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 Momoko Yamagata's research lab specializes in neuromuscular control, postural stability, and lower-limb biomechanics, with a focus on understanding how muscle coordination and activation patterns influence joint loading and fall risk. The lab investigates the role of muscle coactivation in postural control using advanced analytical methods such as rambling-trembling decomposition and uncontrolled manifold (UCM) analysis. A key research direction involves examining sex differences and pathological changes—particularly in knee osteoarthritis (KOA)—in ambulatory mechanics and knee contact forces. The lab also employs musculoskeletal modeling to evaluate the functional impact of individual muscle contributions to joint stability and load distribution.
Professor Kenji Matsuura's research lab specializes in the chemical and microbial basis of social insect behavior, with a focus on termite societies. The lab investigates pheromone communication, including the identification of key signaling molecules like the egg recognition pheromone (TERP) and queen pheromones that regulate reproductive division of labor. A central theme is the role of gut microbiota in mediating colony recognition and social cohesion through colony-specific chemical cues. The lab also explores evolutionary paradoxes in sociality, such as the coexistence of asexual and sexual reproduction in termites, revealing novel reproductive strategies in eusocial insects.
Professor Ethan Sahker's research lab focuses on improving substance use disorder (SUD) care through health services research, with a strong emphasis on treatment access, screening effectiveness, and outcomes across diverse populations—particularly older adults and young adults in higher education settings. The lab investigates disparities in treatment utilization, evaluates the reliability of screening tools like AUDIT, and explores patient-centered approaches to enhance engagement and retention in care. Research is grounded in real-world data from state treatment systems, aiming to inform policy and clinical practice.
Professor Rui Kang's research lab focuses on optimizing virtual network function (VNF) placement and service continuity in software-defined and cloud-based networks, with an emphasis on minimizing service interruptions due to node failures and VM unavailability. The lab develops advanced optimization models—particularly integer linear programming frameworks—to enhance the reliability and availability of service function chains (SFCs) through strategic VNF allocation and primary-backup placement strategies. Additionally, the lab explores applications of these models in real-world orchestration environments like Kubernetes, integrating multiple optimization models for dynamic, multi-objective network management. The lab also engages in pedagogical innovation, applying narrative-based learning to improve teacher education in multicultural contexts.
Professor Bo Yang's research lab specializes in power electronics, with a focus on high-efficiency, high-power-density DC/DC converters for modern electronic systems. The lab investigates advanced resonant converter topologies—particularly LLC resonant converters—emphasizing zero-voltage switching, magnetic integration, and over-current protection to enhance efficiency and reliability. Key research directions include wide-input-range operation, reduced conduction and core losses, and innovative magnetic design for improved power density and thermal performance. The lab also explores applications in phased array systems and wireless power transfer, integrating power electronics with microwave and antenna technologies.
Professor Yuuki Kitagawa's research lab specializes in the design and development of rare-earth-doped phosphors and scintillators for advanced optoelectronic and radiation detection applications. The lab focuses on understanding the local electronic environments of lanthanide ions through precise crystal structure analysis and spectroscopic characterization, particularly emphasizing how coordination geometry, crystal field effects, and mixed-anion environments influence luminescence properties. Key research directions include persistent luminescence materials, optically stimulated luminescence for dosimetry, and scintillators with enhanced neutron detection efficiency. The lab also explores the role of covalent bonding and nephelauxetic effects in tuning electron trap depths for improved performance in phosphors and radiation detectors.
Professor Rena Okawa's research lab specializes in the genetic and clinical aspects of hypophosphatasia (HPP), a rare metabolic bone disorder caused by mutations in the ALPL gene. The lab focuses on understanding the dental and skeletal manifestations of HPP, particularly early primary tooth exfoliation and impaired mineralization, and evaluates the efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and emerging gene therapy approaches in improving bone and dental outcomes. The team integrates clinical dentistry with molecular genetics to advance early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies for HPP patients.
Professor Katsumi Imada's research lab focuses on the structural and molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial flagellar assembly, with a particular emphasis on the type III protein export apparatus and the rotary flagellar motor. The lab investigates the architecture and function of key components such as the ATPase FliI, the export gate proteins (e.g., FlhA, FliP), and the switch complex (FliG/M/N), using X-ray crystallography and structural biology approaches. Their work elucidates how these proteins coordinate protein export, motor switching, and self-assembly to enable motility in bacteria.
Professor Akihiko Fujii's research lab specializes in organic and polymer-based optoelectronic materials, with a focus on electroluminescent (EL) devices using novel semiconducting polymers such as poly(methylphenylsilane), polysilanes, and metal-free phthalocyanine. The lab investigates the optical and electrical properties of these materials, particularly their electroluminescent behavior across the ultraviolet to visible spectrum, aiming to develop efficient, solution-processable light-emitting devices. A key achievement includes the first demonstration of ultraviolet emission at 353 nm from a PMPS-based EL diode, highlighting the lab’s pioneering work in high-energy emission materials. The research also explores structure-property relationships to optimize device performance through molecular design and thin-film fabrication techniques.
Professor Mehrzad Alizadeh's research lab specializes in the design and optimization of electrochemical energy devices through advanced computational methods. The lab focuses on topology optimization, pore-scale modeling, and entropy generation analysis to enhance the performance of porous electrodes and reactors in applications such as fuel cells, batteries, and electrolysers. By integrating mathematical modeling with multi-physics simulations, the lab develops innovative, non-intuitive microstructures that maximize reaction efficiency and minimize irreversible losses. The research bridges fundamental transport phenomena with practical engineering design for sustainable energy technologies.
