东京大学、京都大学、大阪大学等日本QS前10名大学的研究室信息。
Professor Kohei Miyazaki's research lab specializes in the development of advanced functional materials for sustainable energy applications, with a primary focus on energy storage and conversion technologies. The lab investigates novel electrode materials, particularly zinc-based batteries and perovskite-based electrocatalysts, using innovative synthesis techniques such as electrospray pyrolysis. Key research directions include dendrite suppression in zinc metal anodes through surface modification with ion-exchange polymers and the design of highly efficient, carbon-nanotube-supported perovskite oxides for oxygen reduction reactions in alkaline environments. The lab emphasizes materials engineering for improved electrochemical performance, stability, and scalability in next-generation energy devices.
Professor Tadashi Isa's research lab specializes in the neural circuitry underlying sensorimotor integration, with a primary focus on the superior colliculus and corticospinal pathways in rodents and primates. The lab employs whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in brain slice preparations to dissect microcircuits involved in gaze control and motor coordination, particularly the role of disynaptic and polysynaptic connections. A central theme is understanding how propriospinal neurons mediate recovery of fine motor functions, such as precision grip, after corticospinal tract injury. The lab also investigates the functional properties of glutamatergic receptors, especially AMPA receptors, in developing and mature neurons.
Professor Masayuki Horie's research lab specializes in virology and evolutionary genomics, focusing on the molecular fossil records of ancient non-retroviral RNA viruses, particularly bornaviruses. The lab investigates endogenous bornavirus-like elements (EBLs) in vertebrate genomes to reconstruct the evolutionary history of viral infections and understand long-term virus-host interactions. A key focus is on the persistence and functional conservation of these viral sequences, including their transcriptional activity and evolutionary selection in hosts such as bats. The lab also explores the virome of wild and domestic animals through deep-sequencing and metagenomic approaches to uncover novel RNA viruses and their zoonotic potential.
Professor Yasuhiro Ohki's research lab specializes in bioinorganic chemistry, focusing on the synthesis and reactivity of transition metal–sulfur clusters that model the active sites of nitrogenase enzymes. The lab investigates the activation and functionalization of dinitrogen (N₂) using iron and molybdenum-based clusters, with particular emphasis on understanding the electronic and structural features that enable N₂ reduction to ammonia and hydrazine. They also explore the self-assembly of complex [Fe-S] clusters, including unique [8Fe-7S] P-cluster analogues, under controlled conditions, aiming to mimic biological nitrogen fixation in synthetic systems. Their work bridges inorganic synthesis, cluster chemistry, and the fundamental principles of nitrogen fixation.
Professor Easan Sivaniah's research lab specializes in advanced materials for separation and functional thin films, with a focus on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), porous organic cages, and block copolymer nanostructures. The lab investigates molecular-sieving membranes for selective gas separation, particularly using Zr-based MOFs and organic cage molecules, while also exploring the influence of substrate topography and interfacial engineering on self-assembled nanostructures. A key theme is the design of materials with tailored free volume and pore architecture to enhance transport properties in membranes and responsive gels.
Professor Hironori Nakagami's research lab focuses on vascular biology and regenerative medicine, with a central emphasis on understanding the mechanisms of angiogenesis and endothelial cell dysfunction in metabolic diseases. The lab investigates the therapeutic potential of adult stem cells—particularly adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs)—for treating ischemic diseases, exploring their paracrine functions and differentiation capacity. A key research direction involves dissecting molecular pathways underlying diabetic vascular complications, including high glucose-induced endothelial apoptosis and the protective roles of growth factors like hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The lab also explores the epigenetic regulation of adipocyte plasticity, such as the role of miR-196a in inducing brown-like adipocytes in white fat, offering new insights into metabolic disease treatment.
Professor Toshihiro Omori's research lab specializes in computational and theoretical biophysics, focusing on the hydrodynamic and mechanical behaviors of biological cells and microorganisms. The lab investigates ciliary and flagellar dynamics, mechanotransduction in cells, and the deformation of flexible biological membranes such as red blood cells and capsules under flow. Using advanced numerical methods—including boundary element methods, finite element methods, and spring network models—the lab uncovers fundamental principles governing cell motility, symmetry breaking in embryonic development, and the role of mechanical forces in cellular function.
