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 Kyungjae Myung's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying genome stability and DNA damage response, with a particular emphasis on DNA replication, repair pathways, and the regulation of chromosomal integrity. The lab investigates key proteins and complexes—such as PCNA, RPA, CAF-I, RCAF, Ku86, and ATAD5—that maintain genomic fidelity during replication and in response to genotoxic stress. Using yeast and mammalian models, the lab explores how defects in these pathways lead to genomic instability, cancer predisposition, and cellular senescence, with a strong focus on post-translational modifications like ubiquitination and phosphorylation. Their work bridges fundamental DNA metabolism with human disease mechanisms, especially cancer and aging-related disorders.
Professor Kenji Fukushima's research lab focuses on theoretical particle and many-body physics, particularly the phase structure of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) under extreme conditions such as high temperature, high density, and strong magnetic fields. The lab investigates chiral symmetry breaking, deconfinement transitions, and the interplay between topology, anomalies, and electromagnetic responses in quark-gluon matter. Key themes include the chiral magnetic effect, magnetic catalysis, the role of the Polyakov loop in deconfinement, and the dynamics of axial anomalies and chiral chemical potential. The group employs effective field theories like the PNJL model and connects theoretical predictions to lattice QCD simulations and phenomenological implications for heavy-ion collisions and compact stars.
Professor Akihiro Shimizu's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of novel π-conjugated molecules with unique electronic structures, focusing on singlet biradicals, quinodimethane systems, and phenalenyl-based architectures. The lab explores how electronic delocalization, multicenter bonding, and molecular stacking govern optical, electrochemical, and magnetic properties in these systems, with applications in optoelectronics and organic semiconductors. A key innovation is the development of 'local mechanical-stress control' (LMC), a technique to enhance CMOS transistor performance by engineering strain in silicon-based devices. The lab bridges fundamental molecular design with practical device applications, particularly in next-generation nanoelectronics and functional materials.
Professor Yoshiro Saito's research lab specializes in selenium metabolism and the biological functions of selenoproteins, particularly selenoprotein P (SeP), with a focus on its roles in antioxidant defense, selenium transport, and redox regulation. The lab investigates how SeP delivers selenium to target tissues, protects against oxidative stress, and modulates cell death pathways such as apoptosis and necrosis. Key research directions include the enzymatic activity of SeP in reducing phospholipid hydroperoxides and its implications in diseases linked to selenium deficiency or excess, such as insulin resistance and neurodegeneration. The lab also explores the molecular mechanisms underlying selenium-dependent enzyme regulation and cellular survival under oxidative stress conditions.
Professor Yasuo Uchida's research lab specializes in quantitative proteomics, with a focus on characterizing the molecular expression profiles of membrane transporters, receptors, and tight-junction proteins at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) in humans and rodents. The lab employs advanced mass spectrometry-based techniques, particularly quantitative targeted absolute proteomics (QTAP), to determine absolute protein expression levels in physiologically relevant units, enabling precise comparisons across species and brain regions. Their work provides critical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying drug transport, nutrient supply, and barrier dysfunction in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Professor Jae Seok Bae's research lab specializes in abdominal and liver imaging, with a focus on improving the diagnostic accuracy of medical imaging for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver fibrosis. The lab investigates advanced imaging techniques such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), MRI with hepatobiliary agents (HBA-MRI), and elastography to enhance the detection and characterization of liver tumors, vascular invasion, and hepatic steatosis. A key research direction involves validating and optimizing the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) criteria across different modalities, particularly in post-treatment and post-transplant settings. The lab also explores interventional radiology applications, including endoscopic balloon dilation and stent placement for gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Professor Youngro Byun's research lab specializes in biotherapeutics and biomaterials, focusing on the development of advanced drug delivery systems and surface-modified materials for biomedical applications. Key research directions include the design of heparin-based conjugates with reduced anticoagulant activity for cancer therapy, the engineering of polymeric surfaces functionalized with heparin to prevent thrombosis, and the development of non-invasive delivery strategies for macromolecular biologics. The lab also contributes to bioinformatics by creating web-based tools for RNA structure visualization, integrating computational biology with therapeutic innovation. These interdisciplinary efforts aim to enhance drug efficacy, safety, and delivery while addressing critical challenges in chronic disease management and biomaterial biocompatibility.
