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 Mikihiko Naito's research lab specializes in targeted protein degradation as a novel therapeutic strategy, particularly focusing on the development of chimeric small molecules known as SNIPERs (Specific and Non-genetic IAP-dependent Protein Erasers). The lab investigates the ubiquitin-proteasome system to selectively degrade oncoproteins and anti-apoptotic proteins such as cIAP1 and XIAP, which are overexpressed in various cancers and contribute to therapy resistance. Their work bridges structural biology, chemical biology, and cancer pharmacology, aiming to design precision drugs that exploit endogenous degradation machinery for treating malignancies.
Professor Maldwyn J. Evans's research lab specializes in conservation biology and ecological restoration, with a focus on understanding the long-term impacts of habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and environmental change on biodiversity. The lab employs innovative text-analysis and data-driven approaches to examine trends in scientific literature and conservation practice, particularly in animal translocations, species reintroductions, and predator control. Their work bridges ecological theory with applied conservation, emphasizing the role of research bias, socioeconomic factors, and morphological adaptations in shaping conservation outcomes. The lab also investigates ecosystem processes such as carrion decomposition and insect population dynamics to inform evidence-based management strategies.
Professor Sayaka Katagiri's research lab focuses on the interplay between systemic metabolic diseases and oral health, particularly exploring the links between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), periodontal disease, and metabolic dysfunction. The lab investigates how periodontal pathogens and their components, such as endotoxins from *Porphyromonas gingivalis*, contribute to systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic disturbances. A key research direction involves understanding the role of gut and oral microbiota in metabolic and vascular diseases, as well as evaluating novel therapeutic approaches such as photobiomodulation and insulin-targeted therapies to improve wound healing and vascular function in diabetes and stroke. The lab integrates clinical, preclinical, and molecular biological approaches to uncover mechanisms underlying disease progression and to develop targeted interventions.
Professor Tomohiro Fujita's research lab specializes in theoretical high-energy physics and early Universe cosmology, focusing on the origin of fundamental cosmic structures such as baryon asymmetry, dark matter, and primordial density perturbations. The lab investigates non-standard mechanisms during inflation and post-inflationary epochs, including primordial black hole evaporation, axionlike particles, helical magnetic fields, and electromagnetic field dynamics via kinetic couplings. A central theme is the interplay between particle physics beyond the Standard Model and observational cosmology, particularly through probes like cosmic birefringence, gravitational waves, and non-Gaussianity in the cosmic microwave background. The lab emphasizes testable predictions linking quantum field theory in curved spacetime to large-scale cosmological observations.
Professor Takashi Sagawa's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced functional materials for energy conversion and optoelectronic applications. The lab focuses on self-assembled nanostructures—particularly one-dimensional (1D) and microfibrous architectures—based on porphyrins, pyrenes, and conjugated polymers, with an emphasis on their photophysical properties and applications in organic and hybrid solar cells. Key research directions include the development of nanostructured semiconductors (e.g., ZnO nanorods, PbS quantum dots) and doped materials (e.g., Li-doped ZnO) to enhance charge transport and device efficiency. The lab also explores molecular-level transformations in platinum complexes and chromophore assemblies, combining advanced spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and crystallography to understand structure-property relationships.
Professor Shenghua Cui's research lab specializes in landslide mechanics and disaster mitigation in seismically active mountainous regions, with a strong focus on the dynamic response, damage accumulation, and failure mechanisms of rock slopes under seismic loading. The lab integrates experimental methods such as shaking table tests with advanced monitoring techniques—including InSAR, optical remote sensing, and acoustic emission analysis—to investigate the deformation evolution and stability of deep-seated landslides. Key research directions include the role of structural discontinuities (e.g., bedding planes, faults, shear zones) in landslide initiation and propagation, as well as the nonlinear damage behavior of rock masses under cyclic loading.
