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 Wei Tao's research lab specializes in the design and application of advanced two-dimensional nanomaterials for biomedical theranostics, with a strong focus on cancer therapy and regenerative medicine. The lab develops smart nanomaterials—such as black phosphorus, antimonene, and their PEGylated derivatives—that enable multimodal imaging, stimuli-responsive drug delivery, and photothermal therapy with high precision and biocompatibility. Key research directions include the development of nanotheranostic platforms for tumor targeting, wound healing, and gene therapy, particularly through redox-responsive delivery of therapeutic mRNA. The lab integrates materials science, nanotechnology, and translational medicine to create minimally invasive, highly effective treatments for cancer and chronic diseases.
Professor Heejoon Ahn's research lab specializes in the design and fabrication of advanced nanomaterials for sustainable energy applications, with a strong focus on energy storage and conversion technologies. Key research directions include the development of 3D nanostructured electrodes for supercapacitors and aqueous zinc-ion batteries, leveraging hybrid materials such as metal oxides/hydroxides, carbon nanotubes, and graphitic carbon nitride with layered double hydroxides. The lab also investigates functional nanomaterials for chemical and vapor sensing, particularly using gold nanoparticles and conjugated polymers. Their work emphasizes scalable, low-cost synthesis methods and fundamental understanding of interfacial and electronic properties to enhance device performance.
Professor Dong-Soon Im's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of bioactive natural compounds, particularly ginseng-derived molecules, and their interactions with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The lab investigates the roles of sphingosine 1-phosphate and lysophosphatidic acid receptors in cellular signaling, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. Key research directions include the identification of novel lipid mediators and their receptors, such as the psychosine receptor in globoid cell leukodystrophy, and the characterization of gintonin as a GPCR-activating component of ginseng. The lab also explores viral protein functions, particularly the Rep proteins of adeno-associated virus, in viral replication and gene regulation.
Professor Ali Bahadur's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced nanomaterials for environmental remediation and biomedical applications. Key research directions include the development of visible-light-responsive photocatalysts based on doped metal oxide and carbon nitride heterostructures for dye degradation and water splitting, as well as the engineering of multifunctional nanocarriers for combined cancer therapy through chemotherapy and hyperthermia. The lab also explores sustainable polymer-based coatings and ionomer-modified polyurethanes for enhanced durability and chemical resistance. These efforts are underpinned by a strong focus on materials synthesis, structural characterization, and performance optimization under real-world conditions.
Professor Takaharu Otsuka's research lab specializes in theoretical nuclear physics, focusing on the microscopic origins of nuclear structure and shell evolution in exotic and neutron-rich nuclei. The lab investigates the role of tensor and spin-isospin-dependent nucleon-nucleon interactions, particularly through meson exchange currents and three-nucleon forces, to explain phenomena such as the disappearance of traditional magic numbers and the oxygen drip-line anomaly. Their work bridges effective field theories, chiral perturbation theory, and ab initio approaches, aiming to develop universal interactions that describe both stable and exotic nuclei consistently. The lab also contributes to the theoretical foundation for next-generation rare-isotope beam facilities by predicting nuclear properties and refining mean-field models with realistic two- and three-body forces.
Professor Inki Kim's research lab specializes in advanced metasurface engineering for next-generation optical technologies, focusing on flat optics, structural coloration, and multifunctional holography. The lab pioneers innovations in polarization-multiplexed holography, electrically tunable optical components, and broadband metasurfaces for applications in optical security, 3D sensing, and energy-efficient displays. By leveraging materials such as amorphous silicon, titanium nitride, and IGZO semiconductors, the lab develops subwavelength structures that enable dynamic control of light across visible and near-infrared wavelengths. Their work bridges fundamental nanophotonics with practical applications in anti-counterfeiting, augmented reality, and high-efficiency optical systems.
