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 Wooseong Kim's research lab focuses on understanding the impact of spaceflight environments—particularly microgravity—on microbial behavior, with an emphasis on biofilm formation, antibiotic tolerance, and microbial physiology. The lab investigates novel antimicrobial strategies targeting drug-tolerant persister cells of pathogenic bacteria like methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA), using high-throughput screening and molecular dynamics simulations to identify compounds that disrupt bacterial membranes selectively. A key direction involves repurposing clinically approved drugs, such as bithionol and IMD0354, to combat multidrug-resistant and persistent infections. The lab also explores the intersection of host-pathogen interactions and microbial adaptation in extreme environments, including space stations.
Professor Hwa-Young Youn's research lab focuses on regenerative medicine and cancer biology, with a central emphasis on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their extracellular vesicles (EVs) in treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The lab investigates the therapeutic potential of MSC-derived EVs, particularly those enriched with bioactive molecules like TSG-6, in conditions such as colitis and thymic involution. Additionally, the lab explores novel biomarkers—such as extracellular protein kinase A and autoantibodies—for early cancer detection in veterinary medicine, and evaluates targeted therapies like oral paclitaxel for cancer treatment. Their work bridges stem cell biology, immunomodulation, and translational medicine, primarily in preclinical models with applications in both human and animal health.
Professor Sung Nim Han's research lab focuses on the intersection of aging, micronutrients, and immune function, with a particular emphasis on how dietary antioxidants—especially vitamin E—modulate age-related immune decline and susceptibility to infections such as influenza. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying immune senescence, including dysregulation of T helper cell responses, cytokine imbalances, and oxidative stress. Using murine models and human studies, the lab explores how nutrition interventions can restore immune competence in the elderly, with a strong focus on gene expression, inflammation, and metabolic regulation. Their work also extends to understanding the impact of obesity on vitamin D metabolism and immune health.
Professor Sang Kun Lee's research lab specializes in epilepsy surgery and autoimmune encephalitis, with a focus on improving diagnostic accuracy and surgical outcomes in epilepsy, particularly in cryptogenic and neocortical epilepsies. The lab investigates prognostic factors, such as age at surgery and hippocampal sclerosis, and evaluates the utility of advanced neurophysiological and serological tools—including ictal EEG, CSF autoantibody testing, and tissue-based assays—for precise localization and early diagnosis. The lab also develops and validates clinical scales, such as the CASE scale, to enhance outcome assessment in autoimmune encephalitis. Their work bridges clinical neurology, neurosurgery, and immunology to optimize patient management.
Professor Jinju Han's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of microRNA biogenesis and function, with a particular emphasis on RNase III enzymes such as Drosha and Dicer in gene regulation. The lab investigates how microRNAs and their regulatory networks control critical biological processes, including neural stem cell differentiation, adult neurogenesis, and cellular metabolism. By integrating molecular biology, genomics, and functional studies, the lab explores the roles of non-coding RNAs in development and disease, especially in the nervous system. Recent work also extends to the identification and characterization of microRNAs in non-model organisms, such as wheat, highlighting the evolutionary and functional conservation of these regulatory RNAs.
Professor Junghyeon Hwang's research lab specializes in advanced ferroelectric materials and devices, with a primary focus on hafnia-based ferroelectrics for next-generation nonvolatile memory and neuromorphic computing applications. The lab explores fundamental mechanisms of ferroelectricity in ultra-thin films, particularly fluorite-structured HfO₂ and ZrO₂, and develops innovative device architectures such as ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs) and FeFETs to enhance performance, scalability, and reliability. Key research directions include interface engineering, high-pressure annealing techniques, and low-damage fabrication processes to improve polarization, reduce leakage currents, and mitigate degradation effects like wake-up and fatigue.
