Research labs at Korea's QS Top 10 universities including SNU, KAIST, and Yonsei.
Professor Kang Seuk Choi's research lab specializes in veterinary virology and emerging infectious diseases, with a focus on the molecular characterization, diagnosis, and pathogenesis of animal viral pathogens. The lab investigates economically important viruses such as fowl adenoviruses, peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRv), avian paramyxoviruses, and Newcastle disease virus (NDV), emphasizing antigenic epitope mapping, serological diagnostics, and the development of novel vaccines using reverse genetics and viral vector systems. Their work contributes significantly to disease surveillance, control strategies, and the One Health approach in livestock and wildlife.
Professor Jeongho Shin's research lab focuses on reproductive health and gynecological disorders, with a strong emphasis on pelvic floor disorders, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and their associations with metabolic and socioeconomic factors. The lab utilizes large-scale national health insurance claims data to investigate disease prevalence, treatment patterns, and risk factors, particularly in women across different life stages. Key research directions include the pathophysiological mechanisms of uterine disorders, the role of molecular signaling pathways such as β-catenin and TGF-β in adenomyosis, and the impact of BMI and adolescent pregnancy on long-term gynecological and metabolic outcomes. The lab integrates clinical epidemiology with molecular and transcriptomic approaches to uncover novel insights into disease progression and prevention.
Professor Jeong Eun Kim's research lab specializes in neurovascular disorders and dermatological laser therapies, with a focus on cerebrovascular diseases such as moyamoya disease and ischemic stroke, particularly in relation to cerebral hemodynamics and surgical outcomes. The lab also investigates innovative electrochemical methods for sustainable chemical synthesis, emphasizing the utilization of CO₂ and nitrate waste for value-added chemical production. Additionally, the lab explores the molecular mechanisms underlying melasma and the therapeutic effects of low-fluence Q-switched laser treatments in East Asian populations.
Professor Jin Ho Paik's research lab specializes in molecular oncology and cancer immunology, with a focus on identifying key molecular drivers and immune microenvironment interactions in hematologic malignancies and epithelial cancers. The lab investigates non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs, and their regulatory roles in tumor progression, immune evasion, and treatment response. Key research directions include the prognostic and functional significance of miR-146a, miR-197, and c-MYC in lymphomas and lung adenocarcinoma, as well as the interplay between immune checkpoints (e.g., PD-L1) and signaling pathways (e.g., STAT3, S1PR1) in lymphomagenesis and therapy resistance. The lab integrates molecular pathology, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and immunohistochemistry to translate molecular findings into clinically relevant biomarkers and therapeutic insights.
Professor Seung Hwan Moon's research lab specializes in molecular imaging and nuclear medicine, with a focus on advancing the clinical application of PET/CT for accurate cancer prognosis and treatment monitoring. The lab investigates volume-based metabolic parameters such as metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis in various malignancies, including squamous cell carcinoma and nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma. Additionally, the lab contributes to neuroimaging research, particularly in standardizing amyloid-beta quantification using different PET tracers like florbetaben and flutemetamol, and explores the link between metabolic diseases and vascular inflammation using FDG-PET. Their work bridges molecular imaging with clinical outcomes, aiming to improve patient stratification and personalized treatment strategies.
Professor Dohyun Kim's research lab specializes in dental biomaterials and advanced restorative technologies, with a strong focus on optimizing 3D-printed dental restorations and evaluating the clinical performance of calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament. The lab investigates key material properties such as mechanical strength, color stability, translucency, biocompatibility, and degree of conversion in resin-based materials used in crown and bridge applications. Additionally, the lab conducts comprehensive in vitro and in vivo evaluations of endodontic materials, particularly emphasizing antimicrobial efficacy and long-term clinical outcomes. Their work bridges materials science and clinical dentistry to improve the durability, aesthetics, and biocompatibility of dental restorations.
Professor Ryu Jae-joon's research lab specializes in biomaterials and tissue engineering for oral and maxillofacial applications, with a strong focus on enhancing osseointegration and bone regeneration. The lab investigates advanced implant materials, including RGD-functionalized titanium surfaces and nitric oxide-releasing scaffolds, to improve osteogenic and angiogenic responses. Key research directions include the development of bioactive materials for guided bone regeneration, optimization of dental cement polymerization under clinical conditions, and the role of systemic diseases in temporomandibular joint disorders. The lab integrates in vitro biological evaluation with translational approaches to bridge materials innovation and clinical outcomes in dentistry.
Professor Kwang Pil Ko's research lab specializes in epidemiological and nutritional studies focusing on the role of dietary factors—particularly soy-derived isoflavones and soybean products—in the prevention of hormone-related and gastrointestinal cancers, with a strong emphasis on gastric cancer. The lab employs biomarker-based approaches and large-scale cohort studies to investigate the complex interactions between diet, environmental factors (such as *Helicobacter pylori* infection), and cancer risk. Their work also extends to understanding the impact of lifestyle modifications and comorbidities on disease outcomes, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research integrates molecular epidemiology with public health strategies to inform preventive medicine in the Asia-Pacific region.
Professor Sang Cheol Lee's research lab focuses on translational biomedical research with a strong emphasis on urological diseases, particularly kidney stones and renal cell carcinoma. The lab investigates metabolic and genetic factors influencing disease progression and recurrence, integrating clinical data with molecular and physiological analyses. Additionally, the lab explores innovative diagnostic and monitoring technologies, such as wearable smart systems for sports science applications, demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach bridging medicine, genetics, and engineering.
