Explore research labs at leading universities worldwide — research fields and key papers at a glance.
Professor Seunghwan Lee's research lab focuses on the intersection of immunology, metabolic disease, and neuroimmunology, with a particular emphasis on innate immune responses in viral infections, insulin resistance, and neuroinflammatory conditions. The lab investigates the role of natural killer (NK) cells and macrophage/microglia signaling in infection control, metabolic syndrome, and neuropathic pain, exploring how immune cell dynamics influence systemic and neurological disorders. A key research direction involves understanding the regulatory mechanisms of cytokine signaling—especially IL-12, IL-18, and CSF-1R—in shaping immune responses and their potential as therapeutic targets. The lab also explores the clinical implications of biomarkers such as the TyG index and cholesterol variability in predicting cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes.
Professor Sang-Ho Lee's research lab focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and cellular homeostasis, with a strong emphasis on host-pathogen interactions, mitochondrial dynamics, and autophagy in disease contexts. The lab employs innovative genetic and cellular approaches to dissect virulence regulation in bacterial pathogens such as *Vibrio cholerae*, and investigates the role of key signaling molecules like NLRP3 inflammasome and SGLT2 in renal and metabolic diseases. A central theme is the identification of novel therapeutic targets through functional genomics and in vivo modeling. The lab also explores plant hormone signaling and cellular transport mechanisms, particularly auxin transport in *Arabidopsis* and tobacco cells.
Professor Jong-Seok Lee's research lab specializes in data-driven modeling and machine learning applications across diverse domains, including environmental hydraulics, biomedical informatics, recommender systems, and clinical decision support. The lab focuses on developing robust algorithms for imbalanced data classification, detecting adversarial attacks in recommendation systems, and improving predictive models in healthcare through advanced statistical and machine learning techniques. Recent work emphasizes real-world applicability, such as optimizing drug response prediction in oncology and enhancing audio-visual speech recognition under noisy conditions.
Professor Zonghoon Lee's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced nanomaterials with a focus on 2D materials, nanostructured metals, and functional interfaces. The lab pioneers innovative fabrication techniques—such as room-temperature co-sputtering and substrate-free graphene growth—to create ultrathin, high-quality films and heterostructures with tailored mechanical, electronic, and catalytic properties. A key research direction involves atomic-resolution electron microscopy to probe nanoscale phenomena, including fracture mechanisms in bimodal alloys and dynamic processes like hole formation in hBN. The lab also explores energy-relevant applications, such as CO₂ electrocatalysis and nanomechanical systems, using advanced microscopy and materials engineering.
Professor Tae-Hyun Bae's research lab specializes in the development of advanced functional materials and membranes for sustainable energy and environmental applications. The lab focuses on designing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), MXenes, and zeolites for high-performance gas separation, particularly CO₂/CH₄ and CO₂/N₂ separation in carbon capture and biogas purification. Key research directions include membrane fabrication using mixed-matrix and nanocomposite strategies, rational design of porous materials with tailored surface chemistry, and understanding adsorption mechanisms through advanced characterization techniques.
Professor Jae Joon Yim's research lab specializes in infectious disease epidemiology and host-pathogen interactions, with a primary focus on tuberculosis (TB), particularly drug-resistant and mycobacterial lung diseases. The lab investigates clinical outcomes, prognostic factors, and treatment strategies for tuberculosis and related infections, including multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and Mycobacterium abscessus complex. Research also extends to the impact of host genetics and comorbid conditions on TB susceptibility and progression, as well as the potential risks of common medications—such as inhaled corticosteroids—on TB development in respiratory disease patients. The lab integrates population-based data and molecular biology to identify predictors of disease progression and treatment response.
Professor Jae-Young Lim's research lab focuses on rehabilitation medicine and geriatric health, with a strong emphasis on improving physical function and quality of life in older adults and patients with chronic conditions such as knee osteoarthritis, stroke, and post-breast cancer complications. The lab investigates non-pharmacological interventions—including aquatic and land-based exercise programs, neuromuscular treatments like botulinum toxin and corticosteroid injections, and innovative diagnostic technologies using SERS and PCA for viral infections. A key focus is on integrating robotics and advanced diagnostics into clinical care, particularly in aging and long-term care settings.
Professor Tae-kyung Kim's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying gene regulation, particularly transcriptional control and enhancer function in eukaryotic cells. The lab investigates the roles of transcription factors, co-activators, and RNA polymerase II in preinitiation complex assembly and promoter melting, with a special emphasis on the structural and functional dynamics of transcription machinery. Recent work also explores the role of enhancer-derived noncoding RNAs (eRNAs) in mediating enhancer-promoter communication and transcriptional activation. Additionally, the lab contributes to image processing techniques, particularly in contrast enhancement for consumer electronics, demonstrating interdisciplinary applications of computational methods in biological imaging.
Professor Jong-Hak Kim's research lab specializes in advanced materials for renewable energy applications, with a primary focus on perovskite solar cells, hole-transporting layers, and electron transport materials. The lab develops novel, low-cost, and stable materials—such as Cu-doped NiOx and naphthalene diimide-based nonfullerene acceptors—to enhance power conversion efficiency and long-term stability. It also explores scalable fabrication techniques like blade coating and air-processable film formation to enable practical, large-scale deployment of perovskite photovoltaics. Additionally, the lab investigates functional electrolytes and nanocomposite materials for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells and energy storage systems.
Professor Jae Hee Cheon's research lab specializes in gastrointestinal immunology and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with a focus on identifying molecular mechanisms underlying intestinal inflammation. The lab investigates the roles of key immune modulators such as IL-23R, IL-17A, IL-33, and NF-κB signaling in IBD pathogenesis, as well as the therapeutic potential of natural compounds like guggulsterone. It also develops clinical tools such as disease activity indices and diagnostic criteria for rare conditions like intestinal Behçet’s disease, integrating molecular genetics with clinical gastroenterology.