Professor Satoshi Yokoshima's research lab specializes in the total synthesis of complex natural products, with a strong emphasis on stereocontrolled and enantioselective methodologies. The lab focuses on developing innovative synthetic strategies—such as radical cyclizations, asymmetric metal-catalyzed couplings, and cascade reactions—to construct intricate alkaloid and toxin frameworks with high diastereo- and enantiocontrol. Key achievements include the first enantioselective syntheses of (+)-gelsemine, (-)-daphenylline, and (+)-vinblastine, as well as efficient routes to tetrodotoxin and Oseltamivir. The lab is known for its creative use of rearrangements, cycloadditions, and novel transformations to streamline synthesis and reduce step count.
Professor Hiroyuki Yasuda's research lab focuses on translational and preclinical oncology, with a primary emphasis on understanding molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in EGFR and ALK-driven tumors. The lab develops patient-derived models such as organoids and alveolospheres to study tumor biology, drug response, and viral pathogenesis, including SARS-CoV-2 infection in human lung tissue. They investigate combination therapies to overcome resistance, such as ALK-TKIs with EGFR inhibitors, and explore niche factor dependencies in lung cancer subtypes. The lab also pioneers innovative 3D culture systems to model human lung diseases and accelerate drug discovery.
Professor Takahiro Kikawada's research lab specializes in the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying extreme desiccation tolerance in the anhydrobiotic insect *Polypedilum vanderplanki*. The lab investigates protective molecules such as trehalose and Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins, focusing on their roles in stabilizing cellular structures during water loss. Using integrated 'omics' approaches—transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics—the lab uncovers the dynamic regulatory and biochemical networks that enable survival in an ametabolic, desiccated state. Their work bridges fundamental biology with potential biotechnological applications in cryopreservation and stress-resistant bioproducts.
Professor Fabien Briffod's research lab specializes in the computational and experimental mechanics of advanced metallic materials, with a focus on microstructure-based modeling of deformation and fatigue behavior. The lab investigates the influence of complex microstructural features—such as long-period stacking ordered phases, martensitic laths, and layered composites—on mechanical response and crack initiation under cyclic loading. Using crystal plasticity finite element methods, multi-scale microstructure modeling, and in-situ characterization techniques like acoustic emission, the lab aims to predict and understand fatigue life and failure mechanisms at the microscale. Their work bridges materials design, mechanical testing, and numerical simulation to support the development of high-performance alloys for structural applications.
Professor Hayato Nakagawa's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, with a particular emphasis on the roles of chronic inflammation, metabolic reprogramming—especially in lipid and fatty acid metabolism—and the tumor microenvironment. The lab investigates key regulators such as IL-6, adiponectin, and E-cadherin in the context of liver fibrosis, steatosis, and carcinogenesis, integrating clinical cohort studies with in vivo genetic models to uncover pathogenic pathways. Their work bridges translational hepatology and cancer metabolism, aiming to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC prevention and treatment.
Professor Yusuke Koda's research lab specializes in millimeter-wave and terahertz communications, with a focus on enhancing network performance through intelligent radio resource management and predictive networking. The lab develops advanced machine learning and signal processing techniques to address challenges such as human blockage, channel prediction, and efficient data collection in high-frequency wireless systems. Key research directions include proactive handover optimization, multimodal learning (integrating RF signals and visual data), and privacy-preserving communication frameworks for real-time wireless networks. The lab also contributes to 3GPP-compliant channel modeling for next-generation wireless systems, particularly in ultra-wideband, short-range communications in the 60–70 GHz band.
