Explore research labs at leading universities worldwide — research fields and key papers at a glance.
Professor Hiroyuki Asanuma's research lab specializes in the development of light-responsive molecular systems, particularly focusing on the integration of azobenzene photochromic units into nucleic acids and supramolecular architectures. The lab pioneers photoregulated DNA hybridization and structural switching, enabling precise, reversible control over DNA nanostructures and molecular recognition processes using visible and UV light. A central theme is the design of supra-photoswitches that allow full ON/OFF switching of duplex formation, with applications in smart materials, biosensing, and dynamic nanotechnology. The lab also explores cyclodextrin-based molecular imprinting for highly selective host-guest recognition, expanding the scope of functional molecular systems.
Professor Takafumi Ushida's research lab focuses on the impact of pregnancy complications—particularly hypertensive disorders and preeclampsia—on fetal and neonatal outcomes, with an emphasis on neurodevelopmental and organ system programming. The lab investigates the role of antenatal corticosteroids in preterm infants, explores maternal-fetal inflammatory and metabolic alterations, and develops clinical prediction models for neonatal complications. Using both human cohort studies and animal models, the lab aims to uncover biological mechanisms linking maternal conditions to long-term offspring health, including cardiovascular and neurological outcomes.
Professor Ilhwan Park's research lab specializes in sustainable recovery and recycling of critical metals from secondary resources, with a focus on rare earth elements (REEs), nickel, cobalt, and other strategic metals from electronic waste, discarded magnets, and low-grade ores. The lab develops innovative hydrometallurgical and physical separation techniques—such as magnetic separation, flotation, and thiosulfate leaching—to enhance metal recovery efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Their work addresses global challenges related to resource scarcity, circular economy, and clean technology development, particularly for renewable energy and electric vehicle applications.
Professor Sung-Rae Cho's research lab specializes in regenerative neuroscience and neurorepair strategies for neurological disorders, with a focus on enhancing endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis in brain injury models. The lab investigates the therapeutic potential of growth factors (e.g., BDNF, Noggin), stem cell transplantation, enriched environments, and non-invasive neuromodulation techniques such as rTMS in promoting functional recovery after hypoxic-ischemic and neurodegenerative brain injuries. Key research directions include optimizing cellular and environmental interventions to stimulate neuronal replacement, vascular repair, and synaptic plasticity in preclinical models.
Professor Tae Il Kim's research lab focuses on innate immunity and host defense mechanisms, particularly the role of pattern recognition receptors such as Toll-like receptors and DExD/H-box helicases in sensing microbial components and initiating immune responses. The lab investigates signaling pathways involving transcription factors like IRF3 and IRF7 in response to genotoxic stress and microbial DNA, with a strong emphasis on plasmacytoid dendritic cells and their role in type I interferon production. Additionally, the lab explores translational aspects of immune modulation, including the impact of drugs like metformin on cancer outcomes in diabetic patients and the development of diagnostic criteria for complex inflammatory diseases such as intestinal Behçet’s disease. The integration of molecular immunology, systems biology, and clinical research defines the lab’s interdisciplinary approach.
Professor Hyun Jung Kim's research lab specializes in developing advanced microfluidic organ-on-a-chip platforms to model human intestinal physiology and host-microbiome interactions with high physiological relevance. The lab focuses on creating biomimetic gut-on-a-chip systems that replicate mechanical forces like peristalsis, fluid flow, and the critical anoxic-oxic interface found in the human colon, enabling long-term coculture of human intestinal epithelial cells with commensal and pathogenic microbes. Their work emphasizes the dynamic interplay between host cells, the gut microbiome, and physical microenvironments to study disease mechanisms, drug responses, and microbial community stability.
