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  • 경희대학교 로고 이미지
    Research
    Leading the Quest to Solve Future Scientific Challenges

    Kyung Hee Selected for G-LAMP, Ministry of Education’s 2025 Basic University Research Institute Support Program The University has been selected for the Ministry of Education’s 2025 Basic University Research Institute Support Program (G-LAMP: Global Learning & Academic Research Institute for Master’s and PhD Students and Postdoctoral Researchers). G-LAMP provides up to 5 billion KRW annually for five years to strengthen university research-institute management systems and to support the innovative operation of key-theme institutes. Kyung Hee was selected in the field of natural sciences (astronomy, particle physics, and space science). President Jinsang Kim commented, “This recognition reflects our sustained emphasis on interdisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multinational collaboration to address global and cosmic challenges. We will establish innovative and original research models suited to this era of transition and nurture a world-class basic research institute.” Future Space Exploration Research Institute Designated as Key-Theme Research Institute To implement G-LAMP, the Office of Research conducted a comprehensive review of its 75 existing research institutes and launched a structural reorganization. As part of this process, 30 institutes in the natural sciences, engineering, and medical sciences will be reorganized into 15. Among them, the Future Space Exploration Research Institute has been newly established and designated as the University’s sole key-theme research institute. The Future Space Exploration Research Institute was selected in light of its social significance, urgency, and alignment with Kyung Hee’s strengths. The designation reflects both the dawn of a new space era and the University’s research capacity in space exploration. The institute will serve as a platform for dismantling disciplinary silos and integrating diverse ideas. It will interconnect three flagship initiatives—Core Technologies for Space Science Exploration, Artificial Intelligence for Space Research, and Fundamental Space Medicine—to advance integrated, pioneering research. Faculty from physics, engineering, medicine, and pharmacy will collaborate across disciplines, while professional researchers will be recruited at a ratio comparable to full-time faculty, ensuring the early recruitment of promising young scientists. Building on the 2025 program selection, the institute will establish infrastructure and aims to grow into a world-class research hub by the end of the program period. Advancing International Collaborative Research Space exploration requires large-scale investment and collaboration; international partnerships are therefore essential. Leveraging its global network, Kyung Hee has identified international partners for each initiative. For example, in space science exploration, we will collaborate with the University of California, Berkeley, to develop a laboratory model for next-generation exploration sensors. Depending on the sub-project, we will also conduct joint research with leading institutions in the United States, Europe, and China. With the G-LAMP selection, the University will expand its competitive research domains globally. Faculty members of the College of Applied Sciences will hold joint appointments in both the Future Space Exploration Research Institute and the Institute of Natural Sciences, creating a unified governance framework. Based on the College’s development strategy, This framework will support new faculty recruitment, expansion of research space, acquisition of core equipment, and training of the next generation of researchers. Kyung Hee will ensure the success of this development model and extend it to other academic fields.

    2025.09.10
  • 경희대학교 로고 이미지
    Research
    New Stretchable Semiconductors for Next-Generation Implantable Bio-Instruments