Professor Jeong Woo Han's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced functional materials for sustainable energy and environmental applications. The lab focuses on rational catalyst engineering—particularly single-atom and nanostructured catalysts—using advanced synthesis techniques like atomic layer deposition and exsolution, combined with theoretical modeling via DFT. Key research directions include electrocatalysis for fuel cells, water splitting, and metal–air batteries, as well as low-temperature CO oxidation and multi-enzyme mimicking nanozymes. The lab emphasizes the atomic-level understanding of catalytic activity and stability through synergistic experimental and computational approaches.
Professor Younghoon Kim's research lab focuses on host-microbe interactions, particularly the molecular mechanisms underlying probiotic bacteria-host crosstalk in health and disease. The lab investigates the roles of bacterial toxin-antitoxin systems in biofilm formation, persistence, and stress response, as well as the immunomodulatory and protective effects of probiotics such as *Lactobacillus acidophilus* in model hosts like *C. elegans* and intestinal epithelial cells. Additional research explores the impact of milk-derived exosomes and probiotic strains on bone metabolism and cholesterol reduction, highlighting translational applications in metabolic and infectious diseases. The lab integrates multi-omics approaches, including transcriptomics, proteomics, and functional genomics, to dissect microbial and host factors involved in host defense and homeostasis.
Professor Tae-Young Pak's research lab focuses on the intersection of social welfare, financial well-being, and health outcomes in aging populations, with a particular emphasis on socioeconomic determinants of health and financial security in later life. The lab investigates how social policies—such as food assistance programs, social pensions, and health insurance—affect health trajectories, financial resilience, and life satisfaction among older adults in South Korea and the U.S. Using longitudinal data and advanced statistical methods, including machine learning, the lab explores the mechanisms linking economic insecurity, asset accumulation, and mental health. A central theme is understanding how social protection programs can mitigate health and financial risks in vulnerable populations.
Professor Doory Kim's research lab specializes in advanced optical microscopy and nanoscale imaging, focusing on the development and application of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), and single-molecule spectroscopy. The lab investigates molecular dynamics, protein organization, and cellular ultrastructure with nanometer precision, particularly in platelet activation, bacterial extracellular vesicle biogenesis, and the photophysics of fluorescent molecules like spiropyrans. By integrating cutting-edge imaging techniques with deep learning-based image analysis, the lab advances quantitative understanding of biological nanostructures and molecular mechanisms.
Professor Tae Seok Seo's research lab specializes in nanomaterials synthesis and their applications in biomedicine and diagnostics. The lab focuses on developing advanced carbon-based nanomaterials such as graphene quantum dots, graphene oxide sponges, and graphene-based nanocomposites for sensing and imaging. A key research direction involves integrating these nanomaterials into lab-on-a-disc microfluidic systems for rapid, automated, and colorimetric detection of foodborne pathogens. The lab also pioneers innovative DNA sequencing technologies using photocleavable fluorescent nucleotides and surface-immobilized DNA arrays for high-throughput, accurate genetic analysis.
Professor Yoji Hirano's research lab specializes in translational neuroscience, focusing on neural circuit mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia. The lab investigates abnormal neural oscillations—especially gamma-band activity (30–100 Hz)—as key biomarkers linking circuit dysfunction to clinical symptoms such as cognitive deficits and auditory verbal hallucinations. Using multimodal neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques (EEG, MEG, fMRI), the lab explores the structural and functional correlates of oscillatory abnormalities, including the 40-Hz auditory steady-state response and spontaneous gamma power. A key translational goal is to develop real-time neurofeedback interventions targeting brain networks involved in psychosis and cognition.
Professor Katsutoshi Nagaoka's research lab specializes in the development of advanced catalysts for sustainable energy conversion and storage, with a primary focus on ammonia synthesis and hydrogen production. The lab explores novel oxide-supported ruthenium catalysts, particularly those pre-reduced at high temperatures, to achieve high activity under mild conditions—addressing key challenges such as hydrogen poisoning and energy efficiency. A central theme is the design of catalysts that enable low-temperature, low-pressure ammonia synthesis and rapid, auto-ignition hydrogen generation from ammonia, supporting carbon-free energy systems. The lab combines advanced characterization techniques like STEM and in situ calorimetry to understand structure-activity relationships at the nanoscale.
