Explore research labs at leading universities worldwide — research fields and key papers at a glance.
Professor Mina Okochi's research lab specializes in bioanalytical chemistry and nanobiotechnology, focusing on the development of advanced biosensing platforms and biomimetic systems for pathogen detection and protein folding studies. The lab pioneers innovative approaches in immunosensing using artificial nanopores and synthetic peptide probes for digital identification of viruses, such as influenza A, while also exploring the molecular mechanisms of chaperone systems like prefoldin and chaperonins in protein folding. Additionally, the lab investigates functional peptides for nanomaterial assembly, including ZnO-binding peptides, and develops electrochemical immunoassays using ferrocene-labeled antibodies for miniaturized, high-sensitivity detection systems. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and clinical diagnostics to enable next-generation biosensors and bioanalytical tools.
Professor Tae-Hyoung Tommy Gim's research lab specializes in urban mobility, transportation behavior, and land use planning, with a focus on how urban form, sociodemographics, and attitudes shape travel patterns. The lab investigates the complex interplay between spatial environments, travel mode choices, and policy implications—particularly in the context of urbanization, public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and sustainable city development. Using advanced quantitative methods such as structural equation modeling and meta-regression, the lab explores non-recursive relationships and multicollinearity issues in transportation research.
Professor Mun Yong Yi's research lab focuses on human-computer interaction, particularly on improving individual performance and acceptance of information technologies through psychological and behavioral mechanisms. The lab investigates key factors such as computer self-efficacy, personal goals, observational learning, and emotional design in software training and technology adoption. It also explores the role of emotional expressivity and empathy in conversational agents to reduce user aggression and enhance user experience. The lab integrates theoretical modeling with empirical validation using advanced statistical methods like PLS and graph-based recommender systems to address real-world challenges in technology use and personalization.
Professor Jang Hyun Park's research lab focuses on immunology and cancer biology, with a particular emphasis on γδ T cells, tumor microenvironment, and the role of hypoxia in glioblastoma. The lab investigates the dual functions of γδ T cells—ranging from anti-tumor immunity to immunosuppressive activities—especially in the context of tissue-specific microenvironments such as the brain and mucosal surfaces. Additionally, the lab explores host immune responses in viral infections like SARS-CoV-2, aiming to enhance mucosal immunity and develop next-generation vaccine strategies. Their work bridges innate and adaptive immunity, with translational applications in cancer immunotherapy and infectious disease intervention.
Professor Lu Leng's research lab specializes in biometric recognition, with a strong focus on privacy-preserving and cancelable biometric systems, multi-modal biometric fusion, and advanced feature extraction techniques. The lab develops innovative methods based on discrete cosine transform (DCT), sparse random projection, and phase-based representations such as PalmPhasor to enhance discrimination power and system security. Key research directions include robust feature selection, transposition-based optimization, and secure remote authentication protocols for palmprint and palmvein biometrics.
Professor Satsuki Tsuji's research lab specializes in environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, focusing on advancing noninvasive methods for biodiversity monitoring and conservation. The lab investigates the dynamics of eDNA degradation, quantification, and detection accuracy in aquatic ecosystems, with particular emphasis on improving the reliability of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) approaches. Key research directions include the development of robust bioinformatic pipelines to filter erroneous sequences and the application of eDNA to monitor intraspecific genetic diversity and reproductive events such as spawning.
Professor Masayoshi Nakano's research lab specializes in theoretical and computational quantum chemistry, focusing on the design and understanding of advanced molecular materials with enhanced nonlinear optical (NLO) properties. The lab investigates the relationship between molecular electronic structure—particularly diradical character and electron correlation—and third-order NLO responses such as second hyperpolarizability (γ). Key research directions include the development of open-shell singlet systems with intermediate diradical character for superior NLO performance, using advanced quantum chemical methods like ab initio and density functional theory. The lab also pioneers novel theoretical frameworks, such as time-dependent coupled-cluster and double perturbation theories, to analyze and predict molecular hyperpolarizabilities with high accuracy.