Professor Youn Soo Kim's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced functional materials, particularly focusing on zwitterionic and conductive hydrogels, carbon nanotube-based hybrids, and stimuli-responsive polymers for biomedical and energy applications. The lab pioneers innovative strategies in material synthesis—such as microwave-assisted exfoliation and polymerization—to create soft, biocompatible, and highly conductive materials with applications in implantable bioelectronics, flexible sensors, and next-generation batteries. A central theme is the integration of molecular engineering with macroscopic functionality, enabling materials that combine high electrical conductivity, mechanical robustness, and excellent biocompatibility in physiological environments. The lab also explores electrocatalytic materials for sustainable energy conversion, emphasizing metal-free alternatives to platinum-based catalysts.
Professor Young Dok Kim's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced nanomaterials for energy and environmental applications. The lab focuses on understanding the fundamental surface chemistry of gold clusters and their catalytic properties, particularly in oxygen activation and chemisorption processes. It also develops functional nanomaterials for practical applications, such as superhydrophobic and transparent films with high durability and environmental stability. The lab bridges molecular-level insights with scalable materials engineering to address challenges in catalysis and surface science.
Professor Hoi Ri Moon's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and functionalization of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and related porous materials for advanced applications in energy, separation, and catalysis. The lab focuses on developing novel MOF-based nanocomposites, particularly through in-situ metal nanoparticle incorporation and MOF-on-MOF architecture, to enhance material performance. Key research directions include hydrogen and isotope separation using quantum sieving effects, controlled thermal conversion of MOFs into functional metal oxides, and the creation of porous materials with tunable porosity and surface chemistry for gas storage and heterogeneous catalysis.
Professor Tomoki Makino's research lab specializes in surgical oncology and molecular pathology, focusing on the impact of patient-specific factors—such as obesity and tumor microenvironment—on surgical outcomes and treatment response in colorectal and esophageal cancers. The lab investigates biomarkers like CK18/CK8 for prognosis prediction in oral squamous cell carcinoma and explores the role of immune cell infiltration in pre-treatment biopsies to predict chemoresistance in esophageal cancer. They also examine imaging-based metabolic tumor volume (MTV) changes as a predictor of treatment response and survival, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies.
Professor Kazuaki Kisu's research lab specializes in the development of advanced materials for next-generation rechargeable batteries, with a strong focus on post-lithium-ion systems such as magnesium and calcium ion batteries. The lab explores novel solid electrolytes, ion-conductive materials, and nanostructured anodes and cathodes to enhance ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability, and cycle life. Key research directions include the design of complex hydrides and cluster-based electrolytes, as well as innovative nanoconfinement strategies using carbon nanostructures to enable efficient multivalent ion transport.
Professor Tsuyoshi Yoshitake's research lab specializes in the epitaxial growth and fundamental characterization of advanced semiconductor and magnetic thin films, with a focus on iron silicides (such as β-FeSi2 and Fe3Si) and ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD)/amorphous carbon composite films. The lab employs advanced physical vapor deposition techniques—particularly facing target direct-current sputtering and pulsed laser deposition—to achieve high-quality, epitaxial films at low temperatures, enabling novel electronic and spintronic applications. Key research directions include the control of crystal structure, electronic properties, and interface engineering in nanoscale materials, with a strong emphasis on optical, electrical, and magnetic characterization using X-ray and spectroscopic methods.
Professor Gen Inoue's research lab specializes in high-resolution laser spectroscopy of transient radical species and excited-state dynamics in atomic and molecular systems. The lab focuses on understanding electronic and vibrational structures, radiative lifetimes, and collisional processes in reactive intermediates such as C₂H₃O, CH₃O, C₂H₅O, and rare gas compounds like XeCl and Ar(5p). Using laser-induced fluorescence and time-resolved techniques, the group investigates vibronic transitions, predissociation pathways, and energy transfer mechanisms with high precision. Their work bridges quantum chemistry calculations with experimental validation, contributing significantly to atmospheric chemistry, combustion science, and fundamental molecular physics.
