Research labs at Korea's QS Top 10 universities including SNU, KAIST, and Yonsei.
Professor Wooseong Kim's research lab focuses on understanding the impact of spaceflight on microbial behavior, particularly biofilm formation and persister cell physiology, with an emphasis on developing novel antimicrobial strategies for multidrug-resistant and tolerant bacterial pathogens. The lab integrates microbiology, synthetic biology, and computational modeling—particularly all-atom molecular dynamics simulations—to investigate membrane-targeting antimicrobials and their selectivity for bacterial over mammalian cells. A key research direction involves identifying and characterizing small molecules that can effectively kill persistent bacterial states, such as MRSA persisters, using high-throughput screening and mechanistic studies. The ultimate goal is to discover new therapeutic agents that overcome the limitations of conventional antibiotics in treating chronic and drug-resistant infections.
Professor Chang Won Choi's research lab specializes in neonatal pulmonary medicine and developmental biology, focusing on the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. The lab investigates the roles of prenatal and postnatal inflammation, hypoxia-inducible pathways, and immune responses in lung development and injury. Using translational animal models—particularly rat models of BPD—the lab explores mechanisms underlying alveolar simplification, airway hyperreactivity, and chronic lung disease, with an emphasis on identifying early biomarkers and potential therapeutic interventions such as deferoxamine. Their work bridges clinical neonatology with molecular pathophysiology to improve outcomes in preterm infants.
Professor Han-Byoel Lee's research lab focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying breast cancer, with a particular emphasis on tumor heterogeneity, molecular subtypes, and the tumor microenvironment at single-cell resolution. The lab investigates non-coding RNAs, such as miR-204-5p, and their roles in regulating cancer progression and metabolism. It also explores clinical implications in young-onset breast cancer and the impact of clinical factors—such as anesthetic type and HER2 expression levels—on patient outcomes, aiming to improve personalized treatment strategies.
Professor Woo-Young Ahn's research lab specializes in computational psychiatry and decision neuroscience, focusing on understanding the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying psychiatric and substance use disorders through mathematical modeling and neuroimaging. The lab employs reinforcement learning and decision-making frameworks, combined with hierarchical Bayesian modeling and fMRI/EEG data, to dissect individual differences in learning, valuation, and impulsivity. A central aim is to identify objective, quantifiable markers of psychiatric conditions by linking cognitive processes to brain function and behavior. The lab also explores the biological underpinnings of broader human traits, such as political ideology, through computational and neuroscientific lenses.
Professor Hongseok Yun's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and self-assembly of functional nanomaterials, with a focus on nanoparticle-polymer hybrids and their hierarchical organization. The lab investigates the interplay between nanoparticle softness, ligand architecture, and polymer matrix interactions to achieve precise control over nanostructure formation, particularly in confined environments. Key research directions include the tunable self-assembly of gold nanoparticles with stimuli-responsive ligands, the engineering of ordered superlattices, and the development of dynamic, light-responsive materials for smart applications.
Professor Jin Hee Ahn's research lab focuses on structural engineering and seismic performance of civil infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on shear connectors, composite steel-concrete joints, and underground structures under dynamic and seismic loading. The lab conducts experimental and analytical studies on push-out tests, fatigue behavior, and seismic response of structural components such as perfobond rib connectors and corrugated steel details, aiming to improve structural safety, ductility, and design efficiency. Recent work also extends to societal responses during public health crises, including sentiment and topic analysis of social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach to engineering and societal resilience.
Professor Jonggeol Na's research lab specializes in electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals, with a strong focus on advancing sustainable energy technologies. The lab investigates innovative catalyst design, membrane electrode assembly configurations, and process integration to enhance the efficiency, selectivity, and economic viability of CO2 reduction reactions. Key research directions include the development of catholyte-free systems, in-situ probing of reaction mechanisms using isotopic labeling, and the application of machine learning for inverse molecular design. The lab also emphasizes techno-economic analysis and system-level optimization to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale innovation and industrial deployment.
Professor Younghoon Kim's research lab specializes in advanced materials and biological systems at the intersection of nanotechnology, immunology, and bioengineering. The lab investigates the role of bacterial extracellular vesicles and viral mimics in airway inflammation and asthma, aiming to uncover novel mechanisms of immune dysfunction. It also develops innovative supramolecular architectures using porous organic cages and coordination chemistry for functional materials, while pioneering metabolic labeling strategies for metalloproteins using click chemistry. Additionally, the lab explores protein-based gelation and optoelectronic materials for applications in biomedicine and organic electronics.
Professor Kwan Woo Nam's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced functional materials for sustainable energy storage applications. The lab focuses on aqueous rechargeable batteries, particularly zinc and magnesium ion batteries, with an emphasis on enhancing electrochemical performance through innovative materials engineering. Key research directions include the rational design of metal-organic frameworks, layered oxide cathodes, and two-dimensional nanomaterials, with a strong focus on leveraging crystal water and nanostructure engineering to improve ion diffusion, structural stability, and cycle life.
Professor Seokho Chi's research lab specializes in intelligent construction site monitoring and safety management, focusing on leveraging computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), and spatial data analytics to enhance productivity and prevent accidents. The lab develops advanced systems for automated activity recognition, risk factor detection, and knowledge management from unstructured construction documents and visual data. Key research directions include vision-based productivity monitoring of earthmoving equipment, automated safety assessment using stereo vision, and NLP-driven classification of contractual and safety risks in construction specifications.
