Explore research labs at leading universities worldwide — research fields and key papers at a glance.
Professor Hideaki Kakeya's research lab specializes in natural product chemistry and drug discovery, focusing on bioactive compounds isolated from microorganisms such as Streptomyces and fungi. The lab investigates novel metabolites with unique structures and potent biological activities, including cytokine modulation, antiangiogenic effects, and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. Key research directions include the structural elucidation of complex natural products using advanced spectroscopic and crystallographic techniques, as well as exploring their mechanisms of action in disease models such as cancer and inflammatory disorders.
Professor Hajime Shigemitsu's research lab specializes in the design and development of stimuli-responsive supramolecular materials with applications in biomedicine and optoelectronics. The lab focuses on creating dynamic, biomolecule-responsive hydrogels and nanoassemblies for controlled drug and protein delivery, as well as functional materials for photomedicine and circularly polarized luminescence. Key research directions include supramolecular self-assembly of low-molecular-weight organic molecules, stimuli-responsive behavior in biological environments, and the integration of these materials into hybrid systems for diagnostics and therapeutics. The lab emphasizes the rational design of molecular architectures that enable precise control over optical, electronic, and mechanical properties through non-covalent interactions.
Professor Takayuki Uchihashi's research lab specializes in advanced biophysical imaging, focusing on high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) to visualize dynamic molecular processes in real time at the nanoscale. The lab investigates the structural dynamics of enzymes, membrane proteins, and molecular machines—such as cellulases, F1-ATPase, ClpB disaggregase, and microbial rhodopsins—under physiological conditions. Their work bridges molecular biology, biochemistry, and nanotechnology to uncover mechanistic insights into protein function, enzyme catalysis, and self-assembly. The lab also pioneers the design of artificial protein assemblies for functional materials, leveraging site-specific protein engineering and stimuli-responsive polymers.
Professor Yoshifumi Saisho's research lab focuses on the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, with particular emphasis on pancreatic β-cell mass dynamics, pancreatic fat accumulation, and the metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms underlying diabetes and its complications. The lab investigates the impact of obesity, aging, and diabetes on pancreatic structure and function using clinical imaging (CT), histopathological analysis, and translational studies. A key research direction involves understanding how glycemic variability and anti-diabetic therapies—especially metformin—affect both metabolic control and cardiovascular outcomes.
Professor Seung Mi Lee's research lab focuses on maternal-fetal medicine and oral health, with a particular emphasis on the clinical implications of biomarkers in pregnancy and the impact of dental appliances on periodontal health. The lab investigates the role of amniotic fluid markers such as Amnisure and fetal fibronectin in predicting preterm birth and perinatal outcomes, while also exploring the association between periodontopathogens and orthodontic treatment. Additionally, the lab examines the potential of functional food ingredients, such as β-glucan from mushrooms, in developing nutritious, health-promoting food alternatives. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge obstetrics, microbiology, and nutritional science to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Professor Hak-Jin Kim's research lab specializes in precision agriculture and smart farming technologies, focusing on the development of advanced sensing, imaging, and signal processing techniques for real-time monitoring of crop growth and soil conditions. The lab integrates unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), RGB-D cameras, ion-selective electrodes (ISEs), and multisensor fusion systems to enable non-destructive, high-resolution assessment of biophysical and nutritional parameters in crops. Key research directions include automated plant phenotyping, hydroponic nutrient monitoring, and robust positioning for agricultural robots, with an emphasis on data-driven models such as convolutional neural networks and artificial neural networks for improved accuracy and efficiency.
Professor Eunjoon Kim's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic organization, with a central emphasis on the roles of scaffolding proteins and cell adhesion molecules in synapse formation, function, and plasticity. The lab investigates how postsynaptic proteins such as PSD-95, Shank3, and stargazin regulate the clustering and trafficking of neurotransmitter receptors, and how trans-synaptic adhesion systems like NGL-3–LAR and PTPsigma–NGL-3 coordinate bidirectional synapse development. Using genetic, biochemical, and imaging approaches in mouse models and neuronal cultures, the lab explores the functional significance of alternative splicing and post-translational modifications in synaptic proteins linked to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders.
