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 Sanghwa Lee's research lab focuses on plant molecular biology and environmental responses, with a central emphasis on how plants perceive and adapt to abiotic stresses such as high ambient temperature and senescence. The lab investigates key signaling pathways involving phytohormones like jasmonic acid, transcription factors such as PIF4, HY5, and HECATE, and cellular processes including autophagy and thermomorphogenesis. Using genetic, molecular, and physiological approaches in model plants like Arabidopsis and rice, the lab uncovers tissue-specific and gene-regulatory mechanisms underlying plant development under stress conditions. Their work contributes to understanding plant resilience in the context of climate change.
Professor Terri Kim's research lab focuses on transnational academic mobility, internationalization, and interculturality in higher education, with a critical lens on neoliberal policies and their impact on academic identities. The lab explores how global mobility shapes academic knowledge production, identity formation, and institutional change, particularly through the lens of 'transnational identity capital' and phenomenological epistemologies. It emphasizes reflexive, biographic, and embodied knowledge in comparative and global higher education contexts.
Professor Jae-sook Ryu's research lab focuses on the host-pathogen interactions of *Trichomonas vaginalis*, a protozoan parasite responsible for common sexually transmitted infections. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying *T. vaginalis*-induced inflammation, particularly the activation of innate immune responses in epithelial and immune cells, including neutrophils and macrophages. Key research directions include inflammasome activation, cytokine production (such as IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8), and the role of host factors like iron metabolism in parasite virulence and disease progression. The lab also explores the parasite’s potential contribution to chronic inflammatory conditions and prostate diseases, including cancer.
Professor Yoo Min Kim's research lab specializes in gastrointestinal oncology, with a primary focus on gastric cancer management, surgical outcomes, and postoperative metabolic complications. The lab conducts high-quality clinical research, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, to evaluate minimally invasive surgical techniques—such as laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy—comparing their oncological efficacy, safety, and long-term survival outcomes. A key area of investigation is the impact of lymph node evaluation and staging accuracy in gastric cancer, as well as the prevention and management of postgastrectomy vitamin B12 deficiency in elderly patients. The lab also explores microbial factors in pregnancy complications, linking vaginal colonization to preterm birth. These studies reflect a strong commitment to evidence-based surgical oncology and patient-centered outcomes.
Professor Sungil Choi's research lab focuses on molecular chaperone mechanisms, particularly the emerging role of RNA in protein folding and solubility enhancement. The lab investigates RNA-mediated chaperone activity, exploring how RNA binding can prevent protein aggregation and promote proper folding in both in vitro and in vivo systems. Additionally, the lab examines protein quality control in the context of ribosome-associated translation and the functional roles of N-terminal domains in multidomain proteins. A parallel line of research explores organizational behavior, especially the impact of family-friendly workplace policies on employee well-being and work-life balance.
Professor Dongho Geum's research lab focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying stress-related disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and circadian rhythm disruptions. The lab investigates how early-life stress and environmental toxins such as rotenone affect brain development and function, with a particular emphasis on dopaminergic neurons, HPA axis regulation, and molecular chaperones like HSP25. Additionally, the lab explores genetic and molecular pathways involved in age-related diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, through GWAS and functional genomics approaches. Their work integrates behavioral neuroscience, molecular biology, and translational models to uncover mechanisms linking stress, circadian dysfunction, and neurodegeneration.
Professor Jae Woong Yoon's research lab specializes in non-Hermitian photonics, topological optics, and integrated nanophotonic devices, focusing on unconventional wave dynamics enabled by parity-time (PT) and anti-PT symmetries, exceptional points, and synthetic gauge fields. The lab explores coherent control of light in structured media, including plasmonic and dielectric resonators, with applications in ultra-sensitive sensing, nonreciprocal optics, and high-Q nanophotonic filters. Experimental platforms such as electric circuits, patterned silicon films, and holographically engineered photonic lattices are used to realize and probe exotic optical phenomena in a controlled manner. The lab bridges theoretical concepts in non-Hermitian physics with practical device architectures for next-generation optical technologies.
Professor No-Chul Park's research lab specializes in advanced optical technologies and structural analysis for high-precision applications. The lab focuses on diffractive optics, near-field microscopy, and optical metrology, with key contributions in the design and fabrication of miniaturized optical components such as diffractive optical elements (DOEs) and solid immersion lenses (SILs). It also conducts cutting-edge research in structural integrity analysis for nuclear reactor components, particularly using advanced finite element modeling and model reduction techniques to ensure safety and reliability under extreme conditions. The lab bridges fundamental optical physics with practical engineering applications in energy, nanotechnology, and biomedical imaging.
Professor Dongman Lee's research lab specializes in distributed systems, with a focus on scalable and efficient architectures for large-scale interactive applications. The lab investigates key challenges in distributed virtual environments (DVEs), including concurrency control, interest management, communication scalability, and group-aware middleware. Their work emphasizes real-time interaction, proactive resource management, and usability evaluation in context-aware systems, particularly for elderly users. The lab integrates advanced prediction mechanisms and entity-centric communication to enhance performance and responsiveness in dynamic, large-scale environments.
Professor Jae Kyung Myung's research lab specializes in neuro-oncology and molecular pathology, focusing on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying primary brain tumors such as glioblastoma, gliomas, and neurocytic neoplasms. The lab investigates key genetic drivers like IDH1, BRAF(V600E), and Snail, with an emphasis on their roles in tumor progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and therapeutic response. They integrate molecular pathology with clinical features through immunohistochemistry, comparative genomic hybridization, and mutation analysis to improve diagnosis and prognosis prediction in brain tumors. The lab also explores potential therapeutic targets using natural compounds, such as baicalein, in models of radiation-induced injury and inflammation.
