Explore research labs at leading universities worldwide — research fields and key papers at a glance.
Professor Sung-hoon No's research lab specializes in gastrointestinal oncology, with a strong focus on gastric cancer biology, molecular subtyping, and personalized treatment strategies. The lab investigates molecular and genomic characteristics of gastric cancer, including subtypes such as mesenchymal and epithelial phenotypes, to predict prognosis and chemotherapy response. Key research directions include the role of microsatellite instability (MSI), PD-L1 expression, and advanced imaging techniques like FDG-PET for preoperative staging and treatment planning. The lab also explores surgical outcomes, particularly the safety and efficacy of lymphadenectomy in gastric cancer patients.
Professor Soo Heon Kwak's research lab focuses on the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of diabetes, particularly gestational and type 2 diabetes. The lab investigates genetic risk loci, functional variants, and epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation in relation to diabetes susceptibility and progression. Key research directions include genome-wide and methylome-wide association studies in Korean populations, with an emphasis on identifying biomarkers and predictors for early-onset diabetes and diabetic complications.
Professor Jin Yong Lee's research lab specializes in the design and development of smart molecular probes and functional materials for biomedical and environmental applications. The lab focuses on creating fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for biologically and environmentally relevant analytes such as metal ions (e.g., Cu²⁺), gaseous signaling molecules (e.g., H₂S, CO₂), and disease-related biomarkers. A key research direction involves engineering stimuli-responsive materials—particularly based on BODIPY, coumarin, and polydiacetylene systems—for targeted imaging, photodynamic therapy, and real-time monitoring in living systems. The lab also explores advanced functional materials, including modified TiO₂ nanoparticles, for applications in energy and catalysis.
Professor Gwang-suk Ahn's research lab specializes in identifying and characterizing bioactive natural compounds with potent anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. The lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of dietary polyphenols, tocotrienols, ginkgolic acid, formononetin, and quercetin in regulating key signaling pathways such as NF-κB, TGF-β, and TRAIL in cancer cells. Research directions include targeting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inducing apoptosis, and overcoming drug resistance in cancer cells, particularly in lung and glioma models. The lab integrates in vitro and in vivo approaches to translate natural compound findings into potential therapeutic strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.
Professor Chul-Hong Kim's research lab specializes in advancing biomedical imaging technologies, with a primary focus on photoacoustic imaging and its clinical translation. The lab develops high-resolution, deep-tissue imaging modalities such as photoacoustic tomography (PAT) and microscopy (PAM), integrating novel contrast agents like gold nanocages and methylene blue to enable sensitive molecular imaging of diseases such as melanoma. By combining optical contrast with ultrasonic resolution, the lab achieves enhanced penetration depth and sensitivity while maintaining safety within regulatory limits. The lab also explores innovative signal processing algorithms, such as unscented FastSLAM, to improve image reconstruction and tracking in complex biological environments.
Professor Tae Il Kim's research lab specializes in the development of advanced bio-integrated electronics, focusing on ultrathin, flexible, and stretchable optoelectronic and sensor systems for biomedical applications. The lab pioneers innovations in implantable and injectable devices that enable real-time monitoring and control of biological signals, particularly in neuroscience and wearable health technologies. Key research directions include bioinspired sensors, dynamic noise suppression using viscoelastic materials, and thermal management in miniaturized electronic systems for seamless integration with living tissues.
Professor Jeong Ho Cho's research lab specializes in advanced 2D and nanomaterial-based electronic devices, with a strong focus on flexible, wearable, and energy-harvesting systems. The lab pioneers innovative applications in photodetectors, sensors, and neuromorphic computing using materials such as graphene, perovskites, MXenes, and piezoelectric polymers. Key research directions include high-performance optoelectronic devices, transparent and stretchable sensor systems, and self-powered electronic skins for next-generation human-machine interfaces. The lab emphasizes materials engineering for enhanced functionality, scalability, and real-world deployability in smart electronics and sustainable energy technologies.
Professor Suyeong Kim's research lab specializes in advanced functional materials, with a focus on halide perovskites, graphene-based nanomaterials, and biomaterials derived from natural polymers. The lab explores the fundamental properties and innovative applications of these materials in next-generation electronic, optoelectronic, and biomedical devices, including perovskite-based memory and light-emitting devices, doped graphene for transparent conductors, and silk fibroin for tissue engineering and drug delivery. The research emphasizes materials synthesis, defect engineering, and device integration to achieve high performance and stability.
Professor Young Il Ko's research lab focuses on translational and clinical investigations in respiratory medicine, hematology, and pharmacology, with a strong emphasis on understanding the pathophysiology of asthma, drug-induced severe reactions like DRESS syndrome, and the role of aging-related conditions such as CHIP in cardiovascular diseases. The lab explores chronotherapeutic approaches in hematologic malignancies and investigates immune cell involvement—particularly NKT cells—in airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. Their work integrates clinical data with molecular and genetic analyses to identify biomarkers and optimize treatment timing and strategies.
Professor Jinseok Ahn's research lab specializes in translational oncology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in ALK-positive and metastatic disease. The lab investigates targeted therapies such as alectinib and crizotinib, emphasizing central nervous system efficacy and resistance mechanisms. It also integrates single-cell genomics and epigenomics to dissect tumor heterogeneity, immune microenvironment remodeling, and epigenetic drivers of immune evasion in lung cancer.