Professor Mingoo Kang's research lab specializes in the discovery and characterization of quantum materials with exotic electronic properties, focusing on two-dimensional van der Waals semiconductors, kagome lattices, and topological materials. The lab employs advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques—such as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), spectroscopic-imaging STM, and first-principles simulations—to explore emergent quantum phenomena including tunable band gaps, charge order, topological surface states, and unconventional superconductivity. A central theme is the interplay between electron correlation, lattice dynamics, and topology, with a strong emphasis on understanding and engineering quantum phases through external control parameters like doping and strain.
Professor Young Tae Cho's research lab focuses on population health disparities, with a particular emphasis on social determinants of health among racial and ethnic minorities, especially Asian American and Pacific Islander subgroups. The lab investigates health inequalities related to nativity, acculturation, and social isolation, as well as their intersections with public health crises such as disasters and infectious disease outbreaks. Using large-scale survey data, social media analytics, and time-series methodologies, the lab explores how structural and behavioral factors influence health outcomes across the life course. A key focus is on developing data-driven public health surveillance methods using digital data sources like search queries and social media.
Professor Jong Jin Hyun's research lab specializes in gastrointestinal endoscopy and digestive disease, with a primary focus on the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including the role of hiatal hernias and the lower esophageal sphincter in antireflux barrier function. The lab also investigates endoscopic therapeutic techniques such as endoscopic mucosal resection and band ligation for esophageal varices, emphasizing safety, efficacy, and optimization of submucosal injection solutions. Additionally, the lab explores the management of chronic and acute pancreatitis, as well as treatment strategies for gastric MALT lymphoma.
Professor Cheon Byung-chul's research lab specializes in epidemiological modeling and public health surveillance, focusing on infectious disease dynamics, particularly emerging viral threats such as SARS-CoV-2 and enteric pathogens like those causing hand, foot, and mouth disease. The lab employs mathematical modeling, including compartmental and generalized additive models, to assess transmission patterns, evaluate quarantine and control strategies, and analyze the impact of climatic and socioeconomic factors on disease incidence and case-fatality rates. Their work contributes critical insights for public health policy, especially in the context of global pandemics and outbreak preparedness.
Professor Chang-beom Lee's research lab focuses on obesity, metabolic syndrome, and their related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The lab is deeply involved in developing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for obesity management, emphasizing multidisciplinary approaches and population-level health interventions. Research also extends to surgical outcomes, particularly in endocrine surgery, such as the preservation of parathyroid function during thyroidectomy. The lab integrates clinical research with public health data to improve preventive strategies and patient outcomes in Korean and broader East Asian populations.
Professor Jaeseon Lee's research lab focuses on advanced thermal management solutions for high-power electronic systems, particularly in defense and aerospace applications, where extreme heat fluxes pose significant challenges. The lab also investigates the immunomodulatory roles of JAK/STAT signaling pathways in autoimmune diseases such as primary Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus, exploring JAK inhibitors as potential therapeutics. Additionally, the lab examines stress response mechanisms involving heat shock proteins, especially the functional distinctions between closely related hsp70 isoforms in cellular protection and disease modulation. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge materials science, biomedical engineering, and molecular immunology to address critical technological and health challenges.
Professor Euitae Kim's research lab specializes in molecular imaging and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms of psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia. The lab focuses on using positron emission tomography (PET) to quantify neurotransmitter systems—especially dopamine D2/3 receptors—and to study the relationship between antipsychotic drug exposure, receptor occupancy, and clinical outcomes. Key research directions include optimizing PET image analysis techniques such as partial volume correction and developing translational biomarkers to assess treatment response and cognitive function. The lab also investigates early intervention strategies, particularly in ultra-high-risk populations, to improve long-term outcomes in psychosis.
Professor Eun-Ju Kang's research lab specializes in translational oncology, focusing on molecular mechanisms, prognostic factors, and treatment outcomes in aggressive and metastatic cancers. Key research directions include the clinical implications of biomarkers such as PD-L1 and ALDH1 in non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer, the impact of complications like venous thromboembolism in pancreatic cancer, and the management of metastatic disease, particularly bone and brain metastases. The lab also investigates rare malignancies such as adenoid cystic carcinoma, with a strong emphasis on targeted therapies and clinical trial design. Their work bridges clinical oncology with molecular pathology to improve patient stratification and therapeutic strategies.
Professor Tae-Sik Yoon's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of oxide-based resistive switching devices and memcapacitive systems for next-generation neuromorphic computing and nonvolatile memory applications. The lab focuses on engineering nanoscale materials—particularly transition metal oxides such as NiOx, HfOx, CeO₂, and Fe₂O₃—with precise control over stoichiometry, nanostructure, and interfacial properties to achieve analog, reversible, and nonvolatile switching behavior. Key research directions include designing bilayer and core-shell nanoparticle heterostructures for tunable resistive and memcapacitive responses, enabling synaptic plasticity emulation in artificial synapses.
Professor Hyeon-Woong Lee's research lab specializes in hepatology and viral hepatitis, with a strong focus on chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections. The lab investigates antiviral therapies, including lamivudine and thymosin alpha-1 combinations, to achieve sustained virologic responses. It also explores the role of repurposed drugs like statins in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the antiviral potential of medicinal plant compounds. The lab integrates clinical research with translational approaches to identify biomarkers and optimize treatment strategies.
Professor Sangyeob Chung's research lab specializes in advanced cement-based materials, with a strong focus on sustainable construction materials and lightweight concrete systems. The lab investigates the microstructural characteristics, pore distribution, and mechanical properties of foamed and lightweight concretes, particularly through non-destructive imaging techniques like micro-CT. Key research directions include the use of recycled materials—such as waste glass and fly ash—alongside nanomaterials like nanosilica to enhance performance and durability. The lab also explores printable mortars for additive manufacturing, emphasizing hydration kinetics, rheology, and transport properties.
