Explore research labs at leading universities worldwide — research fields and key papers at a glance.
Professor Weon-Sun Shin's research lab focuses on sustainable food science and plant-based protein innovation, with a strong emphasis on valorizing food by-products such as legume cooking water and soybean by-products. The lab explores the structural modification and functional enhancement of plant proteins through physical methods like ultrasonication, aiming to develop alternative ingredients for plant-based foods. A key research direction involves the development of functional food powders and egg white substitutes from agricultural waste streams, while also investigating the biofortification of animal products with beneficial nutraceuticals like carotenoids. The lab integrates food chemistry, physicochemical characterization, and application-driven research to support clean-label and sustainable food systems.
Professor Dongho Choi's research lab specializes in biomedical and civil engineering applications, focusing on cancer biology in transplant recipients and the structural performance of innovative infrastructure systems. The lab investigates cancer incidence and survival patterns in solid organ transplant populations, particularly in East Asia, while also exploring the dynamic behavior and optimal design of submerged floating tunnels under extreme environmental loads. Research spans from molecular markers in colorectal cancer to biomechanical modeling of suspension bridges and embryonic stem cell differentiation. The lab integrates clinical epidemiology with advanced structural and biological modeling to address critical challenges in healthcare and civil infrastructure.
Professor Tuan Tu Le's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced wearable and compact antennas for wireless communication systems, with a strong focus on body-centric applications. The lab's main research directions include dual- and multi-band antennas, circularly polarized (CP) antennas using metasurfaces, and high-efficiency, low-SAR wearable radiators for medical, IoT, and military applications. Innovative techniques such as inductive meander lines, slit loading, and non-uniform metasurfaces are employed to achieve miniaturization, wide bandwidth, and enhanced radiation performance.
Professor Jae-Hoon Baek's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced nanomaterials for sustainable energy applications, with a strong focus on electrocatalysis and energy storage. The lab develops innovative catalysts—particularly based on non-noble and transition metal systems such as ruthenium, nickel, and antimony—for efficient hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution reactions in water electrolysis. A key research direction involves engineering metal-support interactions at the atomic level to enhance catalytic activity, stability, and scalability. The lab also pioneers safe, scalable synthesis methods for functional carbon materials, including fluorinated carbons and porous organic frameworks, for use in batteries and electrochemical devices.
Professor Jae Kyu Song's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced nanomaterials for sustainable energy applications, with a primary focus on photocatalysis and photoelectrochemistry. The lab explores innovative heterostructured semiconductors, such as Z-scheme systems and core-shell architectures, to enhance charge separation and improve efficiency in solar energy conversion. Key research directions include photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, hydrogen production via water splitting, and novel light-emitting phenomena in nanomaterials. The lab emphasizes rational material engineering using techniques like pulsed-laser ablation and hydrothermal synthesis to create high-performance, noble-metal-free photocatalysts.
Professor Sameh Eltaybani’s research lab focuses on improving patient safety and quality of care in critical and long-term care settings, with a strong emphasis on nursing practice, organizational systems, and cultural contexts in healthcare. The lab investigates nursing errors, staff burnout, and care quality in intensive and long-term care units, while also exploring e-learning implementation and palliative care integration in resource-limited and culturally diverse environments such as Egypt and the broader Arab world. A central theme is the development of context-specific, low-cost, and sustainable interventions to strengthen healthcare systems through education, policy reform, and workforce well-being.
Professor Seiya Yamayoshi's research lab specializes in virology and host-pathogen interactions, with a focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral entry, replication, and host responses. The lab investigates emerging and re-emerging viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, enteroviruses (including EV71 and CVA16), and avian influenza A(H7N9), particularly through the identification of viral receptors and host factors involved in infection. They employ a combination of virological, molecular biological, and -omics approaches—including RT-qPCR, transcriptome analysis, and structural virology—to dissect viral pathogenesis and develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. A key theme is the discovery of novel viral proteins and regulatory mechanisms, such as viral mRNA splicing, which expand our understanding of viral gene expression and host adaptation.