Professor Moosung Lee's research lab focuses on educational leadership, particularly instructional leadership and its impact on student learning within diverse international and cross-national contexts. The lab investigates how macro-level factors—such as national economic development, cultural values, and policy environments—influence school leaders' time allocation and leadership practices. A central theme is the examination of leadership in international and high-stakes accountability systems, especially in East Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, with a strong emphasis on International Baccalaureate (IB) schools and district-level policy networks. The lab employs mixed-methods and comparative approaches, integrating quantitative data analysis with qualitative case studies to explore the interplay between leadership, professional collaboration, and educational outcomes.
Professor Seung-min Chung's research lab specializes in the development of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) for advanced electronic and sensing applications. The lab focuses on enhancing the performance of 2D TMD-based devices through innovative strategies such as defect-selective functionalization, atomic layer deposition of catalytic nanoparticles, and the integration of van der Waals heterojunction contacts. Key research directions include ultrasensitive, low-power gas sensors operating at room temperature, and high-performance field-effect transistors with minimized contact resistance. The lab combines materials synthesis, nanofabrication, and advanced characterization to address fundamental challenges such as Fermi-level pinning and Schottky barrier formation.
Professor Hye Jin Choi's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and supramolecular coordination networks with tailored porosity, structural dynamics, and functional properties. The lab focuses on creating stable, open-framework materials using transition metal ions and multidentate organic ligands, emphasizing structural diversity, guest inclusion behavior, and applications in gas storage, separation, and sensing. Key research directions include the development of chemically robust MOFs with exceptional thermal and solvent stability, as well as the exploration of dynamic structural responses to guest molecules and external stimuli.
Professor Joo-Hyoun Park's research lab focuses on the epidemiological and metabolic underpinnings of neurodegenerative and chronic diseases, with a strong emphasis on Parkinson’s disease (PD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and their systemic associations with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The lab investigates modifiable risk factors such as HDL cholesterol levels, body mass index (BMI), and liver fat accumulation in relation to disease onset and mortality, particularly in aging populations. Using large-scale national health databases, the lab conducts population-based cohort studies to identify early-life and mid-life predictors of premature morbidity and mortality from conditions like pancreatic cancer and PD. The research aims to uncover actionable insights for prevention and public health intervention.
Professor Hyun Jung Kim's research lab specializes in translational biomedical research with a focus on gastrointestinal diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for neurological and reproductive disorders. The lab investigates the pathophysiological differences in IBD across ethnic populations, explores novel nerve block techniques to manage post-herpetic neuralgia, and develops advanced nanomaterials for anion sensing. Additionally, the lab contributes to evidence-based urology through systematic reviews on subclinical varicocele and ovarian mass diagnostics.
Professor Taiha Joo's research lab specializes in ultrafast nonlinear optical spectroscopy to investigate dynamic processes in complex molecular systems, particularly focusing on solvation dynamics, energy transfer, and electronic dephasing in biological and chemical environments. The lab employs advanced femtosecond time-resolved techniques—such as transient absorption, photon echoes, transient grating, and fifth-order nonlinear spectroscopy—to probe ultrafast electronic and vibrational dynamics with high temporal and spectral resolution. A central theme is understanding how molecular structure, solvent environments, and protein matrices influence energy transfer and reaction dynamics in light-harvesting systems and functional molecules.
Professor Young Jae Song's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals heterostructures, with a focus on high-quality, defect-free heteroepitaxial growth of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) films. The lab pioneers in situ fabrication techniques—particularly chemical vapor deposition (CVD)—to create mechanically robust and chemically stable 2D heterostructures such as graphene/h-BN and BN/graphene/BN (BGB) systems, minimizing transfer-related damage and doping. The lab also operates a state-of-the-art ultra-low temperature scanning probe microscopy (SPM) system capable of sub-picometer stability at 10 mK and in high magnetic fields, enabling advanced electronic and quantum transport studies of 2D materials. Their work bridges materials synthesis, advanced characterization, and nanoscale device physics, aiming to establish scalable platforms for next-generation nanoelectronics and quantum devices.
