Research labs at Korea's QS Top 10 universities including SNU, KAIST, and Yonsei.
Professor Jee-Hwan Ryu's research lab specializes in haptic interfaces, teleoperation systems, and passivity-based control for robotic and mechatronic systems. The lab focuses on ensuring stability and safety in human-machine interaction through advanced passivity observer and controller designs, particularly in high-stiffness virtual environments and time-delayed communication scenarios. Key research directions include energy-based stability analysis, real-time passivity enforcement, and the development of robust control frameworks for bilateral and multi-port teleoperation systems. The lab also explores innovative control strategies for parallel manipulators and high-fidelity haptic rendering.
Professor Kihun Han's research lab focuses on the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, with a central emphasis on gene regulation in the brain. The lab investigates post-transcriptional control mechanisms, particularly the roles of microRNAs and RNA-binding proteins, in regulating key synaptic scaffolding genes such as *MECP2* and *SHANK3*. Using integrative approaches including transcriptome analysis, animal models, and patient-derived cells, the lab explores how dysregulation of these pathways contributes to diseases like autism spectrum disorder, fragile X syndrome, and bipolar disorder. A major research direction involves identifying downstream molecular pathways affected by synaptic protein overexpression or mutation, especially those involving mTORC1 signaling and dendritic spine pathology.
Professor Youngmi Lee's research lab focuses on ion channel biology, particularly the role of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in physiological and pathological processes. Her work explores TRP channel function in gastrointestinal and skin tissues, investigating their involvement in cellular signaling, inflammation, and responses to environmental stimuli such as heat, UV radiation, and chemical agonists. The lab also examines psychosocial and emotional aspects of medical education, particularly in the context of anatomy dissection and professional identity formation. These interdisciplinary studies bridge molecular physiology with clinical and educational outcomes.
Professor Kyung Hwan Shin's research lab specializes in radiation oncology and medical physics, with a focus on improving radiotherapy outcomes through advanced imaging, hypoxia assessment, and treatment planning. The lab investigates tumor microenvironment dynamics—particularly hypoxia—using both endogenous (e.g., CAIX) and exogenous (e.g., pimonidazole) markers to refine radiation response prediction. It also explores biomarkers like SCC-Ag for early detection of cervical cancer recurrence and examines the impact of radiation dose on surgical complications in breast cancer patients. Additionally, the lab pioneers adaptive radiotherapy techniques, including MRI-guided partial breast irradiation and deep learning-based auto-contouring to reduce interobserver variability in target volume delineation.
Professor Jae Yong Chung's research lab specializes in pharmacogenomics and translational pharmacology, focusing on how genetic variations influence drug response and metabolism. The lab investigates the role of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters—such as OATP1B1, UGT2B15, CYP3A4, and PXR—on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of commonly prescribed medications, including statins, benzodiazepines, and antidiabetic agents. Their work integrates clinical pharmacology with advanced 'omics' technologies, including metabolomics and metagenomics, to uncover mechanisms underlying interindividual variability in drug response and to support personalized medicine approaches. The lab also explores the hepatoprotective effects of compounds like ursodeoxycholic acid and vitamin E in metabolic liver disease.
Professor Sung Hyun Park's research lab specializes in advanced materials and device engineering for next-generation optoelectronics and energy technologies. The lab focuses on developing flexible, transparent, and printable electronic systems through innovative fabrication techniques such as 3D printing, roll-to-roll sputtering, and nanostructuring. Key research directions include high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries with stabilized zinc anodes, fully 3D-printed organic optoelectronic devices, and freestanding semiconductor nanomembranes for advanced light-emitting and photodetector applications. The lab emphasizes materials design, interfacial engineering, and scalable manufacturing under ambient conditions to enable practical, sustainable, and high-performance devices.