    Professor Jin Young Oh's research team at the Department of Chemical Engineering has developed a biocompatible, stretchable semiconductor that overcomes previous limitations and enables safe implantation of electronic devices into the body Bio-implantable electronic devices can monitor various biometric data in real time and deliver therapeutic stimulation inside the body. Recently, these devices have been paired with artificial intelligence, attracting attention beyond the medical industry as a next-generation form factor after smartphones. Yet commercially available bio-implantable electronic devices still rely on rigid, silicon-based semiconductor-based electronic components, which can cause undesirable adverse effects such as inflammation and tissue damage in human skin and muscles. Professor Jin Young Oh's research team has fundamentally addressed this problem. The findings were published on September 2, 2025, in the international journal Nature Electronics (IF=40.9) under the title, “A biocompatible elastomeric organic transistor for implantable electronics.” Development of a biocompatible, stretchable semiconductor by combining medical rubber and organic semiconductors The research team combined medical rubber (BIIR) with a high-performance organic semiconductor (DPPT-TT) to create a stretchable semiconductor that is as soft and stretchable as human skin while operating reliably within the body. A vulcanization process using sulfur atoms ensured mechanical durability and chemical stability, and the application of a gold-silver dual metal electrode secured reliable long-term performance without corrosion even in bodily fluids. Compared with existing silicone-based materials, medical rubber offers lower cost, superior gas- and fluid-barrier properties, and superior antibacterial and chemical stability. Professor Oh explained, "This rediscovery of medical rubber, a material rarely attempted as an electronic medium, is significant in that it overcomes the limitations of implantable electronic devices.". The team verified the device’s effectiveness through a series of experiments in diverse conditions. In vitro experiments using human skin and immune cells demonstrated no adverse effects on cell viability or gene expression, and antibacterial properties were also demonstrated. In vivo animal studies involved implanting subcutaneous implantation of the device in mice for 30 days, during which no inflammation or tissue damage was observed and the implanted semiconductor operated stably throughout. The research team expanded the application potential of the newly developed semiconductor beyond the single transistor element to digital logic circuits and active matrix array structures by connecting multiple devices. This demonstrated stable operation within complex devices, such as actual medical devices. The developed device is expected to precisely monitor cardiac and neural signals and be applied to personalized treatment. Paving the way for next-generation electronic device form factor beyond smartphones This research presents a significant advancement toward next-generation electronic device form factors, evolving beyond conventional smartphones. The newly developed material is expected to serve as a key source material as electronic devices evolve into three-dimensional attachments or implantable devices. Professor Oh explained, "It can be applied to smart implants that precisely control drug release, and next-generation medical and rehabilitation devices combined with brain-machine interfaces." The research team is developing neuromorphic semiconductor devices, next-generation semiconductors engineered to mimic the structure and operating principles of the human brain's neural network, thereby achieving ultra-low power and high-efficiency computation. Beyond hardware development, the team plans to integrate this research with artificial intelligence software to develop a comprehensive system capable of real-time analysis, learning, and evaluation of biosignals. Professor Oh said, "This groundbreaking research is the first example of simultaneously ensuring both stretchability and biostability in a semiconductor device, representing a turning point for accelerating the long-term commercialization of in-body electronic devices."

    2025.09.10
  • 경희대학교 로고 이미지
    Academic
    Kyung Hee University Wins Top “S” in University Innovation