Professor Akinori Hata's research lab specializes in low-dose and functional chest CT imaging, focusing on the early detection, characterization, and clinical management of interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs). The lab investigates advanced image reconstruction techniques—such as deep learning-based denoising and iterative reconstruction—to improve image quality and diagnostic accuracy in ultra-low-dose CT. A key research direction involves the application of dynamic X-ray (DXR) for functional assessment of lung physiology, including ventilation and diaphragmatic motion. The lab also explores quantitative imaging biomarkers, such as the traction bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis index, to predict disease progression and mortality in interstitial lung diseases.
Professor Manabu Kodama's research lab specializes in advanced characterization and optimization of materials for next-generation all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries, with a strong focus on three-dimensional microstructural analysis using synchrotron radiation X-ray computed tomography (nano-CT) combined with deep learning. The lab investigates the mechanical and electrochemical behavior of solid electrolytes and electrode materials under high pressure, aiming to understand and control interfacial phenomena such as void formation, particle contact, and lithium dendrite growth. A key research direction involves developing high-resolution, non-destructive imaging techniques and simulation models—such as pseudo-2D battery modeling—enabling accurate, low-cost analysis of complex electrode architectures for improved battery performance.
Professor Hiroshi Abe's research lab specializes in the development of innovative chemical and biochemical probes for molecular detection and imaging, with a strong focus on oligonucleotide-based sensing strategies. The lab pioneers advanced fluorescence probe technologies, including FRET-based systems and reduction-activated fluorogens, for highly sensitive and specific detection of nucleic acids in live cells. Key research directions include designing conformationally restricted carbohydrate derivatives for stereoselective radical reactions and engineering functional RNA molecules for efficient translation in cell-free systems. The lab integrates synthetic chemistry, chemical biology, and molecular imaging to create tools for real-time monitoring of biological processes at the molecular level.
Professor Yoko Ozawa's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying retinal degeneration and neuroprotection in ocular diseases, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. The lab investigates the roles of oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic stress in retinal tissue damage, with a strong emphasis on the protective functions of nutraceuticals like lutein and endogenous antioxidant systems. Key research directions include the regulation of rhodopsin expression by signaling molecules such as SOCS3, the impact of blue light and the visual cycle on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) health, and the early neural dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy prior to vascular pathology. The lab integrates molecular biology, animal models, and clinical insights to identify novel therapeutic targets for preventing vision loss.
Professor Joo Sung Kim's research lab focuses on gastrointestinal inflammation, infectious diseases, and the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Helicobacter pylori-related disorders. The lab investigates key signaling pathways such as NF-κB and cytokine regulation in intestinal epithelial cells, exploring how natural compounds like luteolin and drugs like metformin modulate these pathways to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic effects. A major emphasis is placed on understanding the interplay between host immunity, chronic inflammation, and cancer development in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in colorectal and gastric cancers. The lab also examines epidemiological and genetic factors, including cytokine polymorphisms and H. pylori seroprevalence, to identify risk markers and therapeutic targets.
Professor Jee-Hwan Kim's research lab specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery, with a strong focus on dental implantology, 3D printing applications in dentistry, and the biological mechanisms underlying bone metabolism and periodontal disease. The lab investigates clinical and biological factors affecting surgical outcomes, including anatomical variations in the maxillary sinus, prosthetic materials' durability, and the genetic and metabolic underpinnings of conditions like bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Recent work also explores the impact of systemic factors such as obesity on periodontitis and the precision of additive manufacturing in dental modeling.