Professor Hae-Seok Lee's research lab specializes in advanced materials and device engineering for next-generation photovoltaics, with a strong focus on perovskite solar cells, flexible and transparent conductive electrodes, and tandem solar cell architectures. The lab investigates critical challenges such as long-term stability under environmental and electrical stress, upscaling of high-efficiency devices, and the integration of novel materials like copper-based transparent electrodes and silica nanoparticle arrays for light management. Their work bridges fundamental materials science with practical device fabrication, emphasizing scalable, low-cost, and high-performance solutions for sustainable energy applications.
Professor Joo-eun Choi's research lab specializes in the development of advanced computational and machine learning methodologies for biomedical diagnostics and dynamic system modeling. The lab focuses on integrating deep learning, Gaussian processes, and multi-agent systems to address challenges in medical image analysis, osteoporosis risk prediction, and hemodynamic modeling of vascular diseases. Key research directions include interpretable AI for clinical decision support, spatio-temporal process estimation using self-organizing sensor networks, and computational modeling of biomechanical systems such as abdominal aortic aneurysms and cellular autophagy pathways. The lab emphasizes both algorithmic innovation and real-world clinical translation through data-driven, explainable, and adaptive systems.
Professor Seungmin Jang's research lab specializes in clinical psychology and psychopathology, with a primary focus on affective instability, personality disorders, and the application of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to understand dynamic psychological processes in real-world contexts. The lab investigates the temporal dynamics of mood and emotion regulation, particularly in borderline personality disorder and mood disorders, using intensive longitudinal data collection methods. A key research direction involves refining diagnostic criteria and assessing psychopathology with reduced recall bias through EMA, while also advancing statistical methods such as parallel analysis for factor structure determination. The lab integrates clinical assessment with innovative measurement technologies to improve the validity and reliability of psychological diagnosis and treatment evaluation.
Professor Hesun Park's research lab specializes in cultural psychology and social influence, with a focus on how cultural contexts shape attitudes, norms, and behavioral intentions. The lab investigates the interplay between individual self-construals (independent vs. interdependent) and social norms in predicting behavior, particularly in health-related and ethical decision-making contexts. Key research directions include deception detection, attitude-behavior relationships in the Theory of Reasoned Action and Theory of Planned Behavior, and the role of normative perceptions across collectivistic and individualistic cultures. The lab employs cross-cultural experimental and survey-based methodologies to explore how people perceive truthfulness, make moral judgments, and respond to social pressures in communication.
Professor Chae Seung Chul's research lab specializes in the fundamental physics and materials science of ferroic materials, with a strong focus on ferroelectricity in ultrathin films—particularly hafnia-based systems. The lab investigates the dynamic switching behavior, polarization stability, and defect engineering (such as oxygen vacancies) in ferroelectric HfO₂, aiming to enable practical applications in non-volatile memory and neuromorphic computing. Using a combination of advanced characterization techniques, first-principles calculations, and theoretical modeling, the lab explores topological defects, self-organized criticality, and phase transitions in complex oxide systems like multiferroic oxides and rare-earth manganites.
Professor Sang-Kei Park's research lab focuses on cellular signaling and neurobiology, with a central emphasis on subcellular organelle communication—particularly the mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) as a signaling hub. The lab develops innovative chemical and molecular tools, such as Contact-ID, to map dynamic protein interactions in live cells, enabling the identification of key regulators in organelle crosstalk. They also investigate cAMP signaling pathways, circadian rhythms, and redox signaling in neurological disorders, integrating molecular biology, imaging, and behavioral analyses to uncover mechanisms underlying brain function and disease. Their work bridges cellular physiology with neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, emphasizing the interplay between genetic, environmental, and post-translational mechanisms in neuronal health.
Professor Jin-Hyuk Jeong's research lab specializes in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, with a focus on the pathophysiology of inflammatory and infectious diseases of the upper airway. The lab investigates microbial etiologies in tonsillar and sinus diseases, the role of nitric oxide in chronic rhinosinusitis, and the immunometabolic mechanisms underlying inflammatory skin disorders. Key research directions include osteoclast-mediated bone destruction in cholesteatoma, the role of glucose metabolism in atopic dermatitis, and mucociliary clearance in airway mucus homeostasis. The lab integrates clinical studies with molecular and cellular analyses to identify novel therapeutic targets.
Professor Ki Hyun Jeon's research lab specializes in cardiovascular disease prediction and diagnosis using advanced machine learning and electrocardiographic analysis. The lab focuses on developing deep learning models to detect subtle and paroxysmal cardiac arrhythmias—such as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and silent atrial fibrillation—using routine 12-lead ECGs, even in patients with normal sinus rhythm. The lab also investigates the prognostic implications of platelet reactivity and diabetes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, aiming to improve risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies.
Professor Jin Woong Kim's research lab specializes in advanced functional materials and soft nanomaterials, with a focus on smart nanofluids, stimuli-responsive colloidal systems, and flexible electronic devices. The lab develops innovative materials such as associative silica nanoparticles, Pickering emulsions, and conductive nanocomposites for applications in enhanced oil recovery, wearable electronics, and biomedicine. Key research directions include the design of stimuli-responsive interfaces, scalable fabrication of microfluidic systems, and the integration of nanomaterials into practical devices with high performance and reliability. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining materials chemistry, colloid science, and microfluidics to address real-world challenges in energy, health, and sustainability.
Professor Sohee Kwon's research lab focuses on epigenetic regulation of gene expression, particularly the roles of heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) and histone modifiers such as KDM4 demethylases in chromatin dynamics, transcriptional regulation, and cancer biology. The lab investigates how HP1 isoforms function beyond heterochromatin silencing—particularly in euchromatic gene expression and transcription elongation—through interactions with key complexes like FACT. They also explore epigenetic targets in disease, including cancer, with a focus on developing selective inhibitors for enzymes like KDM4. Their work integrates molecular biology, proteomics, and epigenetics to uncover mechanisms underlying chromatin-mediated gene control.