Professor Jinyoung Kim's research lab focuses on interdisciplinary biomedical and materials science research, with a strong emphasis on understanding disease mechanisms and developing advanced functional materials. Key research directions include the role of molecular adhesion molecules like selectins in cancer metastasis, the application of deep learning to air traffic data analytics for delay prediction, and the design of stimuli-responsive polymer nanofibers for cell capture and delivery. The lab also investigates the epigenetic regulation of disease-related genes such as CFTR in cancer and the biological effects of environmental electromagnetic fields on reproductive health.
Professor Hawoong Jeong's research lab specializes in network science and computational biology, focusing on the topological organization and functional dynamics of complex networks across biological, technological, and social systems. The lab investigates how network structures—such as metabolic, protein-protein interaction, and citation networks—exhibit universal scaling properties and preferential attachment mechanisms, using large-scale data and mathematical modeling. A key focus is on understanding the interplay between network topology, biological function, and physical principles like molecular crowding in cellular environments. The lab also explores the implications of network structure for systems biology, systems pharmacology, and the design of efficient infrastructure in urban planning.
Professor Ki Woong Kim's research lab specializes in aging-related neurological and cognitive disorders, with a focus on dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The lab integrates clinical neuroscience, neuroimaging, and machine learning to develop accurate, population-generalizable diagnostic tools using MRI and cognitive assessments. Research also explores modifiable risk factors such as sleep disturbances, depression, and dry eye disease in community-dwelling older adults, emphasizing early detection and prevention strategies. The lab’s work bridges clinical practice and advanced data analytics to improve outcomes in aging populations.
Professor Kyung Won Lee's research lab specializes in clinical microbiology and antimicrobial resistance, with a primary focus on the molecular epidemiology and detection of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Gram-negative pathogens, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species. The lab investigates the genetic mechanisms underlying carbapenem resistance, including the identification and characterization of novel MBL genes such as bla(SIM-1), and evaluates phenotypic and genotypic methods for detecting these enzymes in clinical settings. Their work contributes significantly to infection control and antibiotic stewardship in hospital environments, especially in the context of multidrug-resistant organisms in tertiary-care settings in Korea.
Professor Fabian Rotermund's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced functional materials for biomedical and environmental applications. Key research directions include the rational engineering of semiconductor nanocrystals with tailored morphologies for optoelectronic and catalytic applications, the development of stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems using polymer-caged liposomes and nanobins for synergistic cancer therapy, and the creation of bio-inks based on decellularized extracellular matrix for tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting. The lab also investigates carbon materials activation for energy and environmental applications, emphasizing structural control and functional optimization.
Professor Won Ho Kim's research lab specializes in clinical predictive modeling and biomarker discovery, with a focus on improving outcomes in surgical and critical care settings. The lab applies advanced machine learning techniques to predict postoperative complications such as acute kidney injury in liver and cardiac surgery patients, integrating clinical, anesthetic, and surgical variables for enhanced risk stratification. Additionally, the lab investigates molecular markers in gastrointestinal cancers, particularly the prognostic significance of MET gene and protein expression in gastric carcinoma. The research emphasizes translational applications, from developing diagnostic criteria for rare diseases like intestinal Behçet’s disease to refining pathological and genomic assessments for personalized medicine.
Professor Young Nien Park's research lab specializes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis, with a focus on the molecular and vascular mechanisms driving hepatocarcinogenesis. The lab investigates stemness-related markers, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and tumor angiogenesis, particularly the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and abnormal vascularization in dysplastic nodules and early HCC. They also explore novel pathological phenotypes such as the vessel-encapsulated tumor cluster (VETC) and the significance of surface markers like EpCAM in liver progenitor cells and malignant transformation. Their work integrates immunohistochemistry, multi-center cohort studies, and translational pathology to identify biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction in HCC.
Professor Changduk Yang's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and application of advanced organic and hybrid materials for next-generation energy conversion and storage technologies. The lab focuses on developing novel hole-transport materials, non-fullerene acceptors, and block copolymers for high-performance perovskite and organic solar cells, with an emphasis on enhancing efficiency, stability, and processability. Key research directions include molecular engineering of semiconductors for photovoltaics, self-assembly of nanostructured materials, and the development of flexible and stable photoelectrodes for solar hydrogen production. The lab also explores interface engineering and surface passivation strategies to improve device performance and durability.
Professor Nam, Ki Tae's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and application of advanced nanomaterials for sustainable energy and environmental technologies. The lab focuses on bio-inspired and biomimetic materials, particularly using viruses and peptides as templates for creating functional nanostructures with precise control over morphology and composition. Key research directions include nanomaterials for energy storage (e.g., high-performance battery anodes), electrocatalysis for water splitting and CO2 reduction, and plasmonic nanostructures for chiral optics and sensing. The lab integrates synthetic chemistry, materials science, and computational modeling to develop next-generation materials with tailored functionalities at the nanoscale.
Professor Tae Min Kim's research lab specializes in hematologic malignancies, with a primary focus on lymphomas—particularly extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma. The lab investigates prognostic factors, metabolic imaging biomarkers (such as FDG-PET parameters), and novel targeted therapies, including bispecific antibodies and small molecule inhibitors, to improve outcomes in relapsed/refractory and treatment-naïve lymphoma patients. A key emphasis is on translating imaging and molecular markers into clinical decision-making tools for personalized therapy.
