaches to address taxonomic challenges and support pest management in agriculture.
Professor Hyuk Wan Ko's research lab focuses on cellular signaling mechanisms underlying circadian rhythms, neuronal cell death, and ciliary signaling in development and disease. The lab investigates key regulatory proteins such as PER, CCRK, and kinases like JNK, p38, and their roles in subcellular trafficking, apoptosis, and Hedgehog pathway transduction. A central theme is the regulation of protein phosphorylation and subcellular localization in neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. The lab also explores innovative drug delivery systems, such as egg microneedles, to improve therapeutic delivery for diabetes and neurological conditions.
Professor Chulbom Lee's research lab specializes in transition metal-catalyzed organic transformations, with a strong focus on the development of novel catalytic mechanisms involving reactive intermediates such as metal vinylidenes, alkenylidenes, and radical species. The lab explores visible-light-driven photocatalysis for selective C–H functionalization and C–X bond activation, enabling mild and efficient synthesis of complex organic molecules. A key theme is the design of sustainable catalytic systems that operate under ambient conditions, often leveraging unique reactivity patterns of iridium and rhodium complexes. The group also investigates photophysical processes in fluorescent dyes, particularly photoconversion artifacts in super-resolution imaging, linking fundamental mechanistic insights to practical applications in biophysics and materials science.
Professor Jong Kil Lee's research lab focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), with a strong emphasis on molecular mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation, protein aggregation, and cellular homeostasis. The lab investigates key signaling pathways such as p38 MAPK and acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), exploring their roles in tau pathology, amyloid-beta metabolism, and autophagic dysfunction. A central theme is the therapeutic potential of stem cell therapy—particularly bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs)—in modulating microglial activation and promoting neuroprotection. The lab also examines natural compounds and lifestyle interventions, such as trans-cinnamaldehyde and treadmill exercise, in ameliorating cognitive deficits in preclinical models of AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