Professor Seokwoo Jeon's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and application of advanced nanomaterials for energy, environmental, and optoelectronic technologies. The lab focuses on developing 2D nanomaterials such as graphene, transition metal oxides (e.g., WO₃), and quantum dots, with an emphasis on controlling their electronic and optical properties through innovative synthesis and functionalization strategies. Key research directions include nanocomposite fabrication for enhanced thermal and mechanical performance, solution-phase exfoliation of layered materials, and the engineering of long-lived luminescence in nanoscale phosphors and photocatalysts. The lab also explores novel photonic and nanostructured architectures using phase masks and templating techniques for advanced functional devices.
Professor Gyun Min Lee's research lab specializes in bioprocess engineering and molecular biology, focusing on enhancing the productivity and stability of recombinant protein production in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The lab investigates cellular responses to culture conditions—such as low temperature, metabolic stress, and chemical inducers—using multi-omics approaches (genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic) to optimize protein yield. Key research directions include understanding apoptosis and autophagy in CHO cells during culture, improving antibody expression stability through gene amplification and anti-apoptotic strategies, and developing robust cell lines for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The lab also explores the use of agents like sodium butyrate and Bcl-2 overexpression to balance high-level protein expression with cell viability.
Professor Byung Jin Cho's research lab specializes in advanced functional materials and devices for sustainable energy and wearable electronics. Key research directions include thermoelectric energy conversion using flexible and lightweight materials, electromagnetic interference shielding using 2D materials like graphene, and the development of doped semiconductor nanostructures for enhanced photocatalytic and electronic applications. The lab also focuses on innovative fabrication techniques such as screen printing and post-synthetic doping to enable scalable, high-performance devices for real-world applications.
Professor Yoon-Uk Heo's research lab specializes in advanced electron microscopy and materials characterization, focusing on the microstructural analysis of metallic alloys at the atomic scale. The lab employs cutting-edge techniques such as electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) to investigate thickness-dependent properties and phase transformations in materials like Fe-Mn-C alloys. Their work emphasizes quantitative analysis of thin films and foils, particularly through the integration of EELS log-ratio methods and Kossel-Möllenstedt fringe analysis for precise thickness measurement. The lab's research contributes significantly to understanding deformation mechanisms and phase stability in advanced structural materials.
Professor Hye Yun Park's research lab focuses on respiratory diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its comorbidities, including lung cancer and post-tuberculosis lung damage. The lab investigates biomarkers such as CC-16 for disease progression, explores the impact of prior pulmonary conditions like tuberculosis on lung cancer risk in COPD patients, and examines critical care interventions such as steroid timing and ventilation strategies in acute respiratory failure. Their work is grounded in large-scale national cohort studies, emphasizing clinical epidemiology and translational research in lung health.
Professor Yong-Sang Kim's research lab specializes in the development of miniaturized, integrated microsystems for biomedical and environmental sensing applications. The lab focuses on microfluidic devices, lab-on-a-chip systems, and advanced electronic sensors, particularly for point-of-care diagnostics and real-time detection of biomolecules and volatile organic compounds. Key research directions include microfabrication techniques such as nanoimprinting and inkjet printing, functional nanomaterials for sensing (e.g., graphene oxide, TiO₂, Pd/TiO₂), and the integration of electronic and fluidic components for portable, low-cost analytical platforms. The lab also explores novel driving schemes for micro-LED displays and the optimization of thin-film transistors for next-generation flexible and transparent electronics.
Professor Byung Woo Jhun's research lab specializes in pulmonary and infectious diseases, with a primary focus on nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease and its complications, including chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). The lab investigates clinical phenotypes, prognostic factors, treatment responses, and antimicrobial resistance patterns in NTM and other difficult-to-treat respiratory infections. A key research direction involves evaluating novel and salvage therapies—such as inhaled amikacin and early cidofovir—particularly in non-immunocompromised patients with severe viral or mycobacterial pneumonia. The lab also explores host-pathogen interactions and long-term outcomes in patients with refractory or recurrent disease.
