Explore research labs at leading universities worldwide — research fields and key papers at a glance.
Professor Jinsoo Seo's research lab focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with a strong emphasis on the roles of key proteins and genetic factors such as p25/Cdk5, ApoE4, and synaptic signaling molecules like DAG and DGKζ. The lab employs advanced models including transgenic mice, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and primary neuronal and glial cultures to investigate how dysregulated signaling, metabolic dysfunction, and neuroinflammation contribute to AD pathology. A central theme is the repurposing of existing drugs—such as regorafenib and lomerizine—to modulate neuroinflammatory and metabolic pathways for therapeutic benefit. The lab integrates molecular neuroscience, stem cell biology, and translational pharmacology to identify novel targets and interventions for neurodegenerative disorders.
Professor Hankwon Lim's research lab focuses on sustainable energy technologies, with a strong emphasis on green hydrogen production through advanced electrochemical processes such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis and electrochemical nitrogen or nitric oxide reduction for green ammonia synthesis. The lab develops innovative electrocatalysts and electrolyte systems to enhance efficiency, selectivity, and stability in renewable energy conversion, while also addressing environmental challenges through the upcycling of plastic waste into functional materials for carbon capture. Their work bridges materials science, electrochemistry, and environmental engineering to enable scalable, low-carbon industrial solutions.
Professor Jasung Koo's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer progression, with a particular emphasis on tumor metabolism, immune microenvironment interactions, and therapeutic target discovery. The lab investigates dysregulated amino acid, glucose, and lipid metabolism in breast cancer subtypes, especially triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancers, and explores the role of immune cells such as tumor-associated myeloid cells in tumor progression. The lab also evaluates biomarkers like PD-L1 across different antibodies to improve immunotherapy strategies in aggressive breast cancer subtypes. Their work integrates molecular pathology, metabolic reprogramming, and tumor microenvironment analysis to identify novel therapeutic targets and improve patient outcomes.
Professor Sangwon Seo's research lab specializes in neuroimaging and biomarker discovery for neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases, with a focus on understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying subcortical vascular dementia, cerebral small vessel disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. The lab employs advanced neuroimaging techniques—such as MRI, PET, and cortical thickness analysis—to investigate microbleeds, small vessel disease markers, and brain age estimation as indicators of cognitive decline. A key research direction involves differentiating neurodegenerative subtypes, particularly in the context of mild cognitive impairment and frontotemporal dementia, using automated classification models. The lab also explores the interplay between cerebral amyloid angiopathy and small vessel disease in shaping cognitive outcomes.
Professor Tae-Bo Shim's research lab specializes in the discovery and development of novel small-molecule kinase inhibitors targeting oncogenic kinases involved in cancer progression. The lab focuses on overcoming drug resistance in hematological malignancies and solid tumors by designing inhibitors against clinically relevant kinase mutants, including Bcr-Abl and FGFR2. Key research directions include structure-based drug design, optimization of allosteric and ATP-noncompetitive inhibitors, and the exploration of redox-active natural product derivatives for selective cancer cell cytotoxicity. The lab integrates biochemical, cellular, and in vivo pharmacological studies to advance promising compounds toward preclinical and clinical evaluation.
Professor Chulho Sohn's research lab specializes in advanced neuroimaging techniques, particularly in the application of 3T MRI and perfusion imaging for the diagnosis and management of cerebrovascular diseases. The lab focuses on improving the accuracy of early detection for acute stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and brain death using sequences such as SWI, GRE T2*, FLAIR, DWI, and arterial spin labeling (ASL). Key research directions include optimizing imaging protocols for timely diagnosis, understanding hemodynamic changes in acute ischemic stroke, and identifying radiologic markers that predict clinical outcomes after endovascular therapy.