Professor Muddaser Shah's research lab specializes in the development and application of natural bioactive compounds—particularly curcumin and plant polyphenols—through advanced nanotechnological approaches. The lab focuses on enhancing the therapeutic potential of these compounds by improving their solubility, bioavailability, and target specificity using nanocarrier systems such as nanocurcumin and nanozymes. Key research directions include cancer therapy, particularly breast cancer and radiosensitization, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant applications. The lab also investigates natural enzyme mimics (nanozymes) for biomedical and environmental applications.
Professor Hyung Koun Cho's research lab specializes in semiconductor materials and optoelectronic devices, with a primary focus on III-nitride semiconductors such as InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells. The lab investigates the structural and optical properties of these materials, particularly the impact of defects like threading dislocations and stacking faults on device performance. Key research directions include strain engineering, defect control, and the development of high-efficiency nitride-based light-emitting devices and gas sensors using amorphous oxide semiconductors like a-IGZO. The lab also applies advanced characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence to understand fundamental material behaviors.
Professor Kazuhide Kamiya's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced electrocatalysts for sustainable energy conversion, with a focus on carbon dioxide reduction and oxygen reduction reactions. The lab pioneers the creation of single-atom and heterogeneous catalysts using porous, covalent frameworks such as covalent triazine frameworks (CTF) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), enabling precise control over metal coordination environments to enhance activity and selectivity. Key research directions include the integration of transition metals (e.g., Ni, Co, Cu, Fe) with conductive carbon nanostructures to improve electrical conductivity and catalytic performance in acidic and neutral electrolytes.
Professor Yoshiki Sawa's research lab specializes in regenerative medicine and cardiovascular tissue engineering, focusing on the development of stem cell-based therapies for heart failure. The lab investigates induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes and engineered cardiac tissues to enhance myocardial repair and function after myocardial infarction. Key research directions include optimizing cell transplantation strategies, improving in vitro models of cardiac tissue using 3D hiPSC-derived constructs, and evaluating drug-induced cardiotoxicity using human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. The lab aims to translate preclinical findings into clinical applications for chronic heart failure and cardiac regeneration.
Professor Qian Wang's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced functional materials for sustainable energy conversion and environmental applications. Key research directions include photocatalytic water splitting using novel perovskite and layered double hydroxide materials, with a focus on enhancing visible light absorption, charge separation, and catalytic efficiency. The lab also explores innovative strategies such as Z-scheme systems, dopant engineering, and 2D nanomaterials to achieve scalable and cost-effective solar hydrogen production. Additionally, the lab investigates terahertz sensing technologies for molecular detection using metasurface-based platforms.
Professor Yong Sang Song's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer progression, with a particular emphasis on the tumor microenvironment, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and redox regulation. The lab investigates key signaling pathways such as NF-κB and the unfolded protein response, exploring their dual roles in cancer cell survival, apoptosis, and therapy resistance. Current research also examines the impact of natural compounds like curcumin and resveratrol in modulating cancer cell behavior under stress conditions, including oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Additionally, the lab studies mitochondrial dynamics and their role in cancer metabolism and cell death.
Professor Seung-Jae Shin's research lab specializes in the atomic-scale understanding of electrochemical interfaces, with a focus on electric double layer (EDL) structure and its impact on electrochemical reactivity. The lab employs advanced first-principles and multiscale quantum-mechanics/molecular-mechanics (QM/MM) simulations to investigate ion adsorption, electron transfer mechanisms, and charge storage in next-generation electrode materials. Key research directions include the design of high-performance supercapacitor materials—particularly metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)—and elucidating the role of cations in electrocatalytic reactions such as CO₂ reduction. The lab bridges molecular-level simulation with experimental electrochemistry to uncover fundamental mechanisms governing energy conversion and storage.
