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 Yasushi Ogasawara's research lab specializes in the biosynthesis and enzymology of natural products, with a focus on complex peptide and polyketide antibiotics. The lab investigates the enzymatic mechanisms underlying the formation of unusual functional groups—such as aziridines, cyclopropanes, and D-amino acids—within bioactive natural products. Using a combination of genetic, biochemical, and isotopic tracer approaches, the lab deciphers the biosynthetic pathways of structurally diverse natural products from actinomycetes and other microbes.
Professor Yuqiao Zhang's research lab specializes in advanced thermoelectric materials and nanostructured functional oxides, with a focus on enhancing energy conversion efficiency through atomic-scale engineering. The lab investigates complex oxide heterostructures, such as superlattices and solid solutions, to manipulate electronic and thermal transport properties for high-performance thermoelectrics. Key research directions include the design of low-dimensional electron systems, exploration of phase boundaries in perovskite oxides, and the development of sustainable, high-<i>ZT</i> materials with reduced toxicity and improved stability. The lab also addresses real-world challenges in electronic component authentication and reliability, particularly concerning recycled integrated circuits.
Professor Masanori J. Toda's research lab specializes in evolutionary biology, genomics, and biodiversity, with a focus on the Drosophilidae family—key model organisms in genetics and evolutionary studies. The lab integrates long-read and hybrid genome sequencing to advance high-quality genome assemblies, particularly for non-model and wild-caught drosophilid species, overcoming limitations of laboratory-cultured strains. They also investigate ecological mechanisms promoting species coexistence, such as resource partitioning and host-specific mutualisms, especially in mycophagous drosophilid communities and plant-insect interactions. Their work bridges evolutionary genetics, ecology, and systematics through integrative approaches combining field ecology, phylogenetics, and cutting-edge genomics.
Professor Satoshi Koike's research lab specializes in microbial ecology and molecular microbiology, with a focus on rumen microbiota and environmental antibiotic resistance. The lab investigates the roles of fibrolytic bacteria—particularly *Fibrobacter succinogenes* and *Ruminococcus* species—in plant fiber digestion, employing molecular techniques such as competitive and quantitative PCR to study microbial dynamics and enzyme diversity. Additionally, the lab examines the environmental dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes, especially tetracycline resistance genes, in agricultural settings like swine confinement operations. Their work bridges microbial ecology, host-microbe interactions, and environmental health.
Professor Kiyotaka Iwasaki's research lab specializes in biomedical engineering and interventional cardiology, focusing on the development of advanced vascular devices and computational tools for cardiovascular intervention. The lab investigates the design and performance of endovascular implants such as drug-eluting stents and balloon catheters, with an emphasis on optimizing outcomes in peripheral artery disease, particularly in below-the-knee interventions. It also explores the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in medical device evaluation, aiming to improve regulatory science and clinical decision support systems. Additionally, the lab conducts fundamental research on prosthetic heart valve durability through accelerated fatigue testing, emphasizing dynamic loading conditions for reliable performance prediction.
Professor Yu Tahara's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythm regulation in mammals, with a particular emphasis on how environmental cues—such as feeding, stress, exercise, and light—entrain peripheral and central circadian clocks. The lab investigates the role of microbial metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids, in modulating circadian function and host metabolism. Using in vivo bioluminescence imaging and molecular clock analyses, the lab explores how aging affects circadian entrainment and homeostasis in peripheral tissues. Their work bridges chronobiology, microbiome science, and translational physiology, with implications for metabolic health, aging, and personalized medicine.
Professor Noboru Matsumura's research lab specializes in orthopedic biomechanics and molecular orthopedics, focusing on shoulder joint pathologies such as frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, and glenoid version abnormalities. The lab investigates the biomechanical and molecular mechanisms underlying joint stiffness and degeneration, utilizing cadaveric studies, animal models, and gene expression analysis. A key research direction involves exploring pharmacological interventions—such as retinoic acid receptor (RAR) agonists—to prevent muscle fatty infiltration and improve outcomes after rotator cuff injury. The lab also contributes to synthetic chemistry, particularly in the development of novel transition metal carbene complexes and tetraazapentalene derivatives with potential applications in medicinal chemistry and materials science.