    The University has received the highest “S” grade in the first-year evaluation of the third cycle (2025) of the University Innovation Support Program The University Innovation Support Program, overseen by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea, supports universities in pursuing autonomous innovation. Its goal is to cultivate creative, interdisciplinary students and strengthen the competitiveness of higher education in Korea. The program is now in its third cycle, and in the first-year evaluation for 2025, Kyung Hee received the highest “S” grade. This year’s evaluation covered 138 participating universities nationwide. Kyung Hee’s performance marks a steady rise over three years—from a B grade in 2023, to an A in 2024, and now to an S in 2025. As a result, the University will receive over 12 billion KRW in total funding, including 5.8 billion KRW in performance-based incentives. “This is a meaningful achievement, made possible by the dedication and commitment of our entire community,” said Professor Won Gu Lee (Director, the Office of Educational Innovation & Planning). “It also shows that Kyung Hee’s vision for educational innovation – and its ability to put that vision into practice – are being recognized beyond the University.” Educational innovation model and outcomes To advance student-led educational innovation, Kyung Hee has focused on three core strategies: flexible academic structures, tailored student support systems, and advanced liberal education. Building on these, the University has expanded opportunities for double and interdisciplinary majors throughout the student life cycle, implemented more flexible curricula and academic systems, developed customized support for both Open Major and department-based students, and introduced interdisciplinary liberal arts programs grounded in fundamental disciplines. This model fosters student autonomy and growth from admission to graduation, and in this year’s evaluation, Kyung Hee was recognized for establishing a strong foundation to cultivate convergent, interdisciplinary graduates. Kyung Hee is also accelerating governance reform and building digital operating systems to strengthen the foundation for future-oriented education. By adopting a framework of digital transformation (DX) and experience-centered administration (AX), the University is developing an integrated system to manage the full student experience—from curricula and academic policies to career design—and thereby institutionalizing educational innovation. Data-driven governance and institutionalization A data-driven performance management system is expected to enhance the reliability of decision-making. At the same time, practical measures—such as improving student support spaces, deploying faculty through the Joint Appointment (JA) system to enhance student support, and institutionalizing a flexible major-selection system—are being advanced to ensure that innovation takes hold in practice. The achievement of an S grade carries significance beyond meeting quantitative indicators. Through the third cycle of the University Innovation Support Program, Kyung Hee is pursuing what it calls “Educational Terraforming”: creating a future-ready educational ecosystem that cultivates “Master Learners” who embody autonomy and connectedness, grounded in inclusivity and innovation. The University has articulated three pillars for this transformation: •Apertas (Openness): fostering convergent leaders through a student growth management system •Libertas (Freedom): nurturing individuals who contribute to society, grounded in scholarship and a spirit of peace •Nexus (Connection): developing global citizens who can engage with the world. Kyung Hee will continue to focus on the essence of educational innovation and take the lead in establishing a sustainable and actionable model of the future university. “We are planning and implementing wide-ranging changes, including expanding recruitment under the flexible major system, launching modular and convergence curricula, advancing teaching and learning through DX and AX, and strengthening liberal education focused on future competencies,” Director Lee explained. Community-driven transformation The direction of change centers on learner-tailored education. The University is actively advancing customized academic and career support for both Open Major and department-based students, while also enhancing global education programs. “Since the President announced Kyung Hee’s vision for educational innovation in May 2025, the University has been preparing—through the Education Innovation Promotion Committee and the Education Innovation Promotion Task Force—to establish a dedicated unit to carry these reforms forward,” Director Lee said. “Kyung Hee is also pursuing learner-centered innovation by developing an AI- and digital open-badge-based platform to support student growth and performance management.” Director Lee emphasized that the success of these reforms depends on the full engagement of the Kyung Hee community. “This project is one of the government’s key financial support programs for general universities, designed to promote educational innovation,” he noted. “For our students and faculty to take leading roles in society, we need to experience and practice educational innovation in our own contexts. We will do everything we can to encourage creative proposals, support implementation at the departmental level, and ensure smooth communication and collaboration with the central administration.” Building on its accumulated achievements, the Office of Educational Innovation & Planning aims to accelerate the spread and development of Kyung Hee’s innovation model. “In the remaining years of the third cycle, we will continue to refine our performance-based feedback system and focus on establishing a sustainable framework for innovation and enhancing competitiveness,” Director Lee said. “By systematically advancing key initiatives—such as academic reforms grounded in the Open Major system and stronger interdisciplinary education for future competencies—we aim to establish Kyung Hee as a benchmark institution for educational innovation in Korea and beyond.”

    2025.08.25
  • 경희대학교 로고 이미지
    Academic
    Kyung Hee Football Team Claims First National Championship in 48 Years as Athletic Teams Celebrate a String of Victories

