Research labs at Korea's QS Top 10 universities including SNU, KAIST, and Yonsei.
Professor Cheol-Woong Yang's research lab specializes in advanced materials science, with a focus on nanomaterials, 2D heterostructures, and functional materials for energy and electronic applications. The lab investigates facet-dependent surface passivation in perovskite solar cells, epitaxial growth of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride on semiconductors, and the development of ultrathin diffusion barriers for next-generation microelectronics. Their work combines advanced characterization techniques such as high-resolution electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction to understand atomic-scale structures and their impact on material performance. The lab also explores magnetic materials, including rare-earth intermetallics, for high-performance permanent magnets.
Professor Hye Ryun Kang's research lab specializes in immunogenetics and inflammatory diseases, with a focus on identifying genetic susceptibility factors for severe drug-induced reactions, particularly allopurinol-induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) in the Korean population. The lab investigates the roles of HLA alleles, TGF-β1 signaling pathways, and novel regulators like SEMA 7A in fibrosis, tissue remodeling, and immune dysregulation. Their work also extends to understanding the clinical and immunological mechanisms of anaphylactic reactions to radiocontrast media and the epidemiology of allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis in Korea. The lab integrates clinical immunology with molecular and translational research to uncover pathogenic mechanisms and improve patient outcomes.
Professor Park Sangwon's research lab specializes in consumer behavior and digital transformation in the tourism and hospitality industries, with a strong focus on mobile technology, trust in peer-to-peer platforms, and the role of narratives in destination marketing. The lab investigates how perceived risks, information search behaviors, and psychological factors influence online travel booking decisions, particularly through smartphones and online travel agencies. It also explores the impact of storytelling, personalization, and trust in shaping traveler intentions and spending patterns.
Professor Eun Sung Lee's research lab specializes in the development of novel synthetic methodologies for radioisotope labeling, particularly focusing on fluorine-18 for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The lab pioneers innovative fluorination strategies—such as palladium- and nickel-catalyzed electrophilic and oxidative fluorination—enabling efficient late-stage labeling of complex bioactive molecules. In parallel, the lab explores functional metal-organic frameworks and interlocked molecular architectures for advanced applications in gas separation, selective sorption, and modular porous materials. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge synthetic chemistry, materials science, and biomedical imaging.
Professor Jung Il Lee's research lab focuses on translational genomics and clinical oncology, with a strong emphasis on analyzing large-scale cancer genomics datasets such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to identify somatic mutations and their implications across diverse cancer types. The lab develops advanced bioinformatics methods to correct for technical variability and batch effects, enabling robust cross-tumor-type comparisons. Additionally, the lab investigates gastrointestinal motility disorders, liver diseases including NAFLD and primary liver cancer, and neurosurgical interventions for brain metastases, integrating molecular pathology with clinical outcomes.
Professor Ki-Tae Nam's research lab specializes in the development of advanced nanomaterials and supramolecular systems for biomedical applications, with a strong focus on theranostics—integrating diagnostics and therapy. The lab pioneers innovative strategies for targeted cancer therapeutics, including albumin-based nanotheranostics and stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems. A key research direction involves designing smart nanocomposites that respond to biological cues such as nucleic acids or redox environments, enabling precise spatiotemporal control of therapeutic agents. The lab also explores the role of cellular trafficking proteins in cancer progression and develops novel photodynamic agents for selective antimicrobial therapy.
Professor In Young Kim's research lab specializes in biomedical engineering and smart materials, focusing on the development of advanced biosensors and wearable health monitoring systems. The lab investigates physiological signal analysis—particularly heart rate variability (HRV) and photoplethysmography (PPG)—to detect mental stress and autonomic nervous system responses, with applications in mental health and behavioral disorders such as Internet gaming disorder. Additionally, the lab designs functional hydrogels and conductive polymers, including chitosan-based semi-IPNs and graft copolymers, for biomedical and bioelectronic applications. The integration of materials science with physiological monitoring enables the creation of responsive, biocompatible systems for health diagnostics and prevention.
Professor Chan-kyo Kim's research lab specializes in diagnostic medical imaging, with a primary focus on prostate and liver cancer detection using advanced MRI techniques. The lab investigates the clinical utility of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI at 3T to improve the accuracy of cancer diagnosis, localization, and staging. Key research directions include optimizing b-values for DWI in prostate cancer, evaluating the incremental value of combined T2WI and DWI for detecting recurrent disease, and assessing ultrasonography for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients. The lab emphasizes quantitative imaging biomarkers to enhance preoperative planning and patient outcomes.
Professor Doo Seok Jeong's research lab specializes in advanced electronic materials and devices for next-generation computing architectures, with a strong focus on resistive random access memory (RRAM) and memristor-based systems. The lab explores the fundamental mechanisms of resistive switching in transition metal oxides and complex oxide heterostructures, aiming to develop energy-efficient, non-volatile memory and logic devices. A key research direction involves leveraging these materials for neuromorphic computing, emulating synaptic plasticity and neural functionality in artificial inorganic systems. The lab also investigates the electroforming process and its impact on device reliability and performance, particularly in Pt/TiO₂/Pt structures, to enable scalable and robust memory solutions.
Professor SeongGeun Oh's research lab specializes in soft matter and colloid science, focusing on the self-assembly behavior of surfactants and stimuli-responsive polymers. The lab investigates micellar dynamics, foam stability, and the design of functional hybrid materials such as thermoresponsive polymer-silica composites. Key research directions include understanding the relationship between molecular packing and micelle stability, as well as developing smart nanomaterials with tunable properties via controlled surface modification and polymer grafting. These studies have applications in drug delivery, enhanced oil recovery, and responsive coatings.
