Research

Research Areas

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

Research Goals and Vision

Biomedical engineering research conducted at KAIST School of Electrical Engineering aims to understand biological signals and systems and develop advanced medical technologies. This research integrates various disciplines, including nanotechnology, electronics, optics, and neuroscience, to provide innovative healthcare solutions. Research outcomes in Biomedical MEMS and nanoscale biosensors, medical imaging, wearable and implantable electronics, electronic and photonic medicine, and neural engineering have significant impact in various biomedical industries such as healthcare, personalized medicine, and rehabilitation.

Key Research Areas

Biomedical MEMS and Nano-scale Sensors

  • MEMS Technology : Developing various miniature bio-sensors and therapeutic devices utilizing Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) for medical and bio applications.
  • Nano-technology-based Sensors : Developing nanoscale biosensors to precisely monitor biological signals both in vivo and in vitro.

Medical Imaging

  • Imaging Devices : Studying device technologies for diagnosing and treating medical conditions through non-invasive visualization of the internal structures of human body. A wide range of technologies are employed such as MRI, optics, and ultrasound.
  • Image Processing and Analysis : Developing artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to interpret and analyze medical images. The goal is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis and treatment planning.

Wearable and Implantable Electronics

  • Wearable Devices : Developing wearable devices that can monitor biological signals in real-time, allowing for continuous health monitoring, early diagnosis of diseases, and timely treatment.
  • Implantable Devices : Creating electronic devices that can be implanted in the body to collect biological data from internal organs and facilitate treatment.

Electronic and Photonic Medicine

  • Electroceuticals : Developing technologies to regulate and treat biological systems through electrical stimulation to replace conventional chemical drug-based therapy. This includes, for example, neural rehabilitation through electrical stimulation.
  • Photomedicine : Investigating non-invasive treatment and diagnostic methods using lasers and other optical technologies. Key areas of focus include phototherapy, optogenetics, and photoacoustic imaging.

Neural Engineering

  • Neuromodulation : Exploring techniques to treat neurological disorders by modulating neural functions using electrical, optical, chemical, and/or mechanical approaches.
  • Neural signal processing : Investigating methods to monitor and treat neurological functions and conditions such as movement, cognition, and sensation by analyzing neural signals like EMG, EEG, ECoG, etc.
  • Brain-Machine Interfaces : Developing neural interfaces to directly control neural signals by linking the brain with computers or machines. This technology is crucial in rehabilitation, assistive devices, and ultimately, the development of human augmentation technologies.

Recent related activities in Biomedical Engineering

See below for specifc ongoing research topics related to Biomedical Engineering of KAIST EE.