    Final triumph after four penalty shootouts. Kyung Hee athletic teams sweep across football, handball, gymnastics, golf, taekwondo, and archery Kyung Hee’s football team captured the title at the 61st National University Football Championship, its first in 48 years and its first national tournament victory in a decade. The achievement was especially meaningful, as the team demonstrated resilience and composure by prevailing in all four of its penalty shootouts during the competition. “We’ve stumbled in shootouts so many times before, so to finally come through in all four this year makes the win extra special,” said Head Coach Kwangjin Kim. “To bring home a championship after 48 long years is humbling, but it’s also a moment we’ll cherish forever.” United by trust and determination The team’s unity and determination were key to its success. “The trust between players and staff was our biggest weapon,” Coach Kim added. “And I can’t say enough about Student Junhee Lee, our goalkeeper—his focus and nerves of steel in those shootouts made all the difference.” For his heroics, Student Lee received the Byungji Kim Goalkeeper Award, named after the legendary Korean national team goalkeeper. The football team has long faced hurdles, including those tied to admissions policies, but this year’s victory was about more than just lifting a trophy. “We learned that when every player sacrifices for the team and everyone pulls in the same direction, the result is something far greater than the sum of its parts,” Kim said. He also credited the University leadership. “Thanks to the President, Vice President, and Dean, the players never lost heart, even when things were tough. Now it’s time to put this celebration aside and get back to work. We’ll be ready for the National Freshman and Sophomore University Football Tournament on August 17, and we’re hungry to push higher in the U-League, where we’re sitting second, to bring more pride to Kyung Hee.” Finally, Coach Kim made sure to thank those behind the scenes. “Our assistant coaches, Sangjin Park and Woojeong Park, and trainers Juwan Kim and Taehyun Gong, gave everything to this team without ever seeking the spotlight,” he said. “This championship belongs to them too — and to every member of the Kyung Hee community who believed in us. Keep cheering us on; we’ll keep fighting to make you proud.” Handball team: 28 straight wins, undefeated university champions Kyung Hee’s sports teams delivered victories across multiple disciplines in the first half of 2025. The handball team stormed through the University Handball Integrated League with 28 straight wins to claim the championship undefeated. Student Junyoung Kim (Coaching, ’22) was named the tournament’s MVP. Head Coach Manho Kim and Coach Jaewoo Cha were both honored as Best Coaches. The gymnastics team captured the overall team crown at the 50th KBS National Artistic Gymnastics Championship. The golf team also swept the 2nd through 4th University Golf Tournaments of 2025, winning the women’s amateur team, men’s amateur team, and women’s professional team events. The taekwondo team took the women’s university division overall title at the 60th Presidential National Taekwondo Team Championship. As the home of the world’s first four-year Department of Taekwondo , Kyung Hee has built a tradition of producing national athletes and winning major tournaments. That tradition continues with Student Seungju Oh (Coaching, ‘22), who was selected for the national team and will represent Korea at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. At the 43rd Presidential National Archery Championship , the archery team won the men’s team event (Students Doohee Choi, Yechan Kim, Hyobeom Lee, and Donghyun Kim) and the mixed team event (Students Hyejeong Yeom and Hyobeom Lee). The men’s team captured its second straight title, while the mixed team secured its third in a row. Kyung Hee archers also shone individually, taking first place in the women’s 50m, women’s 60m, and men’s 30m events. Dean Kyung Rok Oh of the College of Physical Education, who directs Kyung Hee’s varsity athletic programs, commended the athletes and coaches for their dedication. “These results are the product of relentless effort and passion,” he said. “We’ll keep giving our teams the support they need so they can continue to grow and compete at the highest level.”

    2025.08.25
  • 경희대학교 로고 이미지
    Research
    Agricultural Waste Product Find New Life as Eco-Friendly UV-Blocking Films

    Professor Jungmok You of the Department of Convergent Biotechnology and Advanced Materials Science has developed a new method to convert agricultural waste products into high-value nanomaterials Professor You’s research team has transformed rice husks, an abundant agricultural waste product, into high-performance films that are both eco-friendly and effective at blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays. Made from lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNFs), the films offer a sustainable solution for managing light and could be used in applications ranging from UV-protection masks to energy-efficient building materials. The research was published online on July 14, 2025, in Chemical Engineering Journal under the title, “Lignin-tailored lignocellulose nanofiber films for light management using a deep eutectic solvent.” Lignocellulose, a major component of plant cell walls, is found in materials such as wood, rice straw, and grass, and is one of the most abundant biomasses on Earth. LCNFs contain both lignin and cellulose, giving them exceptional mechanical strength, thermal stability, moisture resistance, and UV-absorbing capability. In conventional cellulose extraction, lignin is typically removed. Professor You’s team, however, set out to create a process that retains lignin and takes full advantage of its properties. The researchers used a deep eutectic solvent (DES), a green, reusable solvent, to process rice husks without a separate lignin extraction process, while precisely controlling lignin content to fine-tune the films’ light transmittance, UV-blocking performance, and optical haze. The resulting films combine high strength and flexibility with the ability to block more than 99% of UVB rays and over 80% of UVA rays, while also scattering light. Depending on their lignin content, the films can be tailored for different light-management needs and applied in UV-protection masks, biodegradable display films, and other products. In addition, the DES catalyst can be recovered and reused, ensuring both environmental sustainability and cost efficiency. Professor You concluded, “This work shows that agricultural waste products like rice husks can be turned into high-value nanomaterials, while also offering a cost-effective way to produce eco-friendly films with light-management capabilities. We see strong potential for this technology to be applied across many industries, from advanced light-shielding materials to biodegradable display films and energy-efficient building materials.” The study was supported by the Nano and Material Technology Development Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea, funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

