首尔大学、KAIST、延世大学等韩国QS前10名大学的研究室信息。
Professor Dong-Woo Suh's research lab specializes in the microstructural design and mechanical behavior of advanced high-strength steels, with a focus on microalloyed and transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steels. The lab investigates phase transformations, precipitate evolution, and solute effects—particularly in Ti/Nb/Mo and Al-containing systems—to enhance strength, toughness, and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. Key research directions include interfacial engineering, solute segregation, and the development of advanced joining techniques such as spot welding in complex-phase steels.
Professor Jung Lyul Lee's research lab specializes in coastal and riverine environmental systems, focusing on water quality management, sediment budget dynamics, and coastal erosion vulnerability. The lab investigates the impacts of anthropogenic pollution and climate change on aquatic ecosystems, particularly in river basins and coastal zones, using advanced hydrodynamic and water quality modeling. Key research directions include the assessment of pollution sources in rivers like the Ravi, spatial variation of water quality across climatic zones, and the morphodynamic response of beaches to wave energy and sediment transport. The lab also emphasizes predictive modeling for sustainable coastal zone management and disaster risk reduction.
Professor Hee Jin Kim's research lab focuses on the neuropathological mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in aging and neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), amyloid-β pathology, and tau accumulation. The lab investigates how these pathological processes contribute to cognitive decline through advanced neuroimaging, genetic risk profiling, and transgenic animal models. Key research directions include understanding the role of neuroinflammation—particularly S100A9— in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis and exploring the clinical utility of polygenic risk scores in diverse populations.
Professor Jaegeun Noh's research lab specializes in the fundamental understanding of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) at solid-liquid and solid-vacuum interfaces, with a focus on molecular-scale structure, dynamics, and stability. The lab employs advanced surface characterization techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) to investigate molecular packing, phase transitions, and interfacial interactions in thiophene, alkanethiol, and disulfide-based SAMs on gold and graphite substrates. Key research directions include the role of molecular interactions—such as cofacial π–π stacking and hydrogen bonding—in determining monolayer organization, as well as the kinetics and thermodynamics of surface reconstruction and desorption processes under various environmental conditions. The lab’s work provides critical insights into the design of functional nanostructures for applications in molecular electronics, sensors, and surface engineering.
Professor Tae Hyun Yoon's research lab specializes in nanomaterials and their biological interactions, with a focus on understanding the cytotoxicity and environmental behavior of engineered nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and silver nanoparticles. The lab integrates advanced analytical techniques—like mass cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, and in situ spectroscopy—to investigate the complex interactions between nanoparticles and human immune cells or biological systems at the cellular and molecular levels. A key research direction involves developing quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models to predict nanomaterial toxicity based on physicochemical properties and experimental conditions. The lab also explores the environmental fate of natural organic matter, such as humic and fulvic acids, at mineral-water interfaces, particularly in relation to nanoparticle stability and dissolution.
Professor Seungjae Min's research lab specializes in advanced design optimization and structural mechanics, focusing on lightweight and high-performance engineering systems. The lab develops innovative methods in multiobjective optimization, topology optimization, and reliability-based design to enhance structural stability, dynamic performance, and robustness in mechanical systems. Key research directions include hydro-pneumatic suspension systems for heavy-duty vehicles, compliant mechanisms with geometric precision, and buckling-resistant topologies for lightweight structures under uncertainty. The lab emphasizes practical applicability through adaptive optimization schemes and uncertainty-aware design methodologies.
Professor Dougu Nam's research lab specializes in statistical and computational methods for genomic data analysis, with a focus on improving the power and reliability of genetic association studies. The lab develops advanced gene set and pathway analysis methods for both gene expression and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), emphasizing robustness to biological and technical noise. Key research directions include meta-analysis techniques that maintain statistical power despite unassociated or null statistics, and the development of high-performance software tools such as GSA-SNP and GSA-SNP2 for SNP-level and pathway enrichment analysis. The lab also investigates the impact of biological factors—like microbial signaling molecules—on host-pathogen interactions, integrating systems biology with statistical methodology.
Professor Tae Young Yune's research lab focuses on identifying molecular mechanisms underlying secondary injury following spinal cord injury (SCI), with a central emphasis on neuroprotection and functional recovery. The lab investigates key signaling pathways—such as p38MAPK, PI3K/Akt, ERK, and ER stress—involved in apoptosis of oligodendrocytes and neurons. It also explores the therapeutic potential of endogenous and exogenous neuroactive molecules, including minocycline, estrogen, valproic acid, ghrelin, and proNGF modulation, to mitigate neuronal cell death and promote repair. The lab integrates molecular biology, behavioral assessment, and biochemical analysis to develop novel neuroprotective strategies for SCI.
Professor Seongbeom Cho's research lab specializes in foodborne pathogens, with a focus on molecular epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and the One Health approach linking human, animal, and environmental health. The lab investigates the genetic diversity and transmission dynamics of zoonotic pathogens such as *Salmonella* and *Campylobacter jejuni*, utilizing advanced molecular typing methods like MLVA and VNTR analysis. A key research direction involves understanding the impact of agricultural practices and environmental factors on pathogen prevalence in livestock, particularly dairy cattle, and assessing the role of diet and geography in human exposure to contaminants like mercury. The lab also explores the prebiotic potential of functional foods, such as red ginseng, in modulating gut microbiota in both humans and companion animals.
Professor Kyungmi Woo's research lab focuses on improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through innovative care models, particularly in home and long-term care settings. Her work centers on quality improvement initiatives, telehealth adoption, and the well-being of both formal and informal caregivers. The lab investigates patient and provider perspectives on technology integration, such as telehealth and online peer support, to enhance chronic disease management—particularly for heart failure—and to address barriers to acceptance and engagement. A strong emphasis is placed on patient-centered, gender-informed, and technology-acceptance frameworks to promote sustainable, equitable healthcare solutions.