Professor Yasuko Osakada's research lab specializes in the development of advanced functional materials for biomedical imaging and nanoelectronics, with a focus on DNA-based nanostructures, photochromic systems, and X-ray-activated luminescent probes. The lab explores charge transfer dynamics in DNA for sensitive genetic detection and designs biomolecule-directed metal clusters and polymer dots for applications in X-ray computed tomography and optical imaging. A key research direction involves engineering organic semiconductors and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) to enhance photocatalytic and luminescent properties. The lab integrates principles of molecular recognition, photophysics, and materials chemistry to create smart, biocompatible probes for medical diagnostics and nanoscale electronic devices.
Professor Akifumi Oda's research lab specializes in computational structural biology and bioinformatics, focusing on molecular modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and in silico drug design. The lab investigates protein-ligand interactions, enzyme mechanisms—particularly cytochrome P450s—and the impact of genetic polymorphisms on protein structure and function. Key research directions include the development and evaluation of computational docking methods, force field optimization for heme proteins, and predicting the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms on drug metabolism and protein dynamics.
Professor Tadashi Inoue's research lab specializes in the molecular dynamics and viscoelastic behavior of amorphous polymers, particularly around the glass transition temperature (Tg). The lab employs advanced techniques such as dynamic birefringence and stress-optical measurements to investigate structure-property relationships, focusing on segmental motions, Rouse dynamics, and the influence of chemical structure on mechanical response. Their work also extends into materials chemistry, including stereoselective organic synthesis and nuclear waste partitioning via pyrometallurgical processes.
Professor Kuriko Kagitani-Shimono's research lab focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular emphasis on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and leukodystrophies such as Krabbe's disease. The lab investigates auditory processing abnormalities in ASD, especially in relation to auditory hypersensitivity, using neuroimaging techniques like magnetoencephalography (MEG) to examine cortical responses. It also explores the role of neuroinflammatory pathways and neuroprotective factors—such as TNF-alpha and lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS)—in demyelinating diseases, aiming to identify therapeutic targets. The lab integrates clinical neuroscience with preclinical models to understand disease progression and evaluate potential treatments.
Professor Shoen Kume's research lab focuses on stem cell biology and developmental mechanisms underlying pancreatic organogenesis and β-cell differentiation. The lab investigates signaling pathways—such as IP3-Ca2+ signaling, NOGGIN-mediated patterning, and dopamine receptor modulation—that regulate cell fate decisions in pancreatic progenitors and insulin-producing β-cells. Using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and mouse models, the lab develops xeno-free differentiation systems to generate functional β-cells for regenerative therapy of diabetes. The work also explores the roles of novel genes like Epiplakin1 in maintaining progenitor cell integrity during pancreas development.
Professor Koki Homma's research lab specializes in agricultural systems and environmental sustainability, focusing on the impacts of climate change, soil variability, and management practices on rice and soybean production in tropical and subtropical regions. The lab integrates remote sensing, especially UAV-based imaging and radiative transfer modeling, with field-based crop and soil measurements to assess crop productivity, stress responses, and resource use efficiency. A key research direction involves developing non-destructive methods for monitoring canopy structure and plant health, such as leaf area index (LAI) vertical distribution, to support precision agriculture. The lab also investigates climate-resilient crop management strategies, including optimal transplanting dates, fertilizer application, and breeding for heat and disease tolerance.
Professor Takeshi Yamaguchi's research lab specializes in advanced materials and energy conversion technologies, with a strong focus on dye-sensitized solar cells, particularly optimizing performance using novel dyes and low-temperature, plastic-based fabrication techniques. The lab also investigates human biomechanics and slip resistance in footwear design, especially for safety in wet environments such as food processing and kitchen settings. Additionally, the lab contributes to environmental fluid dynamics through analytical modeling of solute transport in porous media. These diverse yet interconnected research directions reflect a commitment to sustainable energy solutions and human safety in everyday environments.
Professor Kyosuke Yoshimi's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of advanced intermetallic and refractory metal-based materials for ultra-high temperature applications. The lab focuses on understanding defect structures, such as planar faults and vacancy dynamics, in Fe-Al and Mo-Si-B systems, using advanced electron microscopy and thermomechanical processing. A key research direction involves designing pseudo in situ composites through spark plasma sintering to achieve high-density, multi-phase materials with enhanced thermal and mechanical stability. The lab also investigates phase stability, precipitation behavior, and mechanical properties under extreme conditions, aiming to enable next-generation materials for aerospace and energy systems.
Professor Shigemi Mizukami's research lab specializes in the fundamental physics of spintronics, with a primary focus on magnetic materials exhibiting strong spin-orbit coupling and large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The lab investigates intrinsic spin dynamics, particularly Gilbert damping and spin precession, in thin films of Heusler alloys, Mn-Ga based systems, and Pt/Co/Pt multilayers. Using advanced techniques such as ferromagnetic resonance and time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect, the group explores the interplay between magnetic anisotropy, electronic structure, and spin relaxation, often guided by first-principles calculations. Their work aims to develop materials with low damping and high anisotropy for next-generation spintronic devices such as magnetic tunnel junctions and spin-transfer-torque memory.
Professor Yoshihiro Chida's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced electrocatalysts for sustainable energy conversion, with a focus on high-entropy alloys (HEAs) and compositionally complex alloys (CCAs). The lab develops atomically controlled single-crystal model catalysts using vacuum deposition and annealing techniques to systematically investigate the structure–activity relationships in oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). By combining advanced characterization techniques such as STEM, XPS, and XRD with machine learning, the lab optimizes catalyst compositions and synthesis conditions to enhance both activity and durability. Their work bridges fundamental surface science with practical electrocatalyst development for fuel cells and other clean energy technologies.
