Explore research labs at leading universities worldwide — research fields and key papers at a glance.
Professor Jung-Wuk Hong's research lab specializes in the development of smart functional materials and advanced computational mechanics, with a focus on mechano-responsive systems for next-generation applications. The lab explores the design and fabrication of nanocomposite materials—particularly 3D-structured elastomers and polymer nanofibers—engineered for high-contrast optical modulation under mechanical stimuli. Key research directions include the integration of peridynamics and finite element methods for accurate fracture simulation, and scalable manufacturing techniques such as roll-to-roll FEPW for customized nanofibers. The lab's work bridges fundamental material science with practical innovations in smart windows, artificial skin, and adaptive optical devices.
Professor Jaewon Kim's research lab specializes in the development of advanced nanomaterials and multifunctional probes for biomedical applications, with a strong focus on cancer diagnosis and therapy. The lab pioneers innovative drug delivery systems using covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and designs targeted theranostic agents, such as RNA-selective photosensitizers and gold nanorod-based dual-modal imaging probes. A key research direction involves the creation of highly sensitive fluorescent sensors for biomolecules like ATP, enabling real-time detection in live cells. The lab also explores signal-acquisition algorithms for next-generation wireless communication systems, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach combining nanotechnology, biomedicine, and materials science.
Professor Ji-Hoon Jeong's research lab specializes in non-invasive brain-computer and brain-machine interface (BCI/BMI) technologies, focusing on decoding complex human motor intentions and mental states from electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The lab develops advanced deep learning and signal processing frameworks to enhance real-time decoding of motor imagery, movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs), and nuanced cognitive states such as drowsiness levels. Key research directions include intuitive human-machine interaction, multimodal EEG data collection, and the application of these systems in real-world scenarios such as aviation safety and robotic control.
Professor Mi Jeong Kim's research lab focuses on enhancing the quality of life for older adults through human-centered smart technologies, particularly virtual reality, augmented reality, and intelligent environments. The lab explores the intersection of technology, aging, and wellbeing, emphasizing usability, emotional engagement, and cognitive support in residential and care settings. Key research directions include the design of experiential and accessible smart environments, evaluation of immersive technologies for cognitive and social wellbeing, and the development of adaptive systems tailored to older users’ physical and psychological needs.
Professor Masahide Takahashi's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of oncogene activation and tumorigenesis, with a central emphasis on the ret proto-oncogene and its role in hereditary and sporadic cancers. The lab investigates the structural and functional properties of Ret receptor tyrosine kinase, particularly how mutations lead to constitutive activation and cellular transformation, with key studies on MEN syndromes and leukemia. They also explore the tumor microenvironment, including the dual roles of cancer-associated fibroblasts in cancer progression and therapy resistance. The lab integrates molecular cloning, functional genomics, and cell biology to dissect signaling pathways in oncogenesis.
Professor Kwang-Bum Kim's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced carbon-based nanomaterials and composite materials for next-generation energy storage applications. The lab focuses on developing high-surface-area, conductive, and nitrogen-doped carbon nanostructures—such as reduced graphene oxide and hierarchical carbon architectures—tailored for supercapacitors and hybrid capacitors. Key research directions include the rational engineering of electrode materials with enhanced electrical conductivity, ion diffusion kinetics, and long-term cycling stability, particularly for sodium-ion hybrid systems. The lab employs scalable and innovative synthesis methods, including molten salt and microwave-assisted processes, to achieve high-performance materials with precise control over composition and morphology.
Professor Md Jamal Uddin's research lab focuses on the therapeutic potential of natural compounds—particularly bioactive molecules from honey, *Nigella sativa*, black cumin, and resveratrol—in mitigating chronic inflammatory diseases, kidney injury, and age-related organ dysfunction. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying the cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of these natural agents, with a special emphasis on their roles in regulating key pathways such as HO-1/CO, IRG1, and GSK-3β. Current research also explores their potential in managing comorbidities associated with viral infections like SARS-CoV-2, highlighting their immunomodulatory and virucidal properties. The lab integrates preclinical models with molecular and biochemical analyses to translate natural product science into novel, low-toxicity therapeutic strategies.
Professor Takashi Ooi's research lab specializes in the development of innovative chiral phase-transfer catalysts for practical and highly enantioselective organic synthesis. The lab focuses on designing C₂-symmetric chiral quaternary ammonium salts and onium salts functionalized with chiral binaphthyl units, enabling precise stereocontrol in carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bond formations. Their work emphasizes the rational design of catalysts that generate well-defined chiral ion pairs, facilitating efficient and selective reactions under mild, biphasic conditions. The lab also explores dual-functioning catalysts with substrate recognition sites, expanding the scope of asymmetric epoxidation and alkylation reactions.
Professor Gen Sobue's research laboratory specializes in the clinical and pathological investigation of rare neurological disorders, with a focus on autoimmune and degenerative diseases of the nervous system. Key research directions include the clinicopathological characterization of primary Sjögren's syndrome-associated neuropathy, X-linked recessive bulbospinal neuronopathy, and neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID), particularly in adult-onset cases. The lab has pioneered diagnostic approaches such as skin biopsy for NIID and has elucidated the genetic basis of neurodegenerative conditions through molecular analysis, including CAG repeat expansions in the androgen receptor gene. Their work bridges clinical neurology, neuropathology, and molecular genetics to improve diagnosis and understanding of neurodegenerative mechanisms.