Professor Dukjun Kim's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced functional materials, with a strong focus on nanomaterials for energy and biomedical applications. Key research directions include the development of shape-controlled hematite nanocrystals for photocatalytic and electrochemical applications, the engineering of superporous hydrogels for gastric retention and drug delivery, and the creation of high-performance polymer electrolytes for solid-state lithium batteries. The lab also explores proton transport in crosslinked polymers and hierarchical polymer architectures to enhance ionic conductivity and mechanical stability.
Professor Yonghan Baek's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis, hepatic inflammation, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a particular emphasis on oxidative stress, innate immune responses, and non-coding RNAs. The lab investigates the roles of NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling, and exosomal microRNAs in liver injury and fibrogenesis. Current research directions include identifying novel serological biomarkers for early HCC detection in chronic liver disease and evaluating therapeutic interventions such as rifaximin for hepatic encephalopathy. The lab integrates molecular biology, clinical hepatology, and translational research to advance precision medicine in liver diseases.
Professor Su-jin Kim's research lab focuses on vascular biology and metabolic regulation in disease, with a strong emphasis on endothelial function in sepsis and the role of incretin hormones in metabolic homeostasis. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying vascular integrity, particularly through the TIE2-ANG2 axis, and explores the therapeutic potential of targeted biologics such as ABTAA. Additionally, the lab examines the signaling pathways of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) in pancreatic beta cells and adipocytes, highlighting its role in insulin secretion, cell survival, and lipid metabolism. The research integrates translational approaches in cancer, metabolic disease, and neurologic disorders.
Professor Young-Hee Kim's research lab specializes in geophysics and earth sciences, focusing on subduction zone dynamics, lithospheric structure, and seismic imaging. The lab employs advanced seismic methods such as receiver functions, teleseismic migration, and adjoint tomography to investigate the geometry, velocity structure, and seismic behavior of subducting slabs, particularly in regions like central Mexico and Alaska. Their work also extends to understanding the mechanical coupling at plate boundaries and the relationship between slab morphology and large earthquakes. Additionally, the lab contributes to immunoinformatics through the development of tools for epitope prediction and analysis, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry.
Professor Sung Hoon Kwon's research lab specializes in advanced micro- and nanofabrication, focusing on developing innovative solutions for anti-counterfeiting, rapid diagnostics, and next-generation data storage. The lab pioneers technologies such as fingerprint-mimicking microtaggants, single-cell antibiotic susceptibility testing, and QR-coded microtaggants for pharmaceutical authentication, emphasizing high-throughput, on-demand fabrication and real-world applicability. Additionally, the lab explores DNA-based data storage with enhanced information capacity using degenerate bases, and develops novel optofluidic lithography techniques for 3D microstructure fabrication with precise vertical control. Their work bridges microfluidics, photonics, materials science, and biomedical engineering to address critical challenges in healthcare and information technology.
Professor In-Hwan Lee's research lab specializes in advanced semiconductor materials and optoelectronic devices, with a strong focus on III-nitride semiconductors such as GaN and ZnO, as well as solution-processed oxide semiconductors like SnO₂. The lab investigates fundamental properties including stress relaxation, doping effects, and band-edge fluctuations in GaN epilayers, while also developing novel materials and processing techniques for applications in solar cells, LEDs, and electronic interconnects. Recent work includes the design of efficient cathode buffer layers for organic photovoltaics and the development of low-melting-point metal alloys for 3D printing of electronic components.
Professor Sung Ho Hwang's research lab specializes in advanced materials and energy systems, with a strong focus on sustainable energy technologies and smart mobility solutions. Key research directions include the development of high-performance batteries—particularly zinc-air batteries with innovative separator designs—and flexible, stable hydrogen sensors for safe energy applications. The lab also investigates dynamic systems modeling, especially in train-track-bridge interactions, and contributes to smart manufacturing through advanced scheduling algorithms. These interdisciplinary efforts integrate materials science, electrochemistry, and mechanical systems for real-world applications in clean energy and transportation.