Professor Hye Won Lee's research lab specializes in translational and clinical oncology, with a focus on understanding the biological mechanisms underlying aggressive cancers such as medullary breast cancer (MBC) and gastric cancer. The lab investigates molecular determinants of cancer cell survival, stress response pathways (e.g., SAPK/JNK), and tumor microenvironment factors that influence treatment resistance and prognosis. Additionally, the lab contributes to the development and validation of non-invasive diagnostic models for liver diseases, including NAFLD and NASH, using elastography-based techniques. The overarching goal is to improve risk stratification, early detection, and personalized management strategies for patients with cancer and chronic liver diseases.
Professor Hyung Tae Kim's research lab specializes in advanced oxide semiconductor devices and bio-integrated electronics, focusing on the development of high-performance, stable thin-film transistors (TFTs) using materials like amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) and transparent conductive oxides. The lab explores innovative fabrication techniques—such as EHD jet printing and interlayer engineering—to enhance device performance and stability for next-generation displays and flexible electronics. A key research direction involves creating biocompatible and biodegradable neuromorphic devices using hyaluronic acid for implantable bioelectronics, addressing critical challenges in neural interface technologies. The lab also investigates optoelectronic systems for high-quality image generation using RGB light mixing and advanced pixel driving schemes for AMOLED displays.
Professor Rakesh Shrestha's research lab focuses on next-generation intelligent transportation systems, with a strong emphasis on vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and 5G-enabled connected vehicle ecosystems. The lab explores secure, scalable, and low-latency communication solutions using blockchain technology, machine learning, and hybrid satellite-terrestrial networks to address critical challenges in trust, security, and real-time data dissemination. Key research directions include decentralized trust management, autonomous air and ground vehicle coordination, and resilient network architectures for smart mobility.
Professor Seung Wook Kim's research lab specializes in the development of advanced biomaterials and nanomaterials for biomedical and energy applications. The lab focuses on creating smart, skin-integrated microfluidic systems for real-time sweat analysis, exploring the pathophysiology of bone diseases using stem cell models, and investigating cellular signaling mechanisms in cancer. Additionally, the lab pioneers the synthesis of novel perovskite nanowires with unique crystal phases for high-performance energy-harvesting devices. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge materials science, bioengineering, and molecular biology to address challenges in personalized medicine and sustainable energy.
Professor Shahzad Ahmed's research lab specializes in radar-based human-computer interaction and intelligent sensing, with a focus on hand gesture recognition using ultra-wideband (UWB) and frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radars. The lab develops advanced signal processing and deep learning techniques—such as 3D spectrogram representation, multistream CNNs, and inception-based networks—for accurate, non-contact gesture recognition in real-world environments. A key emphasis is on privacy-preserving, distraction-free interfaces for automotive applications and healthcare monitoring, including vital sign detection and activity recognition.
Professor Robin Nunkoo's research lab specializes in tourism sociology and community-based tourism research, with a strong focus on residents' attitudes and support for tourism development. The lab investigates the socio-psychological and structural factors influencing community perceptions, using advanced quantitative methods such as structural equation modeling (SEM) and cross-country regression analysis. Key research directions include the application of social exchange theory to understand tourism impacts, the role of perceived benefits and costs, and the influence of tourism on public health outcomes—evidenced by studies on tourism and the COVID-19 pandemic. The lab emphasizes theory-driven research and methodological rigor in tourism social science.