    2025.08.18
  • 경희대학교 로고 이미지
    Research
    Artificial Cells That Work Without the Need for Biological Membranes

    Professor Kyungtae Kang of the Department of Applied Chemistry has developed protective layers using metal–phenolic networks Professor Kyungtae Kang and his research team at the Department of Applied Chemistry have developed artificial cell structures capable of maintaining structural stability and regulating reactivity without relying on biological membranes. The findings were published online on May 12, 2025, in the international journal Small (IF=12.1) under the title, “Active Armoring of Protocell Condensates with Metal–Phenolic Networks,” and the study was highlighted on the journal’s Inside Back Cover in recognition of its significance. Cells, the basic units of life, are enclosed by membranes that separate their interior from the external environment, shielding them from harmful stimuli while allowing the selective passage of necessary substances. The complexity of their architecture makes it challenging to replicate biological membranes artificially. Instead of imitating such membranes directly, Professor Kang’s team created a new type of protective layer that can perform similar functions. The researchers formed a metal–phenolic network (MPN) on the surface of liquid condensates by combining tannic acid with iron ions. This MPN layer enhances structural stability and resistance to external stimuli, offering a novel approach to mimicking key membrane functions. “The MPN layer, rather than a conventional biological membrane, enables the realization of membrane-like functions and sets our work apart from other studies,” said Student Joo Hyung Lee, a fourth-semester master’s student at the Department of Applied Chemistry. Beyond protecting the cell structure, the MPN layer also possesses an active defense function, oxidizing and removing harmful external substances. “By using a reducing agent, we can form and remove the layer on demand, achieving a level of functional integration rarely seen in existing artificial condensate systems,” noted Student Seong Yun Park, a third-semester student in the Department of Applied Chemistry’s integrated master’s and PhD program. The MPN coating effectively prevents condensates from clumping together and demonstrates selective permeability to certain small molecules. “We were able to reproduce membrane-like functions using a simple combination of materials. The selective permeability function could be applied to deliver targeted drugs directly into cells,” Student Lee added, pointing out its potential for future applications.

    2025.08.18
  • 경희대학교 로고 이미지
    Research
    Needle-Free Cancer Protection With an Inhalable Nanovaccine

    Research Professor Thavasyappan Thambi of the Graduate School of Biotechnology has developed a next-generation anticancer vaccine that induces immune memory and long-term protection without the need for injections Professor Thavasyappan Thambi, a research professor at the Graduate School of Biotechnology, has developed a novel nanovaccine platform that can be delivered intranasally to both prevent and treat cancer. The study was published online on Apr 12, 2025, in the international journal Biomaterials (IF=14.0, top 5% in JCR) under the title, “Bioengineered metastatic cancer nanovaccine with a TLR7/8 agonist for needle-free intranasal immunization.” Most conventional vaccines are administered by injection to induce systemic immune responses, yet they provide little direct protection at mucosal surfaces such as the nose and lungs—critical entry points for infection. Their effectiveness is particularly limited against respiratory diseases and cancers that metastasize to the lungs. To address these limitations, Professor Thambi and his research team engineered biodegradable nanoparticles made from the naturally derived polymer DA3, encapsulating a tumor-associated antigen (ovalbumin) and a TLR7/8 agonist (R848) as an immune stimulant. When delivered intranasally, the nanovaccine penetrates the nasal mucosa and reaches deep lung tissue, activating dendritic cells and triggering robust immune responses—including antibody production, secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) induction. In experimental models, the nanovaccine inhibited the growth and metastasis of melanoma that had spread to the lungs and significantly prolonged survival. In tumor rechallenge models, it also prevented cancer recurrence, demonstrating the ability to generate durable immune memory. “This study represents a significant advance in overcoming the limitations of traditional injectable vaccines, demonstrating that intranasal delivery can be an effective strategy for both cancer prevention and treatment,” said Professor Thambi. “We anticipate that this technology will have broad applications—not only in immunotherapy for various cancers, including lung cancer, but also in the fight against infectious diseases.”

