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 Han Min Woo's research lab specializes in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering of cyanobacteria to develop biosolar cell factories for sustainable production of high-value chemicals from CO2 and sunlight. The lab focuses on designing and optimizing genetic tools—such as CRISPRi-dCas12a systems and SyneBrick vectors—for precise gene regulation and modular pathway construction in *Synechococcus elongatus* PCC 7942. Key research directions include the photosynthetic biosynthesis of isoprenoids (e.g., amorpha-4,11-diene, squalene, and acetone) and the systemic engineering of metabolic pathways to enhance yield and product specificity. The lab also pioneers automation-integrated synthetic biology workflows, such as RoboMoClo, to accelerate high-throughput strain development for industrial biotechnology applications.
Professor Chang-Hwan Im's research lab specializes in biomedical engineering and non-invasive neuromodulation, with a primary focus on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies. The lab develops advanced computational modeling and optimization techniques—such as genetic algorithms, evolution strategies, and finite element methods—to enhance the precision and safety of tDCS by optimizing electrode placement and electric field distribution. A key research direction involves hybrid BCI systems that integrate electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to improve classification accuracy in both binary and ternary tasks. The lab also investigates patient-specific modeling for personalized neuromodulation and aims to design compact, practical hBCI systems for real-world applications.
Professor Jong-Soo Rhyee's research lab specializes in advanced thermoelectric materials and 2D semiconductors, focusing on enhancing energy conversion efficiency through innovative nanostructuring, defect engineering, and electronic band structure optimization. The lab explores materials such as MoSe₂, PbTe, Bi₂Te₃-based compounds, and In₄Se₃-based systems, aiming to achieve high thermoelectric performance (ZT) by manipulating phonon scattering, charge localization, and lattice dynamics. A key focus is on developing large-area, highly crystalline 2D materials for high-mobility, flexible electronics, while simultaneously advancing n-type and p-type thermoelectrics for sustainable energy harvesting. The lab combines advanced synthesis techniques with detailed structural and electronic characterization to enable next-generation applications in wearable electronics and clean energy technologies.
Professor Yasushi Ishihama's research lab specializes in quantitative proteomics and systems biology, focusing on the development of innovative methods for global protein and phosphorylation analysis. The lab pioneers advanced mass spectrometry-based techniques for absolute protein quantification, phosphoproteome enrichment, and membrane protein analysis, enabling high-throughput and unbiased characterization of complex proteomes. Key research directions include the optimization of sample preparation workflows—such as StageTips and aliphatic hydroxy acid-modified metal oxide chromatography—and the application of these methods to understand protein abundance, post-translational modifications, and signaling dynamics in model organisms like *E. coli* and human cells. The lab’s work provides foundational tools for systems-level understanding of cellular functions and regulatory networks.
Professor Tsuyoshi Mita's research lab specializes in the development of innovative catalytic methods for enantioselective synthesis, with a strong focus on asymmetric transformations using earth-abundant and rare-earth metals. The lab pioneers strategies for the enantioselective functionalization of C–H bonds, particularly through C–H activation, silylation, and carboxylation using CO₂ as a sustainable C1 building block. Key achievements include the catalytic enantioselective synthesis of pharmaceuticals such as pregabalin and Tamiflu, leveraging chiral rare-earth catalysts and electrochemical methods. The group emphasizes atom-economical, step-economical, and sustainable routes to biologically relevant molecules.
Professor Gayong Shim's research lab specializes in the development of advanced nanomaterials and bioinspired delivery systems for next-generation therapeutics, with a strong focus on cancer immunotherapy, gene editing, and nucleic acid delivery. The lab pioneers innovative strategies using cell membrane-derived vesicles, stimuli-responsive nanoparticles, and biodegradable materials to enhance drug delivery, modulate the tumor microenvironment, and improve immune responses. Key research directions include in situ tumor vaccination, immune checkpoint blockade, and the application of CRISPR/Cas9 and siRNA delivery systems for precision medicine.