Professor Yukio Kawano's research lab specializes in advanced nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices for terahertz (THz) and infrared (IR) technologies. The lab focuses on developing highly sensitive, tunable, and flexible THz detectors using novel materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and two-dimensional electron gases (2DEG) in semiconductor heterostructures. Key research directions include photon-assisted tunneling, Fermi-level engineering in CNT films via ionic liquid gating, and the integration of these materials into CMOS-compatible and flexible electronic systems for high-frequency sensing and imaging applications. The lab also explores the fundamental physics of THz wave-matter interactions, particularly in low-dimensional materials, to enable next-generation applications in quantum sensing, biomedical imaging, and wireless communications.
Professor Woo-Young Lee's research lab specializes in the development and tribological characterization of advanced carbon-based coatings, particularly diamond-like carbon (DLC) and tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C). The lab focuses on enhancing the wear resistance, friction reduction, and thermal stability of these coatings under varying environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric composition. Key research directions include optimizing deposition parameters—such as substrate bias and plasma energy—to control sp3/sp2 bonding ratios and improve coating performance. The lab also investigates transfer layer formation and environmental sensitivity to enable durable, high-performance coatings for automotive, aerospace, and precision engineering applications.
Professor Yoshifumi Ikoma's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of advanced semiconductor materials through innovative processing techniques. The lab focuses on severe plastic deformation, particularly high-pressure torsion (HPT), to induce phase transformations and nanostructuring in group IV semiconductors like silicon and germanium, as well as compound semiconductors such as GaAs. A key research direction involves controlling the formation of metastable phases (e.g., Si-III, Si-XII) and their reverse transformation upon annealing, which leads to unique optical properties such as broad photoluminescence. Additionally, the lab pioneers pulsed supersonic jet epitaxy for the growth of ultrathin, high-quality SiC and Si films, with a strong emphasis on interface control and heteroepitaxial integration for nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Professor Naoki Ikegaya's research lab specializes in indoor air flow dynamics and ventilation efficiency, focusing on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to optimize natural ventilation in urban building clusters. The lab investigates how building geometry, opening positions, and airflow patterns influence cross-ventilation rates and pollutant dispersion. Key contributions include the rigorous mathematical formulation of net escape velocity and probability, enabling precise prediction of scalar transport in indoor environments. The lab's work bridges fluid mechanics and environmental engineering for healthier and more energy-efficient indoor spaces.
Professor Zhenying Wang's research lab specializes in the fundamental mechanisms of multiphase flows and interfacial phenomena in evaporating and spreading droplets, with a focus on multicomponent and volatile liquid systems. The lab investigates the complex interplay between capillary flow, evaporation-induced Marangoni convection, thermal gradients, and non-equilibrium heat and mass transfer at the three-phase contact line. Their work combines advanced mathematical modeling, infrared thermography, and experimental validation to uncover the underlying physics in applications ranging from liquid desiccant dehumidification to microfluidics and thermal management.
Professor Fei Jiang's research lab specializes in computational geofluids and porous media physics, focusing on multiphase flow, CO₂ sequestration, and enhanced oil recovery in complex geological systems. The lab employs advanced numerical methods such as the lattice Boltzmann method and persistent homology to model pore-scale fluid dynamics, permeability evolution, and capillary trapping mechanisms in sandstone and carbonate rocks. A key strength lies in integrating high-resolution micro-CT imaging with machine learning and numerical simulation to predict macro-scale rock properties from limited-resolution data.
Professor Megumi Funakoshi-Tago's research lab focuses on signal transduction pathways in hematopoietic and metabolic diseases, with a central emphasis on Janus kinases (JAKs), particularly JAK2, and their roles in oncogenesis and immune regulation. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying cytokine receptor signaling, including the erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) and STAT5 activation, as well as the involvement of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in NF-κB and inflammatory responses. Additionally, the lab explores the bioactive components of coffee and their anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects, identifying pyrocatechol as a key anti-inflammatory compound derived from chlorogenic acid during roasting. These studies integrate molecular oncology, immunology, and metabolic regulation to uncover therapeutic targets for hematopoietic disorders and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Professor Michio Suzuki's research lab focuses on the molecular and structural biology of biomineralization, particularly in molluscan shells. The lab investigates the roles of organic matrix proteins and chitin in the formation of calcium carbonate-based biominerals, with a strong emphasis on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying shell biogenesis in species such as the Japanese pearl oyster and blue mussel. Key research directions include the identification and characterization of novel matrix proteins (e.g., Prismalin-14, BMSP100), the localization and function of chitin in prismatic and nacreous layers, and the application of advanced analytical techniques such as MS, NMR, and immunohistochemistry to elucidate biomineralization pathways. The lab also explores the evolutionary and functional conservation of biomineralization proteins across mollusk species.
