Explore research labs at leading universities worldwide — research fields and key papers at a glance.
Professor Hyoseop Shim's research lab specializes in molecular pathology and precision oncology of lung cancer, with a focus on identifying and validating actionable genetic alterations such as HER2, EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, and MET in lung adenocarcinoma. The lab emphasizes the integration of histopathological subtyping with molecular diagnostics to improve patient stratification and treatment selection. Key research directions include optimizing immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques for biomarker detection, correlating histologic subtypes with driver mutations, and advancing diagnostic accuracy for targeted therapies.
Professor Namyoung Ahn's research lab focuses on advancing perovskite-based optoelectronic devices, with a primary emphasis on enhancing the efficiency, stability, and processability of perovskite solar cells. The lab investigates fundamental degradation mechanisms—particularly those driven by trapped charges and moisture—while developing innovative strategies such as Lewis base adducts and interface engineering to improve film quality and device performance. They also pioneer TCO-free and flexible perovskite solar cells using graphene and ultra-flexible substrates, enabling applications in portable and wearable electronics. Their work bridges materials chemistry, device physics, and engineering to address critical challenges in next-generation photovoltaics.
Professor Geum-Hwa Lee's research lab focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying cellular stress responses, particularly endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and aging-related vascular and liver diseases. The lab investigates protective roles of natural compounds—such as anthocyanins, curcumin, and citrus peel extracts—in mitigating oxidative damage and improving metabolic and cardiovascular health. Key research directions include the regulation of apoptosis and unfolded protein response in disease models, with a strong emphasis on translational applications in aging, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and critical respiratory infections.
Professor Jun Min Suh's research lab specializes in advanced functional materials and devices for next-generation electronics and sustainable catalysis. The lab focuses on developing high-performance dielectrics for compact, high-capacity multilayer ceramic capacitors, innovative resistive switching materials for low-voltage memory devices, and chipless wireless electronic skins for sensitive, low-power health monitoring. A key emphasis is placed on designing nanostructured materials—especially Pd-based nanocatalysts and piezoelectric membranes—for applications in energy-efficient electronics, environmental sustainability, and biomedical sensing.
Professor Jin-Hwa Lee's research lab focuses on the intersection of respiratory diseases, immune regulation, and host-microbe interactions. The lab investigates the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with a particular emphasis on how environmental factors—such as smoking and microbial dysbiosis—affect disease progression. Key research directions include the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha in bacterial clearance and immunity, as well as the impact of gut microbiota on systemic inflammation and respiratory health. The lab also explores biomarkers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in severe infectious diseases like miliary tuberculosis.
Professor Hong Sung Kyu's research lab specializes in urological oncology, with a primary focus on renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer. The lab investigates preoperative biomarkers—such as the De Ritis ratio and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) variants—to improve risk stratification and predict clinical outcomes after surgical treatment. Additionally, the lab explores anatomical and pathological factors influencing surgical outcomes in localized prostate cancer, including the impact of pelvic anatomy on robotic prostatectomy and the prevalence of aggressive disease in patients initially classified as having low-risk cancer. Their work emphasizes precision medicine through the integration of clinical, radiological, and pathological data to enhance patient management and surgical decision-making.
Professor Ju-Yeon Cho's research lab specializes in translational biomedical research with a focus on hepatology, metabolic disease, and nanomaterials for energy applications. The lab investigates the pathogenesis of liver diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and chronic hepatitis B, aiming to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic responses using metabolomics and systems biology. It also explores the development of advanced thermoelectric materials, particularly copper-based chalcogenides, for sustainable energy recovery. Additionally, the lab examines the neuroinflammatory and metabolic impacts of obesity and exercise interventions, highlighting the interplay between systemic inflammation and neurological health.
Professor Taejin Lee's research lab focuses on developing innovative nanoscale delivery systems and molecular therapeutics for cancer and metabolic diseases. The lab specializes in RNA-based nanotechnology for targeted gene delivery, particularly in glioblastoma, and explores the role of non-coding RNAs and signaling proteins in cancer progression and metabolic dysfunction. Key research directions include designing multifunctional RNA nanoparticles for brain tumor targeting, investigating microRNAs as therapeutic agents, and elucidating the role of matricellular proteins in metabolic disorders such as hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. The lab integrates molecular biology, nanomedicine, and translational studies to advance precision therapies.
Professor Choi Jeong-min's research lab specializes in translational genomics and molecular oncology, focusing on identifying novel therapeutic targets in rare and aggressive cancers such as uterine leiomyosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and neuroendocrine cervical cancer. The lab integrates multi-omics approaches—including whole-genome, whole-exome, and RNA-Seq analyses—alongside patient-derived models to dissect dysregulated pathways like HRD, C-MYC/BET, and PI3K-AKT-mTOR. A key focus is on understanding chemoresistance mechanisms, particularly through non-coding RNAs and pseudogene-derived lncRNAs, and exploring repeat expansion disorders in the Korean population using advanced sequencing technologies. The lab also investigates hematopoietic stem cell niche regulation and parasitic disease genomics, reflecting a broad yet cohesive interest in disease mechanisms and precision medicine.
Professor Jin-Tae Kim's research lab specializes in clinical and translational studies in anesthesiology and critical care, with a focus on improving patient safety and outcomes through advanced imaging, ultrasound guidance, and innovative pharmacological interventions. The lab investigates spinal anesthesia techniques, airway management in pediatric patients, and the pathophysiology of local anesthetic toxicity, particularly bupivacaine-induced cardiovascular collapse. Additionally, the lab explores biomarkers in cancer biology, such as NDRG2 expression in colorectal carcinogenesis, and develops biomedical materials for enhanced membrane performance in renal replacement therapy.