Professor Seung Seok Han's research lab specializes in critical care medicine and nephrology, with a strong focus on improving clinical outcomes in patients with acute and chronic kidney disease. The lab applies advanced data science techniques—such as machine learning, deep learning, and predictive modeling—to enhance risk stratification and mortality prediction in intensive care and dialysis populations. Key research directions include developing AI-driven tools for early detection of complications like intradialytic hypotension and acute kidney injury, as well as investigating metabolic and body composition factors influencing long-term outcomes in elderly and critically ill patients. The lab integrates clinical data with biostatistical and computational methods to advance precision medicine in renal and critical care settings.
Professor Ki Young Lee's research lab specializes in interdisciplinary biomedical and materials science research, focusing on the mechanisms of disease-related protein mislocalization, the development of targeted cancer therapeutics, and the optimization of respiratory protection systems in occupational health. The lab integrates computational biology, molecular pharmacology, and industrial hygiene to address critical challenges in human health, from glioma biomarker discovery to novel anti-angiogenic drug design and respirator selection for infectious disease protection. Their work bridges fundamental biological insights with practical applications in clinical and occupational settings.
Professor Chang Yung Lee's research lab specializes in technology and innovation management, with a focus on leveraging data-driven approaches to analyze complex systems in technology and industry. The lab conducts large-scale patent analysis to anticipate technology-driven industry convergence, develop semantic methods for patent claim comparison, and apply network science to understand complex systems such as nuclear power plants. Their work bridges information science, network theory, and industrial innovation, emphasizing practical applications in technology forecasting, intellectual property analysis, and system safety. The lab integrates computational methods with real-world challenges in technology policy and engineering systems.
Professor Taejeong Bae's research lab specializes in understanding human development, somatic mosaicism, and the genetic basis of disease through advanced genomics and single-cell technologies. The lab investigates somatic mutations and lineage tracing in human embryos and tissues using high-coverage whole-genome sequencing and single-cell multi-omics approaches. A key focus is uncovering how post-zygotic mutations contribute to brain development, neurodevelopmental disorders, and genetic diversity across populations. The lab also explores drug repositioning using integrated biological and clinical data, aiming to accelerate therapeutic discovery.
Professor Jeong-Hwa Baek's research lab focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying bone metabolism, with a particular emphasis on the regulation of osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation, the role of signaling pathways such as Wnt and EGFR, and the impact of oxidative stress and microRNAs in skeletal homeostasis. The lab investigates potential therapeutic targets for osteoporosis and bone disorders using in vitro and in vivo models, including mouse and human mesenchymal stem cells. Recent work also extends to the role of novel biomolecules, such as PLOD3, in cancer metastasis, highlighting a translational focus on both bone diseases and cancer. The lab integrates molecular biology, cell biology, and preclinical models to explore regulatory mechanisms in bone formation, resorption, and disease progression.
Professor Yunuk Heo's research lab specializes in advanced structural materials, with a focus on microstructure-property relationships in high-entropy and high-alloy steels. The lab investigates novel strengthening mechanisms such as spinodal decomposition and precipitate engineering to achieve an optimal balance between strength and ductility. Utilizing advanced electron microscopy techniques—including EELS, CBED, and electron diffraction—researchers in the lab conduct precise phase identification, thickness measurement, and nanoscale structural characterization. The work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in next-generation engineering alloys.
Professor Man-sung Park's research lab focuses on viral pathogenesis, host-virus interactions, and the development of antiviral strategies, particularly targeting avian influenza viruses and Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The lab employs reverse genetics and molecular virology techniques to study viral immune evasion mechanisms, including interferon antagonism by viral proteins such as NDV V protein and influenza NA stalk adaptations. A key research direction involves designing dual-purpose vaccines that confer protection against multiple avian pathogens, such as NDV and highly pathogenic influenza. The lab also investigates host innate immune factors, including defensins, as potential broad-spectrum antiviral agents.
Professor Eunhee Lee's research lab specializes in pharmaceutical solid-state science and molecular mechanisms of drug resistance, with a focus on polymorphism in drug compounds and the structural basis of bacterial efflux pumps. The lab investigates the formation, stability, and characterization of polymorphic forms of pharmaceuticals, aiming to optimize drug development through rational crystallization strategies. Additionally, the lab explores host-pathogen interactions, particularly in *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, by identifying novel efflux systems that contribute to resistance against host-derived antimicrobials like fatty acids. The integration of structural biology, materials science, and translational pharmacology defines the lab’s interdisciplinary approach to improving drug efficacy and delivery.
