探索全球顶尖大学的研究室——研究领域与主要论文一览无余。
Professor Hee Ho Park's research lab specializes in nanomedicine and immunotherapy, focusing on the development of advanced nanocarriers and cell-based therapies for cancer and viral infections. The lab explores protein-based nanoparticles, albumin nanoparticles, and extracellular vesicles for targeted drug delivery, with a strong emphasis on improving therapeutic efficacy in challenging microenvironments such as solid tumors and the dysregulated immune responses seen in COVID-19. A key direction involves engineering innate immune cells—particularly macrophages—into potent anti-tumor agents through in vivo reprogramming, offering a novel strategy to overcome limitations of current immunotherapies. The lab also investigates the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and dysregulated lipid metabolism in severe inflammatory diseases, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets.
Professor Shinsuke Koike's research lab focuses on advancing brain imaging and biomarker discovery for psychiatric and neurological disorders. The lab specializes in multisite neuroimaging harmonization, utilizing MRI and fNIRS to improve data reliability across different scanning centers. It also conducts metabolomic profiling using CE-TOFMS to identify plasma biomarkers for early-stage schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. A central theme is the development of clinically applicable imaging and molecular biomarkers through large-scale, multi-site data collection, including the Brain/MINDS Beyond human brain MRI project (BMB-HBM).
Professor Toshinori Suzuki's research lab specializes in ultrafast dynamics and electronic structure characterization of isolated molecules and condensed-phase systems, with a focus on time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, photoionization dynamics, and the electronic properties of liquid water and hydrated species. The lab investigates fundamental processes such as charge transfer, electron solvation, and bond cleavage in aqueous environments, using advanced techniques like femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron imaging and liquid-beam photoelectron spectroscopy. Their work provides critical insights into the electronic structure of water, hydrated electrons, and biomolecular systems under reactive conditions.
Professor Hiroshi Nishikawa's research lab specializes in polymer chemistry and materials science, with a focus on the complexation behavior of functional polymers, particularly poly(vinylpyridine) derivatives, with metal ions such as copper(II). The lab investigates the structural and electronic properties of these complexes in aqueous solutions, aiming to understand their coordination chemistry and potential applications in catalysis and sensing. Additionally, the lab explores advanced joining technologies using nanoparticle-based materials, especially copper nanoparticle pastes, for high-temperature electronic assembly and reliable interconnections in advanced electronics.
Professor Ken Motokura's research lab specializes in the development of heterogeneous catalysts based on layered double hydroxides, clay minerals, and mesoporous materials for sustainable chemical transformations. The lab focuses on designing multifunctional solid catalysts with synergistic acid-base or metal-organic sites for atom-economical, byproduct-free reactions such as C–C bond formation, C–N coupling, and CO₂ utilization. Key research directions include the rational design of hybrid catalysts for selective organic synthesis under mild conditions, with an emphasis on green chemistry principles and catalyst recyclability. The lab employs advanced solid-state characterization techniques like MAS NMR and XPS to elucidate surface reaction mechanisms at the molecular level.
Professor Akihiro Okamoto's research lab specializes in microbial extracellular electron transfer (EET), focusing on the molecular mechanisms by which electroactive bacteria such as *Shewanella oneidensis* and *Geobacter sulfurreducens* transfer electrons to insoluble extracellular substrates. The lab investigates the role of redox-active cofactors—particularly flavins like FMN and riboflavin—bound to outer-membrane c-type cytochromes in enhancing electron transfer efficiency. Using electrochemical techniques, structural biology, and microbiological approaches, the lab has developed a unified 'bound-flavin cofactor' model that explains the molecular basis of EET across diverse environmental and biotechnological conditions. Their work bridges bioinorganic chemistry, microbial physiology, and renewable energy applications.
Professor Yunqing Kang's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced nanomaterials for energy conversion and catalytic applications. The lab focuses on developing multimetallic and high-entropy alloy nanostructures with tailored compositions and porous architectures to enhance catalytic activity and stability in reactions such as hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, and selective hydrogenation. Key research directions include the rational engineering of mesoporous and core-shell nanostructures using soft-template strategies, with an emphasis on structure-property relationships and scalable synthesis methods.
Professor Yoon Kyung Jeon's research lab focuses on the tumor microenvironment and immune regulation in lymphomas, particularly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The lab investigates key immune cells such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and regulatory T-cells (Tregs), as well as immune checkpoint molecules like PD-1 and PD-L1, to understand their prognostic and therapeutic implications. A central theme is identifying novel immune targets—such as Pellino-1, an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in immune signaling—for cancer immunotherapy. The lab integrates preclinical models with clinical pathology to translate basic findings into potential immunotherapeutic strategies.
Professor Yeonsook Heo's research lab specializes in building energy modeling, simulation, and risk-informed decision-making for energy efficiency. The lab focuses on advancing Bayesian calibration techniques to improve the accuracy and reliability of building energy predictions, particularly in the context of retrofitting and energy service contracts. Key research directions include probabilistic modeling, uncertainty quantification, and the development of scalable, data-driven methods for large building portfolios.
Professor Min Ho Seo's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced nanomaterials for sustainable energy conversion and storage applications. The lab focuses on electrocatalysts for water splitting—particularly oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in seawater electrolysis and anion exchange membrane water electrolysis—using earth-abundant transition metal oxides and spinels. Key research directions include understanding reaction mechanisms through combined experimental and ab initio computational studies, with a strong emphasis on non-precious metal catalysts for replacing noble metals like Pt and Au in electrocatalytic glycerol oxidation and hydrogen production. The lab also explores novel nanostructured anode materials, such as Ge nanowires and CuCo₂O₄, for high-performance lithium-ion and post-lithium-ion batteries.