Professor Hyeon-Seok Hwang's research lab specializes in nephrology and dialysis-related clinical and translational research, with a focus on optimizing hemodialysis strategies, preserving residual kidney function, and understanding drug-induced renal injury. The lab investigates mechanisms of renal protection, including the roles of paricalcitol in ischemia-reperfusion injury and the renoprotective effects of compounds like cholecystokinin (CCK) in transplant-related nephrotoxicity. It also explores biomarkers and therapeutic targets—such as PCSK9—for cardiovascular and renal outcomes in hemodialysis patients.
Professor Min-jeong Jang's research lab specializes in clinical pharmacology and pharmaceutical care, with a focus on optimizing medication therapy through therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmacokinetic modeling, and personalized dosing strategies. The lab investigates drug disposition and efficacy in special populations, including neonates, infants, and critically ill patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), as well as in pediatric epilepsy management. Key research directions include the development of non-invasive sampling techniques like dried blood spots and the application of advanced fluorescent probes for intracellular pH imaging in biological systems. The lab integrates clinical pharmacology with translational research to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based dosing and monitoring.
Professor Jihun Kim's research lab specializes in biomedical engineering and energy systems, focusing on innovative therapies and devices for healthcare and sustainable energy. Key research directions include image-guided cancer therapy using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), proton therapy dose optimization under anatomical and setup uncertainties, and the development of high-performance biofuel cells using enzyme-modified nanostructures. The lab also investigates human behavior in health promotion, particularly the impact of outdoor exercise equipment on older adults’ physical self-concept and long-term usage intention.
Professor Ik-sung Ahn's research lab specializes in environmental biotechnology and biochemical engineering, focusing on the microbial degradation of environmental pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds. The lab investigates microbial kinetics, enzyme mechanisms, and the development of biosensors and immobilized enzyme systems for bioremediation and biocatalysis. Key research directions include the design of selective probes for proteases like cathepsin B, the application of deep-sea extremophiles for CO₂ conversion, and the integration of microscale kinetic models into macroscale transport predictions for contaminant fate in soils. The lab also develops advanced functional materials, such as metal-chelated magnetic nanoparticles, for efficient enzyme immobilization and environmental applications.
Professor Hansol Kim's research lab specializes in medical imaging and molecular imaging, with a focus on advancing diagnostic techniques for abdominal and pelvic cancers. The lab investigates lymphangiogenesis and vascular signaling pathways in inflammatory and malignant diseases, particularly through MRI and molecular imaging modalities. Key research directions include optimizing preoperative imaging protocols for rectal cancer, developing non-invasive biomarkers for hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence, and exploring fluorescent imaging agents for sentinel lymph node mapping. The lab integrates clinical radiology with molecular biology to improve early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies.
Professor Jun Yup Kim's research lab focuses on stroke epidemiology, acute stroke care, and the psychosocial aspects of neurological diseases, with a strong emphasis on improving clinical outcomes through evidence-based medicine and patient-centered interventions. The lab conducts large-scale population-based studies, clinical trials, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance stroke prevention, management, and rehabilitation in Korea. Research also extends to the psychological impact of chronic illnesses, such as breast cancer, highlighting the integration of psychosocial support in medical care. The lab is deeply involved in national health data systems and stroke registry collaborations to inform policy and clinical practice.
Professor Ko Changnam's research lab specializes in integrative and complementary medicine, with a primary focus on acupuncture and related therapies for neurological and motor disorders. The lab investigates the efficacy, safety, and physiological mechanisms of acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and moxibustion in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke-induced spasticity, and other movement disorders. Key research directions include evaluating neurovascular responses (e.g., cerebral blood flow changes) and identifying clinical biomarkers like de qi sensations and short-term treatment reactions.
Professor Nam-Hee Kim's research lab focuses on environmental toxicology, particularly the health impacts of low-level heavy metal exposure—such as lead, mercury, and cadmium—on renal and metabolic diseases. The lab also investigates biomarkers and risk factors for gastrointestinal neoplasms, including colorectal cancer and neoplastic polyps, with an emphasis on tumor markers like CEA and CA 19-9. Additionally, the lab explores metabolic and lifestyle factors, such as insulin resistance and smoking (using objective biomarkers like urinary cotinine), in relation to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and pancreatic cancer. Their work combines large-scale population-based cohort studies with clinical and biochemical analyses to improve early detection and preventive strategies.
Professor Yong Jin Jung's research lab specializes in liver disease pathogenesis, with a focus on non-invasive fibrosis assessment, viral hepatitis (particularly hepatitis B virus), and the role of microRNAs in liver disease progression. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, including the regulatory roles of miR-17-92 cluster in HBV replication and the diagnostic performance of elastography techniques such as ARFI, TE, and SSI in NAFLD and cirrhotic patients. The lab also explores cancer stem cell biology, particularly in non-epithelial origins, highlighting novel mechanisms of tumor initiation and metastasis. These studies integrate molecular biology, clinical hepatology, and advanced imaging to improve diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for chronic liver diseases.
Professor Jeong-Woo Choi's research lab specializes in molecular oncology and cancer biology, with a focus on identifying molecular markers and signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis, particularly in gastrointestinal and urological cancers. The lab investigates immune checkpoint regulation, such as PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer, and explores metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells, including fatty acid metabolism in renal cell carcinoma. Additionally, the lab contributes to diagnostic and prognostic biomarker discovery through systematic meta-analyses and immunohistochemical studies in thyroid and renal cancers.