    2025.08.18
  • 경희대학교 로고 이미지
    Research
    Decoding the Lupus Gene: Professor Kwangwoo Kim of the Department of Biology Unlocks the Origin of Lupus

    Professor Kwangwoo Kim's Research Team at the Department of Biology develops MHC genetic variation reference panel Identification of Lupus-causing genetic variants through precise genome analysis of approximately 70,000 individuals Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a well-known autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakes healthy cells for foreign invaders and attacks them, causing inflammation and tissue damage in major organs across the body. While complex factors, including genetics, environment, and sex hormones, contribute to risk, the exact pathogenesis of lupus has remained unclear. In response to this challenge, Professor Kwangwoo Kim's research team at the Department of Biology developed a customized reference panel tailored for the Koreans, capable of high-resolution analysis of genetic information in the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) region of human DNA. Using this panel, the team analyzed genome data from approximately 70,000 individuals and identified key genetic variants closely linked to the development of lupus. MHC region: a key DNA area in understanding lupus genetics The research focused on the MHC region of chromosome six in human DNA, which is densely packed with a high concentration of immune-related genes. Previously, large-scale, precise analyses on this area were limited due to the complex genetic structure. However, the newly developed tool can simultaneously predict HLA gene clusters and C4 gene mutations, significantly improving analytical accuracy. Using this comprehensive reference panel, the research team conducted a precise analysis of genome data from approximately 70,000 Korean individuals, including both lupus patients and healthy controls. The results revealed that individuals with deficiencies in the C4 gene had a roughly 1.4-fold higher risk of developing lupus compared to those without such deficiencies. Conversely, each additional copy of the C4 gene was associated with a roughly 31% reduction in the risk of lupus. Furthermore, this study also found that certain amino acid mutations in the HLA gene can alter how the HLA protein binds to antigens, inducing structural changes that can cause autoantigens to be misidentified as foreign threats. In particular, when the number of C4 gene copies is reduced, or when an abnormally long untranslated sequence is inserted, the production of complement protein production decreases, which in turn increases the risk of lupus by heightening immune system imbalance. These results demonstrate that the abnormal immune responses observed in lupus patients are closely and inherently linked to genetic risk factors. Possibility of early diagnosis and personalized treatment; laying the foundation for precision medicine This study elucidated the genetic pathogenesis of lupus, revealing how abnormal immune response is closely tied to genetic variation. The identification of such genotypes opens the door to risk prediction, early disease detection, and the creation of treatment frameworks tailored to an individual’s genetic profile. The presence of these specific genotypes provides a concrete basis for developing precision medicine therapies designed to counteract the precise molecular mechanism at work. The reference panel developed by the research team will be made available through the National Institute of Health's CODA system and is anticipated to see broad application in genetic research spanning autoimmune, infectious, and inflammatory diseases. It holds particular significance as a public infrastructure resource, enabling large-scale and highly precise analysis of the MHC region, an area of genomic study that has long been technically challenging with existing methodologies. This study was conducted jointly by Professor Kwangwoo Kim and his team at the Department of Biology, Hanyang University, the National Institute of Health, and the Ulsan National Institute of Scient and Technology (UNIST), with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea. The findings were published on July 5, 2025, in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (IF 20.6), a leading international journal in rheumatology, under the title, “Development of an MHC imputation panel highlights independent contributions of HLA amino acid residues and C4 copy number variations to SLE risk.”