Professor Masafumi Kuzuya's research lab focuses on vascular biology and aging, with a central emphasis on the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-2, in vascular remodeling, atherosclerosis, and restenosis. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial cell injury, smooth muscle cell migration, and extracellular matrix degradation in response to oxidative stress and hemodynamic changes. Their work also explores the protective effects of antioxidants like probucol in vascular pathologies and examines the impact of community-based interventions on frail older adults' health outcomes. The lab integrates in vivo models, cell culture systems, and clinical epidemiology to bridge basic science and translational medicine in cardiovascular and geriatric health.
Professor Mingoo Jin's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of functional crystalline materials with dynamic molecular motions, particularly focusing on luminescent molecular rotors and stimuli-responsive phase transitions. The lab explores how molecular-level motions—such as rotation of phenylene-based rotators or crystal-to-crystal transformations—can be harnessed to control photophysical properties like phosphorescence and emission color in solid-state materials. By leveraging aurophilic interactions, metal-ligand coordination, and mechanical or solvent stimuli, the group develops smart materials with applications in sensors, optoelectronics, and responsive devices. Their work uniquely bridges crystal engineering, photophysics, and mechanochemistry to create materials with reversible, macroscopic responses such as crystal jumping or anisotropic expansion.
Professor Katsuhiko Ogasawara's research lab focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, healthcare technology, and health policy, with a strong emphasis on improving the transparency, acceptance, and cost-effectiveness of medical AI and digital health solutions. The lab investigates explainable AI (XAI) techniques—such as Grad-CAM—for interpreting deep learning models in medical imaging and text analysis, while also exploring patient and clinician perceptions of AI in medicine. Additionally, the lab conducts health technology assessments, including cost-effectiveness analyses of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) apps and non-invasive cardiac imaging modalities, and examines societal and behavioral factors influencing the adoption of telemedicine and health-related technologies.
Professor Hisayoshi Yurimoto's research lab specializes in cosmochemistry and planetary sciences, focusing on the isotopic compositions of extraterrestrial materials to unravel the formation and evolution of the solar system. The lab investigates oxygen and other isotopic anomalies in meteorites, asteroids, and interplanetary dust to understand processes such as nebular chemistry, aqueous alteration, and early solar system condensation. Using advanced secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), the lab conducts high-precision isotopic analyses of primitive meteorites and returned samples, including those from the Hayabusa2 and Hayabusa missions. Their work provides critical insights into the origins of planetary materials and the dynamic processes in the early solar nebula and planetesimals.
Professor Je Kyung Seong's research lab focuses on molecular and systems biology approaches to understand the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory diseases and metabolic disorders. The lab investigates mucin dysregulation in airway diseases such as nasal polyps, oxidative stress adaptation mechanisms in immune cells, and the role of lipid metabolism—particularly plasmalogens and lysophospholipids—in obesity-related metabolic dysfunction. Key research directions include proteomic and lipidomic profiling to identify novel therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and chronic inflammation. The lab integrates multi-omics technologies with in vivo and in vitro models to dissect disease mechanisms and signaling pathways.
Professor Jae-Hung Han's research lab specializes in smart structures and active vibration control, focusing on the integration of piezoelectric sensors and actuators in lightweight composite materials for structural health monitoring and dynamic suppression. The lab also pioneers bio-inspired design of flapping-wing micro air vehicles (FWAVs), combining structural mechanics, aerodynamics, and biomimetic actuation—particularly using macro-fiber composites (MFCs)—to achieve efficient, agile flight. Additionally, the lab develops advanced plasma-based flow control devices for aerospace applications, emphasizing efficient, low-cost modeling of electrohydrodynamic actuators. Their work bridges theoretical modeling, experimental validation, and real-world applications in aeronautics and structural dynamics.