Professor Seoktae Kang's research lab specializes in nanomaterials and environmental biotechnology, focusing on the interactions between carbon-based nanomaterials and microorganisms. The lab investigates the mechanisms of nanomaterial-induced cytotoxicity in bacteria, emphasizing how physicochemical properties such as size, surface functionality, and morphology influence antibacterial activity. A key research direction involves developing advanced characterization techniques—like AFM with live-cell probes—to study microbial surface interactions at the nanoscale. The lab also explores the application of functional nanomaterials in environmental remediation, particularly in heavy metal adsorption using composite materials such as manganese oxide-decorated expanded graphite.
Professor Soohun Kim's research lab specializes in asset pricing, behavioral finance, and ESG investing, with a focus on understanding how investor behavior, fund manager decisions, and market anomalies shape investment outcomes. The lab investigates the real economic impact of ESG integration in mutual funds, the mechanics of momentum crashes through hidden state dynamics, and the construction of smart-beta and arbitrage portfolios using firm characteristics. A recurring theme is the interplay between behavioral biases, cognitive heuristics in investment decisions, and market inefficiencies. The lab combines proprietary data, advanced econometric modeling, and machine learning techniques to uncover time-varying risk and return patterns.
Professor Fu-Shi Quan's research lab specializes in the development of novel vaccine platforms, particularly virus-like particles (VLPs), for respiratory pathogens such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The lab focuses on enhancing immunogenicity, inducing long-lasting and cross-protective immunity, and exploring innovative delivery methods such as microneedle and intranasal vaccination. A key innovation in the lab is the development of reusable, pathogen-deactivating materials, such as salt-functionalized filters for surgical masks, to combat airborne transmission. The research emphasizes rapid, egg-free vaccine production and broad-spectrum protection against diverse viral strains.
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).
Professor Shinichiro Fujimori's research lab specializes in integrated assessment modeling, focusing on the interplay between human activities, land use change, and climate change. The lab develops and applies advanced Earth system and computable general equilibrium models to analyze future emissions scenarios, socioeconomic pathways, and their implications for climate policy and ecosystem services. Key research directions include scenario development for CMIP6, quantification of Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), and assessing the impacts of land use and fossil fuel emissions on the carbon–climate system. The lab plays a central role in international climate modeling efforts, contributing to global understanding of sustainable development and climate mitigation strategies.
Professor Jung Pyo Lee's research lab specializes in nephrology and chronic kidney disease (CKD) research, with a strong focus on translational and clinical epidemiology. The lab investigates the impact of pharmacological agents—such as metformin and sEH inhibitors—on CKD progression and outcomes, particularly in advanced stages. It also explores environmental risk factors, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates and BPA, and their association with kidney function decline. Additionally, the lab examines molecular mechanisms underlying kidney fibrosis, with key studies on periostin and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) in acute and chronic kidney injury.
Professor Nguyễn Văn Nghĩa's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced organic photosensitizers for biomedical applications, with a strong focus on photodynamic therapy (PDT) and antimicrobial phototherapy. The lab pioneers innovative molecular engineering strategies—such as heteroatom doping (e.g., sulfur substitution), donor-acceptor conjugation, and TADF (thermally activated delayed fluorescence) design—to enhance intersystem crossing, singlet oxygen generation, and fluorescence properties in the red/near-infrared region. Key research directions include creating smart, activatable photosensitizers for tumor-targeted therapy, developing theranostic agents for imaging-guided PDT, and advancing antibiotic-free treatments for drug-resistant infections.
Professor Isamu Okamoto's research lab specializes in translational oncology with a focus on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms linking oncogenic drivers—such as EML4-ALK and mutant EGFR—to immune evasion through PD-L1 regulation via PI3K-AKT and MEK-ERK pathways. It also explores targeted therapy responses, particularly the role of BIM and survivin in ALK inhibitor-induced apoptosis, and evaluates novel chemotherapy regimens like S-1 with carboplatin for advanced NSCLC. The lab integrates molecular signaling, targeted therapy, and clinical trial data to advance precision medicine in lung cancer.
Professor Doh C. Lee's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and application of advanced nanomaterials for energy and environmental technologies. Key research directions include the development of magnetic and alloy nanocrystals (e.g., FePt, CuPt) for high-performance catalysis and data storage, the synthesis of group IV semiconductors (Ge, Si) and chalcogenide nanocrystals (PbSe, CdSe, CdS) for optoelectronics and photocatalysis, and the creation of core-shell and nanostructured materials with tailored electronic and optical properties. The lab emphasizes fundamental understanding of nanoscale phenomena such as quantum confinement, surface capping effects, and interfacial interactions to enable next-generation applications in renewable energy and sustainable technologies.
Professor Youngkwan Lee's research lab specializes in advanced materials for energy storage and biomedical sensing, with a strong focus on designing functional polymers, nanocomposites, and metal-organic frameworks. Key research directions include developing high-performance binders for silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries using sustainable polymers, creating stimuli-responsive materials for early detection of neurodegenerative disease biomarkers, and engineering hybrid electrodes for supercapacitors. The lab also investigates environmental and health impacts of polymer-based materials, particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals in consumer products.
Professor Young-Deuk Kim's research lab specializes in sustainable energy systems and environmental catalysis, focusing on optimizing energy efficiency and reducing emissions in transportation and industrial applications. The lab conducts advanced modeling and experimental studies on diesel oxidation catalysts, solar thermal systems, and adsorption desalination technologies to enhance performance under real-world conditions. Key research directions include kinetic modeling of heterogeneous reactions, development of hybrid adsorption isotherm models, and system-level optimization of solar hot water plants for airport and urban applications. The lab emphasizes practical solutions for clean energy conversion and environmental protection through innovative materials and system design.