Professor Junji Sugiyama's research lab specializes in the structural characterization and polymorphic behavior of native cellulose, with a focus on understanding its hierarchical architecture and crystalline phases using advanced techniques such as electron diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The lab investigates the transformation mechanisms of cellulose under various chemical and physical treatments, including alkaline hydrothermal processes, and explores the alignment of cellulose microcrystals using external fields like magnetic fields. Their work contributes significantly to the fundamental understanding of biopolymer organization, with implications for sustainable materials science and biomimetic material design.
Professor Jan‐Dirk Schmöcker's research lab focuses on sustainable urban mobility, with a strong emphasis on behavioral change, transport policy, and the role of technology in shaping travel decisions. The lab investigates how persuasive technologies and mobile applications can influence sustainable travel behavior, particularly among aging and disabled populations. It also explores socio-psychological factors—such as trust in government, perceived fairness, and attitudes toward vehicles—that affect the acceptance of coercive transport policies like road pricing. The lab combines quantitative methods, including statistical modeling and survey analysis, to inform evidence-based transport planning and policy design.
Professor Shigeki Takeuchi's research lab specializes in quantum optics and quantum information science, with a focus on developing advanced photonic technologies for high-precision measurements and quantum information processing. Key research directions include the generation and detection of single and entangled photons, high-efficiency single-photon detectors, and the integration of quantum emitters—such as nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond—into nanophotonic platforms like fiber tapers. The lab pioneers techniques for quantum-enhanced sensing, quantum communication, and scalable quantum computing using photonic systems and solid-state quantum emitters. Their work bridges fundamental quantum physics with practical applications in quantum metrology, secure communication, and quantum networking.
Professor Hidehiro Sakurai's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and application of bowl-shaped π-conjugated molecules, particularly sumanene and its derivatives, with a focus on their unique electronic properties and supramolecular architectures. The lab explores the development of heteroatom-doped fullerenes and nanocarbon materials, leveraging their potential in organic electronics, catalysis, and nanomaterials. A key direction involves the creation of two-dimensional π-networks through hydrogen bonding and non-covalent interactions, enabling structurally defined bumpy π-sheets with tunable functions. Additionally, the lab investigates gold nanocluster catalysts for sustainable oxidation reactions, emphasizing recyclability and mechanistic understanding.
Professor Yuji Sano's research lab specializes in advanced surface engineering and materials processing, with a primary focus on laser peening without coating (LPwC) for enhancing the mechanical integrity and durability of structural materials. The lab investigates the fundamental mechanisms of compressive residual stress formation under ultra-short laser pulses, particularly in aqueous environments relevant to nuclear and aerospace applications. Key research directions include the non-destructive evaluation of residual stresses using synchrotron radiation, the mitigation of stress corrosion cracking, and the improvement of high-cycle fatigue performance in critical alloys such as titanium, aluminum, and stainless steels. The lab also explores fluid dynamics and mass transfer in agitated vessels and bubble columns, contributing to process intensification in chemical and biochemical engineering.
Professor Yuwei Liu's research lab specializes in targeted radionuclide therapy, with a focus on developing and evaluating novel radiolabeled agents for cancer treatment. The lab investigates alpha- and beta-emitting radionuclides—particularly 211At and 177Lu—for targeted therapy in thyroid and pancreatic cancers, emphasizing theranostic applications. Key research directions include optimizing therapeutic efficacy, minimizing radiation toxicity, and exploring combination therapies to enhance tumor control. The lab also conducts detailed preclinical studies using xenograft models to evaluate biodistribution, dosimetry, and biological effects of radiopharmaceuticals.
Professor Toshio Kamiya's research lab specializes in the development and fundamental understanding of amorphous oxide semiconductors (AOS), with a primary focus on their electronic structures, carrier transport mechanisms, and defect physics. The lab investigates materials such as amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O (a-IGZO) for next-generation thin-film transistors (TFTs) used in large-area, flexible, and high-performance flat-panel displays and giant-microelectronics. Key research directions include optical characterization, subgap electronic states, defect engineering, and the optimization of low-temperature fabrication processes without defect passivation. The lab combines experimental techniques with first-principles calculations to advance the performance and stability of oxide semiconductor devices.