Professor Youngmi Kim's research lab specializes in the design and application of functional fluorescent probes for real-time biomolecular imaging and sensing, with a focus on enzyme activity detection in living systems. The lab develops innovative molecular tools—such as turn-on probes and ESIPT-based sensors—that enable high-sensitivity, selective, and quantitative analysis of biological processes at the single-cell level. Additionally, the lab explores advanced materials and biochemical strategies, including multivalent ligand design, BODIPY-based aggregates, and biomass pretreatment technologies, to address challenges in biomedicine and sustainable energy. Their interdisciplinary work bridges organic chemistry, chemical biology, and materials science to create next-generation probes and functional materials.
Professor Sang-Jip Nam's research lab specializes in natural product chemistry, focusing on the isolation, structural elucidation, and biological evaluation of bioactive compounds from marine and terrestrial organisms. The lab primarily investigates meroterpenoids, polyketides, and terpenoids derived from marine bacteria and sponges, with an emphasis on their potential therapeutic applications in cancer, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Advanced spectroscopic techniques, including 2D NMR, ECD, and HRMS, combined with the advanced Mosher's method, are routinely employed to determine complex structures and absolute configurations. The lab also explores structure-activity relationships to identify novel lead compounds for drug discovery.
Professor Shimpei Gotoh's research lab specializes in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, with a focus on modeling human lung development and disease using human pluripotent stem cells. The lab develops innovative differentiation protocols to generate functional lung epithelial cell types—such as alveolar and airway epithelial cells—by identifying and utilizing novel surface markers like carboxypeptidase M (CPM) to isolate progenitor cells. They establish physiologically relevant 3D organoid and organ-on-a-chip models to study lung diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis and ciliopathies, enabling high-fidelity disease modeling and drug screening. Their work bridges developmental biology and translational medicine, aiming to uncover mechanisms of lung epithelial differentiation and function.
Professor Weiwei Zhou's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and application of advanced nanomaterials, with a strong focus on carbon-based nanostructures such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and graphene-based composites. The lab explores innovative catalytic growth methods for high-quality, aligned SWNT arrays using non-precious metal catalysts like copper, and develops selective etching strategies—such as water-assisted purification—to enrich semiconducting SWNTs for high-performance electronic devices. Additionally, the lab pioneers novel processing techniques, including photolithography and microcontact printing for patterned nanotube growth, and designs lightweight, conductive ceramic composites with enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding through reduced graphene oxide integration. Their work bridges fundamental materials synthesis with practical applications in nanoelectronics and functional ceramics.
Professor Yasuhiko Suzuki's research lab specializes in microbial molecular biology and biotechnology, with a focus on antibiotic resistance mechanisms in pathogenic mycobacteria such as *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* and *Mycobacterium bovis* BCG. The lab investigates rRNA gene mutations linked to aminoglycoside resistance, explores enzymatic degradation of environmental pollutants like azo dyes through azoreductase enzymes, and develops molecular diagnostics for rapid detection of drug resistance in tuberculosis. Their work bridges medical microbiology, environmental bioremediation, and molecular genetics.
Professor Gwan-Hyoung Lee's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of two-dimensional (2D) materials and van der Waals heterostructures for next-generation nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. The lab focuses on integrating atomically thin materials such as graphene, MoS₂, and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) into high-performance field-effect transistors, tunneling devices, and encapsulated heterostructures to achieve superior electrical performance and environmental stability. A key emphasis is placed on understanding and mitigating interfacial effects, contact resistance, and mechanical robustness in 2D material-based devices. The lab also explores the functionalization of polymers, such as PLA, with 2D nanomaterials to enable conductive and mechanically reinforced materials for advanced 3D printing applications.
Professor Hyun Uk Kim's research lab specializes in systems biology and metabolic engineering, focusing on the reconstruction and analysis of genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) to understand microbial metabolism across bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. The lab applies these models to identify drug targets in pathogenic microbes, such as *Vibrio vulnificus* and *Acinetobacter baumannii*, leveraging metabolite essentiality and systems-level network analysis for therapeutic development. Additionally, the lab explores the application of constraint-based modeling in metabolic engineering for the sustainable production of chemicals and secondary metabolites. The research integrates genomics, bioinformatics, and experimental validation to bridge systems-level predictions with biological reality.