Professor Sangsig Kim's research lab specializes in advanced semiconductor materials and novel memory device technologies, with a focus on wide-bandgap semiconductors like GaN and oxide-based resistive switching memories. The lab investigates the fundamental electronic and optical properties of epitaxial III-nitride semiconductors under extreme conditions, such as high hydrostatic pressure, to understand carrier dynamics and defect-related emissions. It also develops flexible and silicon-compatible quasi-nonvolatile memory devices with high performance, endurance, and scalability for next-generation computing systems. The lab's work bridges materials science, device physics, and integrated circuit applications, aiming to overcome bottlenecks in memory hierarchy and energy efficiency.
Professor Jongnam Park's research lab specializes in the controlled synthesis and characterization of monodisperse nanomaterials, with a focus on magnetic and semiconducting nanocrystals. The lab develops advanced chemical methods—such as seed-mediated growth and continuous injection of metal-organometallic precursors—to achieve precise size and shape control over nanomaterials like iron oxide, iron phosphide, and transition metal phosphides. Their work emphasizes the fundamental understanding of nucleation and growth mechanisms to produce uniform nanocrystals with tailored magnetic and optical properties. The lab also integrates advanced characterization techniques, including transmission electron microscopy and magnetic measurements, to correlate structure with functionality.
Professor Sung You Hong's research lab specializes in advanced energy storage materials and flexible electronic systems, with a strong focus on next-generation batteries and wearable sensors. The lab explores sustainable and high-performance electrode materials for sodium- and lithium-ion batteries, including organic catholytes, metal-organic frameworks, and nanostructured anodes. A key direction involves designing functional nanomaterials—such as fullerene-like nanoparticles and graphene-metal nanowire hybrids—for transparent, stretchable, and highly conductive electronics. The lab also emphasizes molecular-level engineering of electrolyte additives and interfacial layers to enhance battery stability and performance under mechanical stress.
Professor Karim I. Abdrabo's research lab focuses on urban resilience, flood risk assessment, and sustainable urban planning in the context of rapid urbanization and climate change. The lab specializes in developing integrated tools such as flood vulnerability indices and densification potential mapping using GIS and spatial analysis to support evidence-based decision-making. Research directions emphasize the integration of flood risk management with urban and spatial planning, particularly in vulnerable urban centers like those in Egypt, to enhance city resilience and competitiveness.
Professor Kohju Ikago's research lab specializes in seismic protection of civil structures, with a primary focus on innovative vibration control systems for low-frequency buildings. The lab develops advanced passive and semi-active control devices such as the tuned viscous mass damper (TVMD), which leverages mechanical components like ball-screw mechanisms and inerters to enhance energy dissipation. A key research direction involves optimizing damping systems—particularly rate-independent linear damping (RILD)—to effectively mitigate excessive displacements during strong earthquakes. The lab also emphasizes practical design methodologies for multi-degree-of-freedom structures, integrating dynamic analysis with numerical optimization.
Professor Huixin Liu's research lab specializes in upper atmospheric and space physics, focusing on the coupling processes between the Earth's ionosphere and thermosphere. The lab investigates thermospheric mass density, wind dynamics, and electron density variations under the influence of solar activity and geomagnetic disturbances. Using high-precision satellite data—primarily from the CHAMP mission—the lab uncovers global-scale patterns such as the equatorial mass density anomaly, ionospheric storm effects, and longitudinal wave-4 structures. Their work emphasizes the role of solar forcing, magnetic field configuration, and seasonal/hemispheric asymmetries in shaping the near-Earth space environment.
Professor Zhe Wang's research lab specializes in atmospheric chemistry and air quality modeling, focusing on the sources, transformations, and impacts of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), trace gases, and secondary aerosols in East Asia. The lab investigates the roles of organic and elemental carbon, black carbon, ammonia, and heterogeneous reactions in haze formation and climate interactions. Using advanced observational techniques and chemical transport models (CTMs), the lab conducts multi-scale studies on pollution dynamics, emission controls, and regional transport during severe pollution episodes. Their work supports evidence-based air quality policy and improves the accuracy of atmospheric modeling systems.