Professor Eunkyoung Kim's research lab specializes in the design and development of multifunctional smart materials, with a focus on conductive polymers and surface-engineered materials for energy-efficient and responsive devices. Key research directions include electrochromic and thermoelectric materials for smart windows and wearable energy harvesters, superhydrophobic surfaces for self-cleaning and anti-icing applications, and multifunctional polymer films that integrate photothermal conversion, electrochromism, and thermoelectricity. The lab emphasizes precise control of electronic and morphological properties through chemical tuning and electrochemical processing to enable next-generation sustainable technologies.
Professor Gyoo Yeol Jung's research lab specializes in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, focusing on the rational design and optimization of microbial metabolic pathways for sustainable production of biochemicals. The lab integrates molecular evolution, systems biology, and advanced screening technologies to engineer enzymes and regulatory circuits with enhanced functionality and efficiency. Key research directions include the rational redesign of allosteric regulation in enzymes, development of high-throughput single-cell screening platforms, and in vitro pathway reconstruction using mRNA-enzyme fusion systems. The lab also explores the metabolic potential of alternative carbon sources like acetate and enhances NADPH production for efficient bioproduction.
Professor Oh Young Bang's research lab specializes in cerebrovascular diseases, with a primary focus on acute ischemic stroke, intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD), and moyamoya disease (MMD). The lab investigates hemodynamic factors such as collateral circulation, penumbral volume, and angiographic markers to guide endovascular revascularization and cell-based therapies. A key research direction involves evaluating the clinical efficacy and safety of autologous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation in stroke recovery, alongside identifying imaging and hemodynamic predictors of treatment outcomes. The lab also explores genetic and environmental contributors to MMD pathogenesis and the impact of risk factor management in ICAD.
Professor Kentaro Teramura's research lab specializes in photocatalytic materials for sustainable energy conversion, with a primary focus on the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into solar fuels such as CO, CH4, and methanol. The lab investigates novel semiconductors, including layered double hydroxides (LDHs), Ga2O3, ZnGa2O4, and oxynitride systems, to enhance activity, selectivity, and stability under visible light. A key research direction involves understanding reaction mechanisms through advanced spectroscopic techniques like EPR and XAFS, particularly the role of surface intermediates such as CO2− radicals and bidentate formate species. The lab also explores cocatalyst engineering—especially with RuO2 and Ag—to optimize charge separation and surface reactivity.
Professor Hisashi Hayakawa's research lab specializes in space climate and space weather, with a primary focus on historical geomagnetic storms and their impacts on Earth. The lab investigates extreme space weather events using historical records, including auroral observations, sunspot drawings, and magnetic field data, to reconstruct past space weather conditions. A key research direction involves analyzing low-latitude auroras and their connection to intense solar activity, such as X-class flares and coronal mass ejections, to understand the long-term behavior of solar activity and its effects on technological systems. The lab also explores the recovery of lost historical astronomical records, such as 18th-century eclipse drawings, to enhance our understanding of solar variability over centuries.
Professor Hisahiro Einaga's research lab specializes in heterogeneous photocatalysis and plasma-catalytic processes for environmental remediation, particularly the degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene in air. The lab focuses on developing advanced catalysts—such as Pt/TiO₂, Rh/TiO₂, and MnO₂—using noble metal modification and advanced characterization techniques to enhance activity, selectivity, and durability. Key research directions include understanding reaction mechanisms via spectroscopic and kinetic studies, optimizing catalyst design for CO and benzene oxidation, and integrating photocatalysis with non-thermal plasma for improved efficiency. The lab also investigates the role of surface species and co-catalysts in suppressing deactivation and improving reaction pathways.
Professor Ho-Jin Son's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced functional materials for sustainable energy conversion and environmental remediation. The lab focuses on molecular and hybrid materials for solar energy harvesting, particularly dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs), metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for light-harvesting, and TiO₂-based photocatalytic systems for CO₂ reduction. Key research directions include suppressing interfacial recombination, preventing dye desorption, mitigating dye aggregation, and enhancing charge transfer through atomic layer deposition (ALD) and nanoengineering strategies. The lab also explores tunable luminescent Zn(II) complexes and energy migration in highly ordered porphyrin-based frameworks for artificial photosynthesis applications.