Professor Seung Hwa Lee's research lab focuses on gastrointestinal endoscopy, particularly colonoscopy and upper GI endoscopy, with an emphasis on procedural training, skill acquisition, and improving diagnostic accuracy. The lab also investigates clinical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome in relation to liver function and metabolic syndrome, and contributes to interventional cardiology through comprehensive imaging assessment in coronary artery disease. Additionally, the lab explores linguistic structures in Brazilian Portuguese, particularly compound word formation from a lexical morphology perspective.
Professor Young-Shin Park's research lab specializes in the fundamental optical and electronic properties of colloidal quantum dots, with a focus on understanding and controlling excitonic processes such as Auger recombination and biexciton dynamics. The lab employs advanced single-particle spectroscopy techniques to investigate how nanocrystal interface structure—particularly core-shell heterostructures with sharp or graded (smooth) interfaces—affects quantum confinement, radiative decay, and nonradiative pathways. Their work aims to engineer quantum dot materials with suppressed Auger processes for enhanced performance in optoelectronic applications, including lasers and single-photon sources. The lab also explores quantum dot systems like CsPbX₃ perovskite nanocrystals for quantum light emission at room temperature.
Professor Jong-In Han's research lab specializes in sustainable carbon management and environmental remediation, focusing on innovative technologies for CO2 capture, utilization, and mineralization. The lab develops advanced materials such as magnesium phyllosilicate catalysts and bicarbonate-based microalgae systems to enhance carbon utilization efficiency and enable stable, long-term CO2 sequestration. A key research direction involves integrating CO2 mineralization with desalination processes to simultaneously produce valuable minerals and fresh water from seawater. Additionally, the lab addresses flue gas purification challenges through electrochemical regeneration of NOX absorbents, enabling efficient and reusable nitrogen oxide removal systems.
Professor Han Sang Kim's research lab focuses on translational biomedical research with a strong emphasis on identifying molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer and inflammatory diseases. The lab integrates multi-omics data, including genomics and gene set analysis, to uncover key pathways involved in radiosensitivity and drug response, particularly in head and neck cancers. Additionally, the lab explores pharmacogenomics to personalize therapy, as seen in studies on thiopurine-induced toxicity and targeted agents like dacomitinib. The lab also contributes to clinical pain management strategies and has a minor but notable foray into robotics engineering for precision applications in medical devices.
Professor Sang-Guk Lee's research lab specializes in translational biomedical research, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, with particular emphasis on biomarkers like netrin-1 and bile acids. The lab also investigates cellular and molecular responses in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, aiming to improve graft quality and engraftment outcomes through advanced cell quantification and cryopreservation techniques. Additionally, the lab develops innovative biosensors using functional amphiphilic molecules for rapid, optical detection of clinical analytes such as urea in biological fluids. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge clinical diagnostics, molecular biology, and materials science to advance precision medicine and point-of-care diagnostics.
Professor Clément Cabanetos' research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced organic semiconductors and functional materials for optoelectronic and biomedical applications. Key research directions include the development of π-conjugated polymers and small molecules for organic solar cells, with a focus on molecular engineering to control self-assembly, charge transfer, and film morphology. The lab also explores novel materials for photodynamic therapy, particularly G-quadruplex-targeting photosensitizers, combining fluorescence imaging with therapeutic function. Additionally, they investigate click chemistry and post-polymerization modifications to create tunable, cross-linkable materials with tailored optoelectronic and optical properties.
Professor Songfang Zhao's research lab specializes in the design, fabrication, and application of advanced functional materials for flexible and wearable electronics. The lab focuses on developing stretchable and conductive nanomaterials—particularly based on carbon nanomaterials, copper and silver nanowires, and conductive polymers—tailored for high-performance sensors, epidermal electrodes, and energy-efficient human-machine interfaces. Key research directions include multifunctional wearable sensors with self-healing, self-powering, and printing capabilities, as well as bio-integrated devices with high sensitivity, durability, and skin-compliance.
Professor Chun-Bae Kim's research lab focuses on population health, with a strong emphasis on universal health coverage (UHC), social determinants of health, and environmental health risks in low- and middle-income countries. The lab investigates structural factors such as governance, economic status, and household air pollution, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Key research directions include health policy evaluation, tobacco control among youth, and the impact of lifestyle factors—such as red meat and alcohol consumption—on life expectancy.
Professor Yunje Cho's research lab specializes in structural biology and biochemistry, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor suppression, DNA repair, and cell cycle regulation. The lab employs advanced techniques such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and NMR spectroscopy to elucidate the structures and functions of key regulatory proteins, including p53, Rb, FANCD2, and Cdt1. Their work provides critical insights into how mutations or viral oncoproteins disrupt tumor suppressor pathways, contributing to cancer development and Fanconi anemia. The lab also explores protein engineering strategies to enhance protein stability and function, as demonstrated in their studies on β-lactoglobulin.
Professor Ashwani Kumar's research lab specializes in the design and development of highly sensitive chemosensors for the detection of biologically and environmentally relevant anions, particularly cyanide (CN⁻). The lab focuses on molecular probe design, with an emphasis on ratiometric and turn-on fluorescence-based sensing strategies for real-time and selective detection in aqueous environments. Their work bridges analytical chemistry and materials science, aiming to create low-cost, selective, and reusable sensing platforms for environmental monitoring and biomedical applications. Recent studies highlight the development of turn-on probes with detection limits as low as 0.5 μM (13 ppb), demonstrating high sensitivity and selectivity for CN⁻ ions.