Professor Hiroshi Fujioka's research lab specializes in the development of high-quality III-nitride semiconductors, particularly gallium nitride (GaN), using pulsed sputtering deposition for large-area and flexible electronic and optoelectronic devices. The lab focuses on innovative epitaxial growth techniques on unconventional substrates such as multilayer graphene, amorphous SiO2, and flexible metal foils to enable low-cost, scalable fabrication. Key research directions include polarity control of GaN, heteroepitaxial growth with AlN interlayers, and the integration of degenerate GaN contacts for high-performance high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The ultimate goal is to advance next-generation GaN-based devices for energy-efficient lighting, high-frequency electronics, and flexible displays.
Professor Kiyohiko Igarashi's research lab specializes in enzymatic degradation of cellulose, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of fungal cellulases and their interactions with crystalline cellulose substrates. The lab investigates the structure-function relationships of key enzymes such as cellobiohydrolases, endoglucanases, and cellobiose dehydrogenases, particularly their adsorption behavior, catalytic activity, and redox interactions at solid-liquid interfaces. Using advanced techniques like high-speed atomic force microscopy and surface density-based kinetic analysis, the lab explores how enzyme dynamics and substrate polymorphism influence cellulose hydrolysis efficiency.
Professor Rui Tang's research lab specializes in integrated photonics and optical computing, focusing on the design and realization of reconfigurable photonic integrated circuits for high-speed, energy-efficient computing and optical signal processing. The lab pioneers unitary optical processors and mode converters for applications in optical communications, quantum information, and deep learning acceleration, with an emphasis on silicon photonics platforms. Key research directions include low-loss, scalable on-chip optical multiplexing, wavelength-tunable lasers, and error-resilient photonic architectures for matrix computations.
Professor Toshiya Namikawa's research lab specializes in theoretical and computational cosmology, focusing on cosmic microwave background (CMB) physics, gravitational lensing reconstruction, and cosmological parameter estimation. The lab develops advanced statistical and analytical methods to extract subtle cosmological signals—such as primordial non-Gaussianity, birefringence, and gravitational wave backgrounds—from large-scale sky surveys. Key research directions include improving lensing estimators with reduced systematics, probing fundamental physics through CMB polarization and anisotropies, and enabling redshift-free cosmology using gravitational wave standard sirens. The lab emphasizes cross-correlation of CMB, weak lensing, and large-scale structure data to constrain neutrino masses, dark energy, and early-universe physics.
Professor Hisashi Yashiro's research lab specializes in high-resolution atmospheric modeling, numerical weather prediction, and advanced data assimilation techniques for improving weather and climate simulations. The lab focuses on developing and optimizing global cloud-resolving models such as NICAM, integrating them with ensemble-based data assimilation systems to enhance forecast accuracy and reduce uncertainty. Their work emphasizes computational efficiency, leveraging exascale supercomputing architectures like the K computer and TSUBAME2.5 to achieve unprecedented model resolution and ensemble size. The lab also investigates atmospheric trace gases, such as H₂ and CO, to understand their global distributions and interactions with the terrestrial biosphere and climate system.
Professor Kazuaki Toyoura's research lab specializes in first-principles theoretical studies of ion diffusion and proton conduction in functional oxides, with a focus on understanding atomic-scale mechanisms in materials for energy applications. The lab investigates diffusion pathways, activation energies, and phase transitions in materials such as lithium-intercalated graphite (LiC₆), proton conductors (e.g., LaNbO₄, BaZrO₃), and ferroelectrics (e.g., LiNbO₃, LiTaO₃) using advanced computational methods including transition state theory, density functional theory, and machine learning-assisted sampling. A key emphasis is placed on accurately modeling lattice dynamics and vibrational effects using quantum statistical treatments, enabling quantitative predictions of ionic transport properties. The lab also develops innovative computational strategies, such as Gaussian process-based sampling, to efficiently explore complex potential energy surfaces relevant to ionic conductivity and structural transitions.