Professor Jae-Yong Shim's research lab focuses on biomedical and biofunctional materials, with key research directions in the viscoelastic behavior of food gels, the physiological effects of dietary components on metabolic health, and the development of therapeutic strategies for chronic conditions such as lymphedema and cognitive impairment. The lab also investigates immunomodulatory and chemoprotective properties of natural polysaccharides like ginsan, particularly in combination with chemotherapy agents. Additionally, the lab explores oral health interventions using bioactive mouthrinses to combat gingivitis and plaque formation.
Professor Minah Kim's research lab focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms underlying cancer progression, therapeutic resistance, and metastasis, with a particular emphasis on tumor microenvironment interactions—such as those involving lymphatic vessels and endothelial cells—and the role of cancer stem cell markers like CD133. The lab also investigates the neurophysiological underpinnings of psychiatric and behavioral disorders, including response inhibition deficits in internet gaming disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, using neuroimaging and EEG techniques. Additionally, the lab explores innovative cancer therapies, including oncolytic virotherapy and antiangiogenic strategies, aiming to improve treatment efficacy and overcome drug resistance. Their work bridges translational oncology, neuroscience, and integrative medicine, including evaluations of traditional diagnostic methods like TCM tongue diagnosis.
Professor Jun Bean Park's research lab specializes in cardiovascular disease mechanisms, with a focus on hemodynamic forces, vascular imaging, and biomarkers in atherosclerotic and structural heart diseases. The lab employs advanced medical imaging techniques—such as coronary CT angiography, computational fluid dynamics, and cardiac MRI—to investigate plaque vulnerability, arterial stiffness, and hemodynamic risk factors. Key research directions include the prognostic value of biomarkers like alkaline phosphatase and cardio-ankle vascular index, as well as the impact of metabolic factors on cardiovascular outcomes in both symptomatic and asymptomatic populations. The lab aims to translate hemodynamic and imaging findings into early risk prediction and proactive management strategies for coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy.
Professor In Ah Kim's research lab focuses on improving cancer therapy outcomes through molecular and translational oncology, with a strong emphasis on radiosensitization and targeted therapy in aggressive cancers such as glioblastoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer. The lab investigates key signaling pathways—particularly EGFR, K-RAS, PI3K, and HDACs—to overcome therapeutic resistance and enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. By integrating machine learning for imaging analysis and exploring epigenetic modulators, the lab aims to develop precision oncology strategies for personalized treatment. Their work bridges preclinical models with clinical applications, targeting molecular mechanisms that drive tumor survival and recurrence.
Professor Hyung Min Kwon's research lab specializes in translational biomedical research focusing on regenerative medicine, metabolic syndrome, and cerebrovascular diseases. The lab investigates cell-free therapies using adipose-derived exosomes for skin regeneration and aesthetic applications, while also exploring metabolic markers such as the TyG index and homocysteine levels in predicting subclinical and clinical cerebrovascular outcomes. Key research directions include the impact of lifestyle factors—like dietary glycaemic load—on inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, and the role of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction in silent brain infarcts and stroke risk. The lab integrates clinical trials with neuroimaging and metabolic profiling to identify early biomarkers and develop preventive strategies for neurological and metabolic disorders.
Professor Min-Keun Kim's research lab specializes in molecular plant biotechnology and agricultural biotechnology, with a strong focus on plastid transformation in monocot crops such as rice. The lab explores advanced genetic engineering techniques to achieve high-level, stable transgene expression for agricultural improvement and pharmaceutical production. Additionally, the lab investigates the molecular mechanisms of gene regulation in chloroplasts, particularly light-responsive gene expression in photosystem II. The research also extends into cancer pharmacology, where novel natural compounds like daurinol are studied as safer alternatives to conventional chemotherapeutic agents.