Professor Young-Nam Kwon's research lab specializes in advanced membrane science and environmental materials, focusing on the development and characterization of thin-film composite polyamide membranes for water treatment applications. The lab investigates membrane degradation mechanisms under oxidative conditions (e.g., chlorination and hypochlorite exposure), the adsorption behavior of emerging contaminants like perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), and innovative strategies to enhance membrane performance and durability—particularly through antiwetting surface engineering for membrane distillation. The research also addresses environmental challenges such as microplastic pollution from PPE waste, linking materials science with environmental sustainability.
Professor Jae Kwang Lee's research lab specializes in computational and experimental materials science, focusing on the atomic-scale design and optimization of advanced functional materials. Key research directions include the electronic and optical properties of two-dimensional heterostructures, defect engineering in 2D semiconductors, and the stabilization of nanoscale defects such as graphene nanopores and sulfur vacancies. The lab combines first-principles simulations with advanced characterization techniques like aberration-corrected electron microscopy and optical spectroscopy to understand and control interfacial phenomena, magnetoelectric coupling, and ion transport in energy-relevant materials.
Professor Woo-Jin Jung's research lab specializes in redox biology and cellular signaling, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of thiol-dependent redox enzymes and their roles in inflammation, apoptosis, and disease pathogenesis. The lab investigates key redox regulators such as thioredoxin-related proteins (e.g., TRP14), peroxiredoxins, and sulfiredoxin, elucidating their enzymatic functions, substrate specificity, and regulatory roles in transcription factor activation (e.g., NF-κB) and stress responses. A central theme is the redox regulation of signaling pathways in immune and bone-related diseases, including osteoporosis and periodontitis, with translational interest in repurposing anti-inflammatory drugs like benzydamine. The lab integrates biochemical, structural, and cell biological approaches to uncover novel redox targets for therapeutic intervention.
Professor Joo Young-Chang's research lab specializes in advanced materials for energy conversion and flexible electronics, with a strong focus on nanostructured photoelectrodes for solar water splitting, particularly in hematite-based systems. The lab investigates the interplay between intrinsic defects—such as oxygen vacancies—and extrinsic dopants to enhance charge transport and photocurrent efficiency. It also explores the mechanical reliability and electrical performance of thin-film metal electrodes under bending stress, crucial for flexible and wearable electronic devices. Additionally, the lab develops organic electrochemical transistors for neuromorphic computing and biosensing applications, emphasizing low-power operation and high sensitivity.
Professor Soo Mee Bang's research lab specializes in clinical epidemiology and thrombosis management, with a focus on venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention and treatment in Asian populations. The lab conducts large-scale population-based studies using national health insurance databases to evaluate VTE incidence, risk factors, and treatment trends, particularly in surgical patients. It also plays a key role in developing and updating evidence-based clinical guidelines for VTE prophylaxis in Korea, integrating international standards with local healthcare contexts. Additionally, the lab investigates pharmacological interventions, including anticoagulants and premedication strategies, to improve patient outcomes in invasive procedures.
Professor Sung-Pil Jeong's research lab specializes in emergency medicine and critical care, with a strong focus on improving diagnostic accuracy and prognostic prediction in acute medical conditions. The lab investigates novel biomarkers—such as the lactate/albumin ratio and delta neutrophil index—for early risk stratification in critical patients, including those with cardiac arrest and pulmonary embolism. It also explores the utility of point-of-care ultrasound in trauma settings and develops clinical decision tools like nomograms for better outcomes. Additionally, the lab examines geriatric emergency care, particularly frailty assessment and age-related mortality in trauma patients.
Professor Sangho Oh's research lab focuses on dermatological disorders, particularly pigmentary diseases such as vitiligo and acne scarring, with an emphasis on novel therapeutic interventions. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying melanocyte biology, including autophagy, oxidative stress, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), to uncover new pathways for skin pigmentation regulation. Current research also explores the efficacy of advanced dermatological treatments, such as fractional CO₂ laser and narrowband UVB phototherapy, in clinical settings.
Professor Changshin Jo's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced nanomaterials for energy storage applications, with a primary focus on next-generation batteries. The lab develops novel nanostructured anode materials—particularly titanium- and tungsten-based oxides—engineered with hierarchical porosity and mesoporous architectures to enhance ion diffusion, structural stability, and electrochemical performance. Key research directions include the rational design of functional separators, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) engineering for alkali metal anodes, and pseudocapacitive charge storage mechanisms in metal oxides. The lab emphasizes scalable synthesis methods and structure-property relationships to advance high-energy-density, high-safety batteries.
Professor Wan-Il Jeong's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), with a particular emphasis on innate immune responses, signaling pathways involving TLR3 and STAT1, and the role of cellular components such as exosomes, macrophages, and hepatic stellate cells. The lab investigates how endogenous ligands like self-RNAs and mitochondrial dsRNA activate pattern recognition receptors, leading to inflammation and fibrogenesis, and explores the metabolic reprogramming of liver cells during injury. Key areas include the regulation of interferon responses, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and retinol metabolism in liver disease progression.
Professor Jun-Kei Seo's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of two-dimensional (2D) materials and heterostructures for next-generation nanoelectronics and neuromorphic computing. The lab focuses on understanding and manipulating electronic, optical, and structural properties through defect engineering, doping, and heteroepitaxial integration. Key research directions include achieving stable p-type doping in transition metal dichalcogenides, designing reliable resistive switching devices for artificial synaptic applications, and exploring topological insulators with tunable 2D electron gases via defect control. The lab combines advanced thin-film growth techniques with in-situ characterization to enable precise control over material functionality at the atomic scale.