Professor Seong-Hun Kim's research lab specializes in digital orthodontics and implant dentistry, focusing on the development of advanced imaging and computational techniques for precise dental diagnosis and treatment planning. The lab integrates cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), 3D digital modeling, and artificial intelligence—particularly multi-stage convolutional neural networks—for automated cephalometric landmark detection and virtual surgical splint design. A key research direction involves evaluating the biomechanical stability of orthodontic mini-implants, especially comparing surface-treated (SLA) and machined implants in animal models. The lab also explores molecular mechanisms underlying gamma-secretase complex function, particularly the structural interactions of presenilin and PEN-2 in Alzheimer’s disease-related pathways.
Professor Dongwoo Seo's research lab specializes in the microstructural design and mechanical behavior of advanced steels, with a focus on microalloyed and high-Mn austenitic steels. The lab investigates phase transformations, precipitate evolution, and hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms to develop high-strength, high-toughness steels with improved resistance to degradation under service conditions. Key research directions include carbide precipitation kinetics, solute effects on deformation mechanisms, and the role of stacking fault energy in controlling fracture modes and hydrogen trapping. The lab combines advanced characterization techniques with thermodynamic and kinetic modeling to guide the development of next-generation structural materials.
Professor Hyeon Son's research lab focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and stress-related psychiatric disorders, particularly depression. The lab investigates key signaling pathways—such as cGMP, HDAC5/MEF2, neuritin, and TRPV1—that regulate neuronal structure, function, and resilience in the hippocampus. Using rodent models and ex vivo brain slice preparations, the lab explores how antidepressants and rapid-acting agents like ketamine modulate synaptic strength and neural circuit adaptation. A central theme is identifying intracellular signaling cascades that link neuronal activity to long-term changes in brain function and behavior.
Professor Hun-Jung Kang's research lab specializes in marine natural products chemistry, focusing on the isolation, structural elucidation, and biological evaluation of bioactive compounds from marine invertebrates and symbiotic microorganisms. The lab investigates novel alkaloids, terpenoids, butenolides, and phosphorus-containing metabolites with unique structural features and significant pharmacological activities, particularly antimicrobial and receptor-modulating effects. Key research directions include drug discovery from marine sources, structure-activity relationship studies, and the development of new therapeutic agents targeting antibiotic-resistant pathogens and metabolic disorders.
Professor Joo-Il Choi's research lab specializes in cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmia management, with a strong focus on atrial fibrillation (AF) and its risk factors. The lab investigates the interplay between metabolic factors—such as body weight, diabetes, and alcohol consumption—and the development of new-onset AF, using large-scale national health datasets. It also explores the electrophysiological implications of anatomical variants like persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) in AF patients and evaluates the efficacy of interventions such as radiofrequency catheter ablation and beta-blockers in specific genetic subtypes of long QT syndrome. The lab emphasizes clinical outcomes, remote monitoring optimization, and personalized treatment strategies in cardiac rhythm disorders.
Professor Hyoung Jin Kim's research lab specializes in radiological and medical imaging innovation, focusing on advancing diagnostic accuracy and prognostic modeling in thoracic diseases. The lab integrates deep learning and radiomics with multidetector CT to improve the assessment of lung cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma and subsolid nodules, by extracting quantitative imaging features from preoperative scans. Research also emphasizes optimizing image reconstruction techniques to reduce variability and enhance diagnostic reliability, while exploring the clinical utility of advanced MRI sequences such as reduced field-of-view diffusion-weighted imaging. The lab's work bridges medical imaging, artificial intelligence, and clinical oncology to support personalized patient management.
Professor Kim Sang-heon's research lab specializes in pharmacogenomics and respiratory medicine, focusing on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying drug-induced severe adverse reactions and asthma pathogenesis. The lab investigates HLA and non-HLA genetic markers associated with severe cutaneous reactions to drugs like allopurinol and aspirin, as well as the role of signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin in airway remodeling. Additionally, the lab explores the impact of infectious diseases—particularly COVID-19—on the development of new-onset asthma, integrating clinical epidemiology with genetic and immunological insights. Their work bridges genetics, immunology, and clinical pharmacology to improve personalized medicine and therapeutic strategies for inflammatory airway diseases.
Professor Han-Sung Kim's research lab specializes in advanced materials for energy conversion and storage, with a strong focus on electrochemical energy systems. Key research directions include the design and synthesis of nanostructured oxides and carbon-based materials for supercapacitors, fuel cells, and redox flow batteries. The lab emphasizes innovative material fabrication techniques—such as low-temperature synthesis, functionalization via π–π interactions, and controlled carbonization—to enhance electrochemical performance, stability, and ion transport. Particular attention is given to improving catalyst durability, optimizing electrode architecture, and enabling efficient proton diffusion in composite electrodes.
Professor Eungju Kim's research lab focuses on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, with a particular emphasis on atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and the interplay between systemic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and vascular pathology. The lab employs advanced molecular imaging techniques—such as PET/CT with (18)F-FDG and novel radiotracers like ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-MSA—to investigate inflammatory activity in atherosclerotic plaques, liver, and hematopoietic organs. Research also explores the impact of aging, obesity, and dyslipidemia on arterial stiffness and cardiac function, integrating clinical and preclinical models to understand disease mechanisms and improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Professor Tae-Hun Kim's research lab focuses on the development and clinical evaluation of alternative and complementary therapies, particularly in the fields of integrative medicine and regenerative health. The lab investigates the safety and efficacy of treatments such as bee venom therapy, cupping therapy, and herbal medicine, with a strong emphasis on rigorous clinical trials for conditions like chronic neck pain and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, the lab explores advanced nanomaterials, including surfactant-stabilized single-walled carbon nanotubes, for enhanced dispersion and practical applications in biomedicine and materials science.