    2025.08.04
  • 경희대학교 로고 이미지
    Research
    Professor Jae-Young Um Selected for the Global Basic Research Laboratory Support Project

    Professor Um’s research team at the College of Korean Medicine has been selected for the 2025 Global Basic Research Laboratory (GBRL) Support Project, hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT, through which she will develop treatment strategies to overcome cachexia The team will receive approximately 1.5 billion KRW in research funding over three years to develop a treatment strategy for cachexia. The research topic is “Overcoming Cachexia through Modulation of Cancer-Related Adipose-Derived Fibroblasts.” Cancer is not confined to a single body part but affects the entire body. Among its complications, cachexia is common in cancer patients, causing muscle and fat loss with debilitating symptoms. It is diagnosed when body weight loss exceeds 5%, at which point quality of life of the patient begins to decline sharply and treatment response becomes poor. Plans to focus on head and neck cancers that are prone to cachexia and to develop tailored treatment strategies Professor Um explained the unique nature of her research, saying, "While most cancer research tends to focus on the tumor cells themselves, our team is interested in how cancer affects the entire body." The research team focuses on how malignant tumors interact with surrounding cells and transform the body. They analyze, at the molecular level, how fat cells near tumors transform into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and how this conversion contributes to cachexia, the severe wasting syndrome often seen in advanced cancer cases. The team targets “head and neck cancer,” which refers to malignant tumors that can occur in the brain, eyes, face, nose, neck, mouth, larynx, pharynx, salivary glands, or thyroid glands. These tumors tend to grow quickly and carry a high risk of metastasis. Because of their location, they often interfere with eating and swallowing, increasing the likelihood of cachexia, as many patients also struggle to maintain adequate nutrition. The research team will investigate the cancer microenvironment specific to head and neck cancer, focusing on how fibroblasts originating from adipocytes contribute to the development of cachexia. The goal is to design a treatment strategy that counteracts this effect, offering a pathway to prevent or mitigate cancer-related cachexia. As Professor Um explained, "Cachexia is common in head and neck cancer patients. Since the disease directly impairs the ability to eat, significant weight loss is a frequent outcome." The research team proposes a new concept in cancer treatment, one that moves away from conventional methods focused on directly removing or destroying tumors. Instead, they aim to manipulate the cancer microenvironment, shaped by adipocytes and fibroblasts, to treat cachexia and foster conditions that inhibit tumor growth. Professor Um explains, "Ours is an indirect approach, restoring balance throughout the body in a way that resonates with the holistic principles of Korean medicine." Korean medicine is renowned for regulating the body as a whole, including nutritional status and energy metabolism. She plans to integrate Korean medicine with the latest in molecular biology to develop treatment strategies for a range of intractable diseases, including cachexia. A molecular biologist by training, Professor Um has devoted nearly a decade to basic research on cachexia. Her work first began with adipocytes and gradually expanded to encompass white fat and the changes in adipose tissue associated with cancer. She remarked, "There is no definitive treatment for cachexia yet; the available treatment options are mainly palliative. It is a deeply challenging field with formidable methodological and practical obstacles, from modelling the complex metabolic changes in patients to translating findings into viable therapies. I was chosen for this research program only after seven attempts in basic research lab selections on the subject." Global Basic Research Lab Program emphasizes internationalization capabilities, leveraging research networks The Global Basic Research Lab Program, which selected Professor Um's research team, places a stronger emphasis on international collaboration than earlier basic research programs. This new shift in the program has opened up a significant new opportunity for the team, enabling them to expand the scope and impact of their work, as Professors Su Il Kim of the College of Medicine and Kwang Seok Ahn of the College of Korean Medicine are joining as co-researchers. The research team will also partner with leading institutions worldwide including the University of Toronto, the National University of Singapore, and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Building on their established collaborative network, the research team will study fundamental biological mechanisms involving cancer, adipocytes, fibroblasts, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells. Their work will include precise molecular-level analyses of adipocyte changes, the formation and functional regulation of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and the induction of EMT. The team will build a predictive model based on clinical data from actual cancer patients, followed by validation experiments in animal models. Their ultimate goal is to translate this model into a precision medicine-based treatment strategy with direct clinical applicability. To this end, the team will share equipment with international researchers to generate high-quality analytical datasets. Central to their collaborative framework is a student-researcher exchange program, which deepens expertise, fosters cross-disciplinary skills, and expands the global reach of their investigation. Professor Um said, "With about ten years remaining until my retirement, this is the moment to delve more deeply into my research rather than broadening my scope. My goal is to clarify the proteins linked to adipocytes and the pathophysiological mechanics they drive." She concluded, "Eleven teams in the field of medicine and pharmacy were selected for this project. Nine of these projects are advanced, and our research team is among them. We see this as a springboard to undertake even larger endeavors and to demonstrate Kyung Hee’s global capabilities in academic convergence research."