Professor Sung-Hoon Lee's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and application of advanced semiconductor nanomaterials, particularly quantum dots (QDs), for optoelectronic devices. The lab focuses on developing high-efficiency, stable, and environmentally friendly QD-based light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) through innovative core/shell heterostructure engineering, composition gradient control, and interface optimization. Key research directions include enhancing quantum yield and device stability via ligand engineering, shell structure modulation, and charge transport layer engineering, with applications in next-generation displays and lighting.
Professor Jeong Hye-suk's research lab specializes in hepatology and metabolic disease epidemiology, with a primary focus on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), and their metabolic and cardiovascular implications. The lab investigates the early markers and long-term outcomes of liver fat accumulation, particularly examining liver enzymes like ALT and uric acid as predictors of disease progression and mortality. Using large-scale cohort studies and advanced imaging techniques such as CT-based coronary artery calcium scoring, the lab explores the links between fatty liver, metabolic health, and cardiovascular risk. Their work also includes clinical microbiology, particularly in nosocomial infections among cirrhotic patients, highlighting a translational approach from population-level risk factors to clinical outcomes.
Professor Hyunsang Hwang's research lab specializes in next-generation nanoelectronics and neuromorphic computing, focusing on the development of advanced resistive switching devices and oxide semiconductor materials for brain-inspired computing systems. The lab pioneers innovative materials and device architectures—such as HfO₂-based ferroelectrics, RRAM synapses, and threshold switching neurons—aimed at enabling ultra-low power, high-density, on-chip learning neuromorphic systems. Key research directions include the optimization of atomic layer deposition processes, dielectric engineering (e.g., N₂O-based oxynitrides), and the integration of functional oxide materials for scalable, non-volatile memory and artificial synapse applications. The lab's work bridges materials science, device physics, and circuit-level neuromorphic design to advance energy-efficient artificial intelligence hardware.
Professor Sinhoo Kang's research lab focuses on translational nephrology and regenerative medicine, with a strong emphasis on chronic kidney disease (CKD) pathogenesis, fibrosis mechanisms, and innovative therapeutic strategies. The lab investigates molecular pathways such as Notch signaling and metabolic reprogramming in kidney injury, while also exploring the role of subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone therapy in CKD progression. Additionally, the lab contributes to advancing novel drug delivery systems, particularly exosome-based nanotherapeutics, for targeted renal interventions. These interdisciplinary efforts aim to bridge basic science discoveries with clinical applications in kidney disease.
Professor Sung-Ho You's research lab specializes in organic and hybrid optoelectronic devices, with a strong focus on advancing energy conversion and light-emitting technologies. Key research directions include the development of high-efficiency organic photovoltaics using materials like pentacene/C60 and P3HT/PCBM blends, the engineering of graphene quantum dot-based light-emitting diodes for efficient blue emission, and the design of ultralow-power organic sensors such as patch-type pulse oximeters. The lab integrates materials innovation with device physics and optical modeling to optimize performance in next-generation flexible and wearable optoelectronics.
Professor Gyeong Hoon Kang's research lab specializes in molecular oncology, with a primary focus on epigenetic alterations in carcinogenesis. The lab investigates DNA methylation patterns—particularly CpG island hypermethylation and global hypomethylation—in various gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers, including gastric, colorectal, and prostate cancers. Key research directions include identifying methylation biomarkers for early detection, understanding the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), and exploring the interplay between epigenetic changes and immune microenvironments, such as PD-L1 expression in MSI-high colorectal cancers. The lab also develops immunohistochemical panels to improve the diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma by determining the primary site of origin.
Professor Bhumsuk Keam's research lab specializes in translational oncology, focusing on targeted therapy and immunotherapy for aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers, particularly in lung and thyroid cancers. The lab investigates biomarkers such as BRAF V600E mutations and Ki-67 to improve patient stratification and treatment response prediction. It also explores the tumor microenvironment, especially the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, to understand immune evasion mechanisms in metastatic disease. Additionally, the lab evaluates the appropriateness and outcomes of palliative chemotherapy, aiming to optimize end-of-life cancer care.
Professor Yonggu Kim's research lab focuses on the neuroimmune and neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying mood and anxiety disorders, with a particular emphasis on the gut-brain axis, systemic inflammation, and neuroinflammation. The lab investigates the role of cytokine imbalances, tryptophan metabolism, and stress-related HPA axis dysregulation in psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. A key research direction involves exploring the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of molecules like melatonin and lithium in modulating brain function and behavior. The lab integrates preclinical and clinical studies to uncover novel psychoimmunological pathways and potential therapeutic targets.
Professor Chan-hee Kang's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying autophagy and cellular senescence, particularly their roles in maintaining cellular and organismal homeostasis. The lab investigates how selective and general autophagy regulate senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), with a key emphasis on transcription factors like GATA4 and their post-translational regulation. By integrating cell biology, molecular signaling, and advanced imaging techniques, the lab aims to clarify the dual roles of autophagy in promoting both cell survival and cell death under stress conditions. Their work also contributes to the standardization of autophagy research through influential guidelines that shape the field globally.
Professor Elebjcho81's research lab specializes in advanced 2D materials and their applications in flexible and wearable electronic devices. Key research directions include the development of high-performance thermoelectric generators using flexible substrates, innovative gas sensors based on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and graphene heterostructures, and fundamental studies on graphene adhesion and electronic properties. The lab focuses on scalable fabrication techniques such as screen printing and chemical vapor deposition, with an emphasis on real-world applications in self-powered systems and next-generation electronics.
