Research labs at Korea's QS Top 10 universities including SNU, KAIST, and Yonsei.
Professor Seong-Ho Kong's research lab focuses on translational biomedical research, integrating human genetics, functional genomics, and nanotechnology to address complex human diseases. The lab investigates ciliopathies such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome through gene discovery and zebrafish models, while also developing advanced near-infrared nanoprobes for clinical applications like sentinel lymph node mapping. Additionally, the lab contributes to surgical oncology research, particularly in gastrointestinal stromal tumors and gastric cancer, evaluating minimally invasive surgical outcomes and biomarker relevance. The integration of genomics, nanomedicine, and clinical informatics defines the lab’s multidisciplinary approach.
Professor Youngcheol KANG's research lab focuses on enhancing safety, sustainability, and performance in the construction industry through technology-driven solutions. The lab investigates fall accident prevention, green building adoption, and the integration of information technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) for improved project and site safety. Key research directions include quantitative evaluation of safety technologies, performance indicators for claim management, and pre-project planning for sustainable construction. The lab emphasizes data-driven analysis and practical implementation to address real-world challenges in construction management and safety.
Professor Joo-Cheon Yoon's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic viral infections, particularly hepatitis C virus (HCV), with a central emphasis on immune evasion strategies and host-pathogen interactions. The lab investigates the roles of innate immune cells—especially natural killer (NK) cells and B cells—during different phases of HCV infection, exploring how viral persistence leads to immune dysfunction and extrahepatic manifestations such as mixed cryoglobulinemia. Additionally, the lab examines host-directed therapeutic targets, including epigenetic regulation via histone acetyltransferase inhibition, to modulate inflammatory responses and improve antiviral immunity. Their work integrates virology, immunology, and translational research using primary human cells, animal models, and sensitive molecular diagnostics.
Professor Yohan Lee's research lab focuses on biomedical engineering and clinical applications, particularly in neurosurgical reconstruction and glioblastoma research. The lab investigates gene expression signatures in glioblastoma to understand survival disparities, especially in relation to age and ProNeural subtypes, while also exploring innovative microsurgical techniques for soft tissue reconstruction in the foot. Additionally, the lab contributes to power electronics, developing advanced PWM strategies for high-voltage, multi-level inverters used in industrial motor drives.
Professor Shi-Uk Lee's research lab focuses on neuromuscular and musculoskeletal health, particularly in aging populations and neurological recovery. The lab investigates the effects of exercise, non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS), and physical interventions on neurological recovery, pain modulation, and sarcopenia. Key research directions include spinal cord injury recovery, spinal degeneration, and the role of physical activity in improving quality of life and functional outcomes in older adults.
Professor Seung Hyuck Jeon's research lab specializes in translational radiation oncology and immuno-oncology, focusing on integrating advanced medical imaging, radiomics, and immunological profiling to improve cancer treatment outcomes. The lab investigates how radiotherapy modulates the tumor immune microenvironment, particularly through CD8+ T cells and regulatory T cells, and explores novel immunotherapeutic strategies such as bispecific antibodies and combination therapies. Key research directions include developing predictive radiomics signatures for treatment response in rectal and breast cancers, optimizing adaptive radiotherapy using MRI-guided systems, and identifying genetic and molecular determinants of pediatric brain tumor susceptibility.
Professor Yoori Choi's research lab focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression and potential therapeutic strategies. The lab investigates key pathological processes such as amyloid-beta clearance via the glymphatic-lymphatic system, the role of extracellular vesicles and neurotrophic factors like neuritin in neuroprotection, and the transcriptional toxicity of amyloid precursor protein fragments. Using advanced models including transgenic mice and spatial transcriptomics, the lab explores neuroregeneration, synaptic plasticity, and non-cell autonomous mechanisms in brain homeostasis and repair.
Professor Won Mok Shim's research lab specializes in cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging, focusing on the neural mechanisms underlying visual perception, attention, and working memory. The lab investigates how the brain represents and processes visual information, particularly through fMRI and psychophysical methods, with an emphasis on feedback mechanisms, ensemble coding, and the role of attentional control in frontoparietal networks. Key research directions include the neural basis of visual attention, the integration of perceptual information across space and time, and the optimization of neuroimaging techniques for high-field brain scanning.
Professor Sang-Woong Han's research lab specializes in nephrology and clinical kidney disease management, with a strong focus on electrolyte and fluid balance disorders in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The lab investigates the clinical efficacy and safety of pharmacological agents—particularly RAS blockers and tolvaptan—in managing potassium and sodium disturbances, including hyperkalaemia and hyponatremia. It also explores the impact of hemodialysis on ocular parameters and the neuroprotective potential of natural compounds like puerarin in ischemia-reperfusion injury. The research integrates clinical trials, observational cohort studies, and translational models to improve patient outcomes in renal and metabolic disorders.
Professor Jongwon Shin's research lab specializes in power electronics and energy conversion systems, with a strong focus on high-efficiency power converters, electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation, and advanced power semiconductor packaging. The lab develops innovative topologies such as flyback-based cell balancing circuits, bridgeless PFC rectifiers, and H-bridge converters with common-mode noise suppression for applications in renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. It also explores novel methods to reduce parasitic capacitance in power modules and investigates plasma-based nanomaterial synthesis for advanced functional materials. The research integrates circuit design, control algorithms, and packaging innovation to enhance system efficiency, reliability, and electromagnetic compatibility.