    2025.08.04
  • 경희대학교 로고 이미지
    Research
    AI Model Predicts Kidney Disease Risk in Diabetic Patients with High Accuracy

    Professors Dong Keon Yon and Sang Youl Rhee of the College of Medicine, together with their research team, have developed a multimodal artificial intelligence model capable of predicting the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) within five years in patients with type 2 diabetes. The model draws on large-scale clinical and imaging datasets from both Korean and international cohorts. By combining clinical test results with retinal fundus images, the system achieved significantly higher accuracy and interpretability than conventional AI systems. Notably, the model also predicted a patient’s likelihood of developing vascular complications, offering new possibilities for precision medicine and personalized care. The study—conducted with Research Professor Selin Woo, researchers Seung Ha Hwang, Jaehyeong Cho, and Soeun Kim, and Professor Hong-Hee Won of Sungkyunkwan University—was based on large-scale clinical data from both Korea and the U.K. The findings were published in the online edition of Diabetes Care (Impact Factor: 16.6) under the title, “A Multimodal Predictive Model for Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Association With Vascular Complications in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Model Development and Validation Study in South Korea and the U.K.” Multimodal AI model that combines clinical data and retinal images overcomes the limitations of single-modality tools, improving accuracy, interpretability, and real-world applicability Diabetes is highly prevalent worldwide, and kidney disease is one of its most serious and common complications. Early prediction and prevention are essential, but conventional risk assessment tools have typically relied on a single type of data, such as clinical tests or imaging alone. This narrow approach has limited both the accuracy and the interpretability of the results. To address these limitations, the Kyung Hee research team set out to develop a multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) model capable of integrating multiple types of medical information. By combining structured clinical data with retinal fundus images, the team aimed to enhance both the precision of predictions and their practical applicability in clinical settings. The research team developed the multimodal AI model using data from Kyung Hee University Medical Center in Korea and a diabetes cohort in the United Kingdom. By integrating structured clinical data—such as blood and urine test results and medication history—with retinal fundus images, they constructed a deep learning system capable of predicting the risk of developing chronic kidney disease within five years. The AI tool was first trained on Korean patient data and then externally validated using the UK cohort. It has demonstrated strong predictive performance, achieving an accuracy of 88.0% in the Korean cohort in the domestic dataset and 72.2% in the external validation, underscoring its potential for international clinical application. One of the key limitations of conventional AI models in medicine is their “black-box” nature—they often produce results without revealing how those results were derived. To overcome this challenge, the researchers integrated explainable AI (XAI) techniques into the model. These methods make it possible to visually interpret the basis of the AI’s predictions, thereby enhancing transparency and increasing the model’s potential for real-world clinical adoption. AI sheds light on key indicators of kidney disease through explainable techniques The explainable AI analysis identified several major risk factors for chronic kidney disease, including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the use of diabetes and hypertension medications, and the patient’s age. In the retinal imaging data, the optic disc and superior vascular arcade emerged as critical visual cues. These findings demonstrate that the algorithm not only predicts outcomes but also offers clinically meaningful insights that physicians can use as scientific evidence in patient care. The researchers also analyzed the relationship between the model’s predicted probabilities and the actual occurrence of vascular complications. Patients with higher predicted risk scores were significantly more likely to develop major complications, such as cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy, and end-stage renal disease. For instance, those in the highest tertile of model probability faced up to a 2.21 times greater risk of macrovascular complications and a 1.30 times greater risk of microvascular complications compared to those in the lowest group. These findings suggest that the AI tool could be used not only to predict CKD onset early but also to support long-term health management and the prevention of serious complications. “This AI model enables high-accuracy predictions using only data routinely collected in clinical settings, making it a realistic tool for use in primary care,” said Research Professor Selin Woo. “It lays the groundwork for precision medicine by allowing early identification and intervention for high-risk patients.” Professor Sang Youl Rhee added, “By training and validating the model with both domestic and international data, we ensured its generalizability and reliability. This study opens new avenues for personalized patient management.”

    2025.07.21
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