Professor Jingwei Zhang's research lab specializes in mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of complex systems, with a focus on stochastic processes, reaction-diffusion dynamics, and computational mechanics. The lab develops advanced numerical methods—such as the numerical manifold method and weighted residual techniques—for solving partial differential equations in engineering and biological systems. It also investigates the dynamics of gene regulatory networks, protein-protein interactions, and population models with time delays, emphasizing the solution of high-dimensional problems like the chemical master equation. The lab combines theoretical analysis with high-performance computing to address challenges such as the 'curse of dimensionality' and wave propagation in structured systems.
Professor Yoshio Inoue's research lab specializes in remote sensing and ecological monitoring with a focus on advancing precision agriculture and environmental sustainability. The lab investigates spectral reflectance, chlorophyll content, and plant physiological responses using hyperspectral and multispectral data across diverse crop species and environmental conditions. Key research directions include developing robust remote sensing algorithms for crop health assessment, linking vegetation indices to biophysical variables like fAPAR and photosynthetic efficiency, and enabling scalable, non-destructive monitoring for sustainable land management.
Professor Asuman Çelik Küçük’s research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of functional silsesquioxane-based materials, particularly focusing on their applications in energy storage and electrochemical systems. The lab explores advanced electrolytes—especially fluoride-ion conducting systems—using innovative molecular architectures such as double-decker POSS, phosphonic acid-functionalized silsesquioxanes, and core-corona amphiphiles to enhance ion transport, stability, and interfacial properties. Key research directions include fluoride shuttle batteries, proton and lithium-ion conductive materials, and the integration of transition metal complexes into polyhedral frameworks for optoelectrochemical applications.
Professor Masahiro Shiokawa's research lab focuses on the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD), with a particular emphasis on identifying autoantigens such as laminin 511-E8 and understanding the pathogenic roles of IgG subtypes. The lab also investigates the links between autoimmune disorders and cancer, exploring AIP as a potential paraneoplastic syndrome, and examines the role of key molecules like PARP-1 in tumorigenesis and stem cell differentiation. Their work bridges autoimmunity, cancer biology, and molecular immunology, aiming to uncover novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Professor Yuji Goto's research lab specializes in the structural and dynamic characterization of proteins under non-native conditions, with a focus on acid-induced folding transitions, molten globule states, and the role of solvent effects such as ionic strength and cosolvents. The lab employs a range of biophysical techniques—including circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR, and light scattering—to investigate protein folding mechanisms, stability, and conformational transitions. A key research direction involves understanding how anions and alcohols like TFE and HFIP modulate protein structure, particularly in the context of stabilizing secondary structures in unfolded states. The lab also explores the synthesis and characterization of novel nanomaterials, such as nickel-based nanocrystals, through thermal decomposition and advanced spectroscopic methods.
Professor Ken Onda's research lab specializes in ultrafast dynamics and electronic structure characterization at heterogeneous interfaces, with a focus on photoinduced electron transfer processes in metal oxide–water systems and molecular photocatalysts. The lab combines time-resolved spectroscopy techniques—particularly time-resolved two-photon photoemission and transient infrared spectroscopy—with advanced electronic structure theory to probe transient electronic states, such as wet-electrons and triplet metal-centered states, in complex materials. Key research directions include the design and mechanistic understanding of supramolecular photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction and the role of defects and adsorbates in modulating surface electronic properties of semiconductors.