Professor Jun Ho Park's research lab specializes in fluid dynamics and hydrodynamic instabilities, with a focus on transitional and turbulent flows in geophysical and astrophysical contexts. The lab investigates linear and nonlinear stability of shear flows, including boundary layers, stratified flows, and rotating systems, with applications to both engineering and stellar astrophysics. Key research directions include optimal streaks in wall-bounded flows, strato-rotational instabilities, and the role of horizontal and vertical shear in driving anisotropic turbulent transport in stellar interiors. The lab combines numerical simulations, asymptotic analysis, and analytical modeling to understand fundamental mechanisms of momentum and scalar transport.
Professor So Ra Kang's research lab focuses on advancing breast cancer research with a particular emphasis on HER2-low breast cancer, exploring its biological behavior, clinical implications, and therapeutic responses to novel targeted therapies such as antibody-drug conjugates. The lab also investigates innovative educational methodologies in nursing and healthcare, integrating technology like smartphone applications and AI chatbots to enhance clinical skills and student learning outcomes. Additionally, the lab contributes to perinatal health research, particularly in follow-up care for preterm infants after neonatal intensive care unit discharge. Overall, the lab bridges clinical oncology, health education innovation, and health technology application.
Professor Taek Sang Lee's research lab specializes in gynecologic oncology, with a strong focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying gynecological cancers, particularly endometrial and cervical carcinomas. The lab investigates non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs, and epigenetic alterations—including promoter hypomethylation of genes like CAGE—as key drivers in carcinogenesis. It also emphasizes translational research using clinical samples, including formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, to identify biomarkers and improve staging systems. Additionally, the lab explores patient-reported outcomes and psychosocial impacts of HPV-related diseases, reflecting a holistic approach to cancer care.
Professor Jung-Yoon Lee's research lab specializes in econometric theory and nonparametric estimation, with a focus on developing asymptotic frameworks for cross-sectional, panel, spatial, and time series data under general dependence and heterogeneity conditions. The lab investigates semiparametric and nonparametric regression models, emphasizing robust inference under weak moment conditions and various forms of heteroscedasticity. Research also extends to statistical properties such as convergence rates and asymptotic normality, with applications in economic and financial modeling.
Professor Yongbeom Kim's research lab specializes in cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on the role of vitamin D in stroke outcomes and small vessel disease. The lab investigates neuroimaging biomarkers, cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment, and cerebral hemodynamics in atrial fibrillation-related embolism. Their work integrates clinical neurology, neuroimaging, and biomarker analysis to understand mechanisms underlying stroke and neurodegeneration in aging populations.
Professor Seungmin Yang's research lab specializes in oral and maxillofacial implantology, with a strong focus on clinical and radiological evaluation of anatomical parameters critical for safe and effective dental implantation. The lab investigates bone morphology, vascular anatomy, and surgical risks in the posterior maxilla, particularly in relation to sinus augmentation and intraosseous vascular anastomosis. Their work integrates advanced imaging techniques such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assess bone quality, residual height, and proximity to vital structures like the maxillary sinus and inferior alveolar vessels. The lab also explores physiological and biomechanical factors affecting tissue integration and implant success, including fibroblast behavior on implant surfaces and patient-specific risk factors for complications.
Professor Kim Baekgil's research lab focuses on the tumor microenvironment in breast cancer, with a central emphasis on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their dynamic roles in tumor progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. The lab investigates mechanotransduction, metabolic reprogramming, and signaling crosstalk between stromal and cancer cells under physical stresses such as compression. Key research directions include the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and brain metastasis, with a strong translational focus on identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The lab employs integrated approaches combining in vitro models, patient-derived tissues, and multi-omics technologies to dissect tumor-stroma interactions.
Professor Hyoung-Joon Ahn's research lab focuses on clinical and translational studies in oral medicine, hematology, and transplant medicine, with a strong emphasis on biomarker discovery, masticatory function disorders, and the clinical management of infectious and systemic diseases. The lab investigates the role of inflammatory and hematological markers such as mean platelet volume in thromboembolic diseases, evaluates masticatory function in temporomandibular disorders using objective and subjective measures, and explores the impact of therapeutic interventions—including antiviral therapy and dental bleaching—on clinical outcomes. The research integrates laboratory analysis with clinical data to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management in oral and systemic conditions.
Professor Sungmin Ryu's research lab specializes in supply chain management and inter-organizational relationships, with a focus on the impact of cultural factors, trust, power structures, and environmental uncertainty on governance, monitoring, and performance in manufacturer-supplier relationships. The lab investigates how cultural dimensions such as long-term orientation and collectivism shape interfirm trust, commitment, and conflict resolution in international business contexts. Using empirical methods like polynomial regression and response surface analysis, the lab explores dynamic interactions in contractual and relational governance across diverse institutional environments.
Professor Inseok Hwang's research lab specializes in context-aware mobile computing, focusing on energy-efficient sensing, gesture interaction, and real-time context monitoring for everyday human interactions. The lab develops innovative mobile and wearable systems that support health, social engagement, and smart environments through collaborative sensing and adaptive computing. Key research directions include cooperative sensing platforms, low-power gesture recognition, and pervasive systems for monitoring face-to-face interactions and child language development.