Professor Hyun Joo Ahn's research lab focuses on translational critical care and oncology, with a strong emphasis on perioperative medicine in thoracic surgery. The lab investigates novel therapeutic strategies for cancer, particularly exploring repurposed drugs like phenformin and morphine through mechanisms involving mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and receptor signaling. It also examines respiratory protective strategies, including protective ventilation and hemodynamic management, to improve outcomes in high-risk surgical patients. A recurring theme is the intersection of cancer biology, pain management, and critical care interventions to enhance survival and reduce complications.
Professor Yueyun Li's research lab specializes in the design and application of advanced nanomaterials for environmental remediation and biomedical sensing. The lab focuses on developing functional nanocomposites—such as nano-graphite/Fe3O4 composites—for efficient removal of pollutants like dyes from water, while also pioneering novel electrochemiluminescence biosensors using AIE-active luminophores for sensitive biomarker detection. Their work integrates materials synthesis, surface engineering, and analytical chemistry to address challenges in environmental sustainability and disease diagnostics. The lab emphasizes innovative strategies such as liposome-encapsulated emitters and peptide-based recognition to enhance sensitivity and selectivity in biosensing platforms.
Professor Arif Hussain's research lab specializes in smart grid technologies, with a focus on islanding detection in distribution networks incorporating distributed generation (DG) systems, including both synchronous and inverter-based sources. The lab develops advanced data-driven and machine learning-based solutions—such as LSTM, Bi-LSTM, and ensemble models—for real-time anomaly detection and fault diagnosis in power systems. Research also extends to cyber-physical security in electric vehicle charging stations and the performance analysis of wireless communication in power system environments. The lab emphasizes communication-less, intelligent, and reliable protection schemes to enhance the resilience and stability of modern power networks.
Professor Yong Un Shin's research lab specializes in retinal and choroidal microvasculature imaging using advanced optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and swept-source OCT. The lab focuses on understanding microvascular changes in retinal diseases such as retinal detachment, diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, and end-stage renal disease, with an emphasis on quantitative assessment of vessel density, perfusion, and structural changes. The team also investigates the impact of systemic conditions and medical interventions on ocular microcirculation and visual outcomes.
Professor Tae-Wuk Kim's research lab specializes in plant hormone signaling, particularly brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis, perception, and signal transduction. The lab employs integrative approaches combining molecular genetics, biochemistry, and proteomics to dissect the dynamic regulation of BR pathways, including kinase cascades, post-translational modifications, and targeted protein degradation. Key research directions include identifying novel enzymes in BR biosynthesis—such as cytochrome P450s and sterol reductases—and elucidating the mechanisms of substrate-specific kinase and phosphatase interactions in development and stress responses. The lab also pioneers the use of advanced proximity labeling techniques (e.g., TurboID) to map transient signaling networks in plants.
Professor Izaz Ali Shah's research lab specializes in electromagnetic compatibility, wireless power transfer, and bioelectromagnetic safety, with a strong focus on implantable medical devices and their interaction with electromagnetic fields. The lab investigates advanced antenna designs for biomedical applications, including multiband and reconfigurable antennas for implantable systems, as well as the optimization of near-field wireless power transfer for efficient and safe charging of implantable devices. A key research direction involves computational dosimetry to evaluate specific absorption rate (SAR) and induced electric fields in human models with various medical implants, ensuring safety in emerging technologies like electric vehicles and wearable systems.
Professor Sung Kuk Lee's research lab specializes in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, focusing on the design and optimization of genetic circuits and regulatory systems for precise control of gene expression in microbial hosts. The lab develops novel synthetic promoters and inducible systems—such as arabinose- and propionate-inducible systems—for applications in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. A key research direction involves enhancing the compatibility and performance of orthogonal genetic systems in *E. coli* and other microbes, enabling efficient and scalable production of biofuels and bioproducts. The lab also integrates microfluidic technologies to study and enhance cellular behaviors, such as bacterial chemotaxis, with high sensitivity and throughput.