Professor Ashok Kumar Malik's research lab specializes in the development and application of advanced analytical techniques for the detection and speciation of environmental and pharmaceutical pollutants. The lab focuses on innovative microextraction methods, hyphenated techniques like GC-MS and HPLC-MS, and the analysis of pesticide residues, dithiocarbamates, and antiepileptic drugs in complex matrices such as food, water, and biological samples. A key emphasis is placed on green, solvent-minimized, and high-efficiency analytical methods for environmental monitoring and clinical diagnostics.
Professor Hyunsu Bae's research lab focuses on the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying chronic inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, and stress-related psychiatric conditions. The lab investigates the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in immune homeostasis and neuroinflammation, explores natural compounds like bee venom and phytochemicals as potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents, and examines the interplay between immune regulation and mental health. Key research directions include Treg-mediated immunomodulation, the pathogenesis of amyloid-beta deposition in Alzheimer’s disease, and the therapeutic potential of natural products in treating immune and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Professor Akihiro Shimba's research lab focuses on the intricate interplay between the circadian clock, glucocorticoids, and immune regulation. The lab investigates how endogenous glucocorticoids—driven by circadian rhythms and stress—modulate immune cell trafficking, T cell differentiation, and inflammatory responses. Key research directions include the circadian regulation of immune receptors such as IL-7Rα and CXCR4, the dual pro- and anti-inflammatory roles of glucocorticoids, and the metabolic reprogramming of T cells during immune activation. The lab integrates mouse models, human primary cells, and molecular immunology to uncover physiological mechanisms underlying immune homeostasis and stress responses.
Professor Muhammad Usman's research lab specializes in sustainable green chemistry and renewable energy technologies, focusing on eco-friendly extraction of bioactive compounds, advanced biofuel production via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), and green synthesis of nanomaterials such as carbon dots. The lab pioneers the use of green solvents—including deep eutectic solvents and bio-based alternatives—to enhance sustainability in both biorefining and nanomaterial production. A key research direction involves leveraging fungal endophytes for novel bioactive compound discovery, combining bioprospecting with molecular biosynthesis pathways.
Professor Takahiro Nomoto's research lab specializes in the development of advanced drug delivery systems and smart therapeutics for cancer therapy, with a focus on enhancing the efficacy and safety of established treatment modalities such as boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and iron chelation therapy. The lab designs functional polymers and nanocarriers—such as PVA-BPA complexes, pH-responsive hybrid nanocarriers, and polymeric iron chelators—that improve tumor targeting, cellular uptake, and intracellular retention while minimizing off-target effects. A central theme in their work is the modulation of tumor microenvironment factors, including amino acid transporters, labile iron pools, and pH gradients, to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Their innovative approaches integrate polymer chemistry, bioconjugation, and cancer biology to create stimuli-responsive systems for precision oncology.
Professor Hiroshi Yabu's research lab specializes in the design and fabrication of functional micro- and nanostructured polymer materials using solution-based self-assembly techniques. The lab focuses on creating superhydrophobic, transparent, and optically active honeycomb-patterned films through water-template-assisted casting, enabling applications in photonics, optics, and biotechnology. Key research directions include the development of thermally and chemically stable porous polymers—such as polyimide—and the scalable production of regular microstructures like microlens arrays and pincushion patterns via simple, low-cost methods. The lab also explores the formation of block-copolymer nanoparticles with controlled phase-separated morphologies for advanced materials applications.
Professor Toru Furukawa's research lab specializes in pancreatic cancer biology, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and ductal adenocarcinoma. The lab investigates genetic alterations such as GNAS mutations, tumor microenvironment interactions involving HGF/Met signaling, and the pathogenesis of pancreatic epithelial neoplasms. It also explores viral oncogenesis, particularly human cytomegalovirus-induced cellular changes, including novel receptor expression in fibroblasts. The lab integrates molecular pathology, histopathology, and in vitro models to advance understanding of pancreatic carcinogenesis and improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Professor Hiroko Tsukamura's research lab specializes in neuroendocrinology, focusing on the central regulation of reproductive function in mammals. The lab investigates neuropeptides such as melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and kisspeptin, as well as neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), in the context of hypothalamic control over pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Using rodent and primate models—particularly rats and Japanese macaques—the lab explores species-specific differences in the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying the estrogen-induced LH surge and the integration of metabolic and reproductive signals. Their work contributes to understanding the neural circuits governing fertility, puberty, and lactational anovulation.
Professor Yongju Choi's research lab specializes in environmental remediation and resource recovery, focusing on innovative separation and sorption technologies for persistent organic pollutants and valuable gaseous compounds in water and soil. Key research directions include membrane-based gas recovery (e.g., ammonia and methane) from waste streams, activated carbon applications for sequestering polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in contaminated sediments, and the development of robust, hydrophobic membranes to prevent wetting and enhance mass transfer efficiency. The lab integrates experimental studies with predictive mass transfer modeling to optimize in situ remediation and sustainable resource recovery under real-world conditions.
Professor Dong-Mi Shin's research lab focuses on the interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and host health, with a particular emphasis on how nutritional patterns influence the gut-brain axis and metabolic health. The lab investigates the role of bioactive compounds—such as ascorbic acid and cocoa—on cellular differentiation and mood regulation, integrating molecular biology with clinical nutrition studies. Using multi-omics approaches including 16S rRNA sequencing and transcriptome profiling, the lab explores microbial and host responses to dietary interventions, especially in the context of aging and immune cell development. Their work bridges basic science and translational research, aiming to uncover mechanisms underlying diet-induced health outcomes.