Professor Ji Eun Oh's research lab focuses on mucosal immunity, particularly the role of B cells and innate immune responses in protecting against viral infections at barrier surfaces such as the respiratory and genital tracts. The lab investigates how commensal microbiota, pattern recognition receptors, and autophagy influence antiviral immunity, with a strong emphasis on tissue-resident immune cells and host-microbe interactions. Additionally, the lab explores the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying glioblastoma subtypes, linking tumor heterogeneity to clinical outcomes. Their work integrates immunology, virology, and cancer biology to uncover novel therapeutic targets for infectious and malignant diseases.
Professor Dahl-Young Khang's research lab specializes in the mechanics and fabrication of stretchable and flexible nanomaterials, with a focus on integrating high-performance semiconductors like silicon and carbon nanotubes into elastomeric platforms. The lab pioneers innovative approaches in nanoimprint lithography using flexible, low-surface-energy fluoropolymer molds to enable low-pressure, high-resolution patterning of sub-100 nm features without surface treatment. Central to their work is the controlled use of mechanical buckling at micro- and nanoscales to create wavy, strain-tolerant electronic structures, enabling high-performance stretchable electronics. They also apply continuum mechanics theory to quantitatively analyze nanoscale buckling behavior, particularly in single-wall carbon nanotubes, to extract intrinsic material properties such as Young’s modulus.
Professor Won-Young Lee's research lab focuses on advanced materials for energy conversion and biomedical applications, with a strong emphasis on understanding and engineering surface and interfacial phenomena in oxides for solid oxide fuel cells and ion conductors. The lab investigates cation segregation, grain boundary effects, and defect chemistry in perovskite and ceria-based materials to enhance oxygen reduction and ion transport properties. In parallel, the lab explores metabolic disease mechanisms, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance, using preclinical models and clinical biomarkers. The integration of advanced characterization techniques—such as STEM-EDS, XPS, and Kelvin probe microscopy—with computational modeling and translational biomedical research defines the lab’s interdisciplinary approach.
Professor Ki-Young Lee's research lab focuses on signal transduction pathways in innate and adaptive immunity, with a particular emphasis on redox regulation, oxidative stress, and the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory and immune responses. The lab investigates key signaling hubs such as NF-κB, ASK1, and TLR4, exploring their regulation by redox-sensitive proteins like peroxiredoxin-1 and multifunctional adaptors such as ECSIT. Using advanced biochemical, structural, and cell biological approaches—including NMR spectroscopy and nanodisc systems—the lab uncovers the structural and functional basis of protein interactions in immune activation and disease pathogenesis.
Professor Fakhar ud Din's research lab specializes in advanced drug delivery systems, with a primary focus on nanotechnology-based formulations for targeted cancer therapy. The lab develops innovative nanocarriers such as niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanogels to enhance drug solubility, bioavailability, and site-specific delivery while minimizing systemic toxicity. Key research directions include thermosensitive and stimuli-responsive nanocarrier systems for rectal and intravenous administration, aiming to improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects in oncology. The lab also explores novel polymeric and surfactant-based systems for effective delivery of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic anticancer agents.
Professor Jae-il Jang's research lab specializes in the nanomechanical characterization of advanced materials, with a focus on understanding the structure-property relationships in nanoscale systems. The lab employs advanced techniques such as nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy to investigate mechanical behavior, phase transformations, and deformation mechanisms in semiconductors like silicon and germanium, as well as in nanowires and single crystals. Their work bridges materials science, solid mechanics, and surface characterization, aiming to provide precise, reliable mechanical property measurements at the nanoscale. The lab also emphasizes the correlation between mechanical responses and underlying atomic-level structures and intermolecular interactions.