Professor In Hwan Jung's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of novel conjugated polymers and small molecules for optoelectronic applications, with a primary focus on organic photovoltaics and thermoelectric materials. The lab develops low-bandgap semiconducting polymers using advanced heterocyclic building blocks—such as cyclopentadithiophene, diketopyrrolopyrrole, and thienoisoquinoline derivatives—to achieve tunable energy levels, enhanced charge transport, and improved device performance. Key research directions include structure-property relationships in all-polymer solar cells, precise doping strategies for high-performance thermoelectric materials, and the development of fullerene-free organic solar cells with high efficiency and stability.
Professor Seiya Imoto's research lab specializes in statistical and computational systems biology, focusing on the inference of gene regulatory networks from high-dimensional omics data. The lab develops advanced Bayesian network-based methods that integrate microarray gene expression data with diverse biological knowledge—such as protein-protein interactions, transcription factor binding sites, and literature-curated pathways—to improve network reconstruction accuracy. A key research direction involves creating novel graph selection criteria and feature selection algorithms that account for nonlinear relationships and overcome limitations of traditional methods in gene subset selection. The lab emphasizes methodological innovation with strong theoretical foundations, validated through simulations and real biological datasets like the S. cerevisiae cell cycle.
Professor Shinji Ando's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of novel organic semiconductors and functional polymers for advanced electronic and biological applications. The lab focuses on developing n-type organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) through molecular engineering of heterocyclic systems such as thiazoles, thiophenes, and anthracene derivatives, with an emphasis on enhancing electron mobility via strategic side-chain and core-unit modifications. Additionally, the lab investigates the structure-property relationships of polyimides for dielectric applications and explores hyperthermostable enzymes for industrial biocatalysis, particularly in cellulose degradation. The integration of materials chemistry with biological and electronic systems defines the interdisciplinary nature of the lab’s research.
Professor Do Kyung Kim's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and application of advanced nanomaterials for sustainable energy and biomedical technologies. The lab focuses on developing novel nanostructured materials—such as spinel oxides, tungsten oxides, and lead-free perovskites—for high-performance energy storage devices, including lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, as well as flexible piezoelectric energy harvesters. A key research direction involves engineering nanomorphologies and crystal phases to enhance electrochemical stability and ion diffusion kinetics. The lab also explores biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles for medical imaging and therapeutic applications, emphasizing environmentally friendly and scalable synthesis methods.
Professor Do Young Kim's research lab specializes in liver disease research with a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver fibrosis. The lab investigates noninvasive diagnostic methods such as liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and tumor markers like PIVKA-II and AFP to improve early detection and risk stratification. It also explores the impact of antiviral therapy and imaging response—particularly lipiodol uptake after transarterial chemoembolization—on clinical outcomes in HCC patients. The lab aims to develop personalized surveillance and treatment strategies based on biomarkers and imaging features.
Professor Junsoo Park's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of viral infections, particularly coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2, and explores natural compounds as potential therapeutic agents. The lab investigates the antiviral activities of tea-derived polyphenols like EGCG and theaflavin, targeting viral enzymes such as 3CL protease, while also examining host cell pathways including PKA-CREB signaling and autophagy regulation. Additionally, the lab studies the roles of cellular proteins like NOX4 and natural compounds such as conessine in cancer progression and autophagy, using advanced techniques including CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and live-cell imaging. Their work bridges natural product pharmacology, virology, and cell signaling to identify novel targets and treatments for viral diseases and cancer.
Professor Nobuya Inagaki's research lab specializes in ion channel biology, with a primary focus on ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, particularly their molecular composition, regulation, and physiological roles in metabolic and neurological disorders. The lab investigates the structure-function relationships of KATP channel subunits, such as Kir6.2 and SUR, and their involvement in insulin secretion, neuronal excitability, and responses to metabolic stress like hypoxia. Additionally, the lab explores related ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, including ABCA3 in lung surfactant homeostasis, highlighting a broader interest in membrane transport mechanisms in health and disease. Their work combines molecular cloning, electrophysiology, and cellular imaging to dissect ion channel function in native and heterologous systems.