Professor Choi Youngdok's research lab specializes in urological oncology, with a primary focus on improving surgical outcomes and long-term survival in prostate and bladder cancer patients. The lab investigates advanced robotic and minimally invasive surgical techniques—particularly robot-assisted radical prostatectomy—emphasizing oncological efficacy, functional recovery, and reduced complications. Additional research directions include optimizing endoscopic imaging for bladder cancer detection and exploring natural compounds like Korean red ginseng to enhance erectile function post-surgery. The lab integrates clinical outcomes with translational research to advance personalized urologic cancer care.
Professor Hyung Kwan Kim's research lab specializes in cardiovascular disease epidemiology and preventive cardiology, with a strong focus on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR), and lipid metabolism in young and middle-aged adults. The lab investigates long-term outcomes, modifiable risk factors, and the impact of interventions such as maze surgery and lifestyle modifications in large-scale population-based cohorts. Key research directions include the epidemiological trends of HCM in Asian populations, the role of physical activity and obesity in HCM development, and the prognostic implications of dyslipidemia in young adults.
Professor Hyung-gwan Kim's research lab specializes in cardiovascular imaging and echocardiographic assessment, with a strong focus on establishing population-specific normal reference values for cardiac structure and function in the Korean population. The lab conducts multicenter studies to refine echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques, particularly in assessing left and right ventricular function, myocardial strain, and pathological conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and chronic mitral regurgitation. A key direction involves developing and validating imaging protocols and guidelines tailored for Korean patients to enhance diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes.
Professor Je-Kyun Park's research lab specializes in microfluidic technologies for biomedical applications, focusing on label-free, high-throughput cell and particle separation using innovative hydrodynamic and dielectrophoretic principles. The lab develops advanced microfluidic devices that leverage inertial focusing, hydrophoresis, and electric field manipulation to enable precise, automated, and pump-free sample preparation for point-of-care diagnostics. Key research directions include the design of low-shear, high-efficiency microfluidic systems for whole blood processing and the integration of magnetic nanoparticles and dielectrophoresis for sensitive biomolecular detection.
Professor Jo Yong-beom's research lab specializes in translational gastroenterology and cancer biology, with a primary focus on regenerative medicine using adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) for treating complex gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease-related fistulas. The lab also investigates molecular mechanisms underlying colorectal cancer progression, particularly epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the regulatory roles of microRNAs like miR-17-5p. Additionally, the lab explores novel therapeutic strategies, including statin-induced immunogenic cell death in KRAS-mutant colorectal tumors, aiming to enhance anti-tumor immunity. Their work bridges preclinical research with clinical applications, emphasizing safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes in gastrointestinal oncology and regenerative therapy.
Professor Suk-Gu Kang's research lab focuses on understanding the tumor microenvironment in glioblastoma (GBM), with a particular emphasis on extracellular matrix dynamics, cancer metabolism, and the role of stromal cells such as mesenchymal stem-like cells (MSLCs) in tumor progression. The lab develops biomimetic in vitro models using patient-derived extracellular matrix to study GBM invasion and explores novel therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic pathways (e.g., ALDH and oxidative phosphorylation) and immune evasion mechanisms. They also investigate the anti-apoptotic effects of insulin and the immunomodulatory roles of complement factors like C5a in GBM. The lab integrates molecular biology, immunology, and translational oncology to identify new therapeutic targets for this aggressive brain cancer.
Professor Jae W. Lee's research lab focuses on neurotrophic factors, neural plasticity, and the impact of environmental and dietary factors on brain health and regeneration. The lab investigates how neurotrophins such as BDNF and natural compounds like curcumin influence neural precursor cell proliferation and hippocampal neurogenesis. Additionally, the lab explores the role of growth factors in mediating responses to dietary restriction, physical activity, and neurodegenerative challenges, with implications for learning, memory, and recovery from brain injury. The research integrates molecular neuroscience with translational approaches to understand mechanisms underlying brain resilience and repair.