Professor Jin-Gyun Kim's research lab specializes in advanced structural dynamics and mechanical reliability, focusing on component mode synthesis methods for efficient and accurate model reduction in finite element analysis. The lab develops innovative techniques to enhance traditional methods like Craig–Bampton and flexibility-based component mode synthesis, with an emphasis on improving accuracy while minimizing computational cost. Research also extends to materials science, particularly the electrochemical behavior and corrosion properties of magnesium-based sacrificial anodes for marine and aerospace applications. The lab integrates computational mechanics with experimental validation to support the design of high-performance engineering systems.
Professor Wook Park's research lab specializes in developing advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies and secure authentication systems using novel nanomaterials and physical unclonable functions (PUFs). The lab focuses on creating highly unique, irreproducible micro- and nanostructures—such as wrinkle-based codes, QR-coded microtaggants, and chaotic phosphorescent patterns—enabling robust product authentication in pharmaceuticals, IoT devices, and high-security labeling. By integrating optical decoding, DNA-based data storage, and self-organized 3D microstructures, the lab pioneers smart, scalable, and tamper-resistant security solutions for real-world applications.
Professor Y. Kondo's research lab specializes in atmospheric aerosol science, with a focus on the physical and chemical characterization of black carbon (BC) and organic aerosols (OA) from biomass burning and urban emissions. The lab investigates the microphysical properties, emission sources, and atmospheric aging of carbonaceous particles, using advanced instrumentation such as the single-particle soot photometer (SP2), aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS), and filter-based absorption measurements. Their work emphasizes improving the accuracy of BC and organic carbon measurements, understanding secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation, and linking emissions to climate and air quality impacts.
Professor Motoyuki Otsuka's research lab focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying reproductive biology, viral pathogenesis, and microRNA regulation in disease. The lab investigates the roles of microRNAs, such as miR17-5p and miR122, in developmental processes, angiogenesis, and viral replication—particularly in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Key research directions include the regulation of gene expression by microRNAs, the impact of Dicer1 deficiency on fertility and vascular development, and the therapeutic potential of small molecules like apigenin in targeting host factors essential for viral persistence. The lab integrates molecular biology, viomics, and translational approaches to uncover novel regulatory mechanisms in health and disease.
Professor Hiroshi Nishimasu's research lab specializes in structural biology and enzymology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of RNA-guided nucleases, particularly Cas9 and its engineered variants, for genome editing applications. The lab employs advanced structural techniques such as X-ray crystallography and high-speed atomic force microscopy to visualize dynamic processes in real time, including DNA recognition, cleavage, and conformational changes in CRISPR-Cas systems. Additionally, the lab investigates the structural and functional basis of RNA modification enzymes, such as methyltransferases involved in tRNA modification, contributing to fundamental understanding of post-transcriptional regulation and enzyme catalysis. Their work bridges structural biology with biotechnology, enabling the development of next-generation genome-editing tools and insights into essential cellular processes.
Professor Seijiro Matsubara's research lab specializes in organic synthesis and catalysis, with a focus on developing novel metal-catalyzed and Lewis acid-mediated transformations for the efficient construction of complex organic molecules. Key research directions include decarboxylative and decarbonylative functionalization of carboxylic acids and aldehydes under mild or hydrothermal conditions, stereoselective conjugate additions to unsaturated systems, and innovative methods for C–C and C–heteroatom bond formation using organometallic reagents and peroxides. The lab also explores the use of tailored metal complexes and non-traditional reagents for selective oxidation and methylenation reactions.
Professor Ken Oshiro's research lab specializes in energy system modeling and climate change mitigation strategies, focusing on the role of hydrogen-based energy carriers, electrification, and low-carbon technologies in achieving deep decarbonization. The lab investigates long-term energy transition pathways for countries like Japan, emphasizing the integration of energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon capture, and demand-side management under various climate policy scenarios. Their work combines detailed bottom-up modeling with integrated assessment frameworks to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and energy security implications of net-zero and 1.5 °C climate targets. The lab also explores technological innovations such as hydrogen and ammonia co-firing in power plants to extend the life of existing infrastructure while reducing emissions.