Professor Masato Takeuchi's research lab specializes in clinical and translational research focused on metabolic and renal diseases, with a strong emphasis on diabetes mellitus (T2DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and pediatric gastrointestinal disorders such as intussusception and Kawasaki disease. The lab investigates the long-term outcomes of diabetes therapies—particularly SGLT2 inhibitors—on renal function, while also exploring novel molecular targets like FFA1 and GPR120 receptors in metabolic regulation. Additionally, the lab contributes to epidemiological understanding of disease burden in Japan, including risk stratification tools for treatment resistance in Kawasaki disease and comparative effectiveness of surgical versus medical interventions in pediatric conditions like intussusception and idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS).
Professor Xiuzhong Shen's research lab specializes in experimental fluid dynamics, with a primary focus on turbulence in shear flows and grid-generated turbulence. The lab investigates the statistical properties of velocity fluctuations, structure functions, and the validity of fundamental turbulence hypotheses such as local isotropy at high Reynolds numbers. Using advanced wind tunnel facilities with active grids and shear generators, the lab explores scaling laws, intermittency, and the transition to fully developed turbulence across a wide range of Reynolds numbers. Their work bridges theoretical predictions with high-precision experimental data in both uniform shear and decaying (shearless) turbulent flows.
Professor Akihisa Mori's research lab focuses on sustainability transitions, climate finance, and the socio-technical dynamics of energy and environmental systems. The lab investigates how institutional, economic, and ecological factors shape responses to environmental challenges, particularly in the context of energy systems, climate adaptation funding, and biodiversity conservation. Research spans from biological systems—such as feeding ecology in reptiles—to socio-institutional frameworks governing environmental policy and financing. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to promote resilient and equitable sustainability transitions.
Professor Kazuyuki Niki's research lab specializes in the application of virtual reality (VR) and digital technologies in end-of-life and geriatric care, focusing on improving quality of life for terminal cancer patients and older adults with dementia. The lab investigates non-pharmacological interventions such as VR-based reminiscence therapy and simulated travel to alleviate psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression. A key research direction involves developing objective, data-driven prognostic tools—such as the WPCBAL score—using routine laboratory values to predict short-term survival in palliative care settings. The lab also explores sensory-based interventions, including visual stimulation via VR, to support pediatric medication adherence by modulating taste perception.
Professor Hideo Matsuzaki's research lab focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity, with a particular emphasis on neurotrophic factors such as VEGF and IGF-1. The lab investigates intracellular signaling pathways—especially the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK cascades—involved in protecting neurons against various forms of stress, including excitotoxicity and nitric oxide-induced apoptosis. Additionally, the lab explores the neural basis of social cognitive impairments in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), using neuroimaging techniques to identify brain circuitry abnormalities during emotional processing. Their work bridges molecular neuroscience and translational psychiatry, aiming to uncover therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Professor Jun-Ya Kaimori's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, with particular emphasis on proteinuric kidney injury, renal fibrosis, and the role of signaling pathways such as STAT and TGF-β in tubular and interstitial pathology. The lab investigates the pathophysiological roles of novel mediators like glia maturation factor-beta (GMF-β) in tubular cell death and oxidative stress, and explores advanced imaging techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) MRI for non-invasive assessment of renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy. Additionally, the lab examines the renoprotective and circadian-regulating effects of novel renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, such as azilsartan, in experimental models of CKD and salt-sensitive hypertension.
Professor Shintaro Ishiwata's research lab specializes in quantum oxide materials, focusing on multiferroics, magnetoelectrics, and topological spin textures in complex oxides. The lab investigates the interplay between magnetic order, electric polarization, and spin topology, particularly in perovskite and hexaferrite systems, under extreme conditions such as high magnetic fields and high pressure. Key research directions include the discovery and control of novel spin textures—such as helimagnetic phases, skyrmion strings, and noncoplanar spin arrangements—offering new pathways for oxide-based spintronics and quantum devices.