Professor Yumie Rhee's research lab focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating bone remodeling and formation, with a particular emphasis on the role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) signaling in osteocytes and its impact on cortical bone geometry and mechanical properties. The lab investigates how PTH influences both modeling-based and remodeling-based bone formation, using transgenic mouse models and pharmacological interventions to dissect these pathways. Advanced imaging and deep learning techniques are also employed to improve the assessment of body composition and metabolic activity in bone and muscle tissues.
Professor Youn-Bae Kang's research lab specializes in computational thermodynamics and materials modeling, with a focus on oxide inclusions, slag-metal reactions, and phase equilibria in steelmaking and refractory systems. The lab employs advanced CALPHAD-based thermodynamic modeling and high-temperature experimental techniques to understand and control inclusions, precipitates, and reaction mechanisms in ferroalloys and slags. Key research directions include the development of thermodynamic databases for complex oxide systems (e.g., CaO–MnO–SiO₂, CaO–MnO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂), the prediction of inclusion evolution in high-performance steels, and the mitigation of operational issues such as nozzle clogging in continuous casting.
Professor Chun Sang Yoo's research lab specializes in computational fluid dynamics and combustion science, with a focus on high-fidelity simulations of turbulent and reacting flows. The lab develops advanced numerical methods—particularly improved characteristic boundary conditions—for accurate direct numerical simulations (DNS) of complex combustion phenomena, including lifted flames and auto-ignition processes. Research also extends to multiphase and interfacial dynamics, such as pattern formation in drying drops, using mesoscale modeling and Monte Carlo simulations. The lab's work bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical applications in clean energy and propulsion systems.
Professor Ryo Kurokawa's research lab specializes in neuroradiology and neuroimaging, focusing on advancing the diagnosis and classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors through integrated imaging and molecular pathology. The lab investigates the role of advanced MRI techniques—such as diffusion MRI and T1-weighted imaging—in characterizing brain tumors and neurological disorders, with particular emphasis on improving diagnostic accuracy via AI-assisted analysis and multi-center data harmonization. They also explore radiological biomarkers for conditions like immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced hypophysitis and gliomas, aiming to enhance prognostic prediction and clinical decision-making.
Professor Keisuke Saito's research lab specializes in computational biophysics and quantum chemistry, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of photosynthetic systems—particularly Photosystem II. The lab employs advanced quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) simulations to investigate proton-coupled electron transfer, redox energetics, and hydrogen-bond networks in complex biological systems. Key research directions include the water-oxidizing Mn4CaO5 cluster, the role of proton transfer in electron transport, and the pKa modulation of amino acid residues in enzyme active sites. The lab also contributes to the structural and electronic characterization of functional oxide materials using high-resolution X-ray diffraction techniques.
Professor Samrat Ghosh's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced functional materials, particularly covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and π-conjugated supramolecular systems, for sustainable energy conversion and environmental applications. The lab focuses on engineering porous, semiconducting COFs with tunable electronic and optical properties to enable efficient photocatalytic hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide production from water and sunlight. A key research direction involves understanding and optimizing charge transport mechanisms in these crystalline, porous materials through thin-film fabrication and advanced characterization. The lab also explores stimuli-responsive π-gels and supramolecular dyes for applications in sensing, imaging, and optoelectronics.
Professor Katsumasa Fujita's research lab specializes in advanced optical imaging and spectroscopy techniques for biological and nanomaterial analysis. The lab focuses on developing label-free and SERS-based methods for high-resolution, real-time visualization of cellular processes, including intracellular pH sensing, drug uptake dynamics, and nanoparticle trafficking. Key research directions include the design of plasmonic nanostructures for enhanced Raman detection and the application of stimulated and coherent Raman microscopy to study molecular distributions in living cells with minimal perturbation. The lab also explores the fundamental optical properties of metal nanoparticles to enable nanoscale imaging and sensing in complex biological environments.
