Explore research labs at leading universities worldwide — research fields and key papers at a glance.
Professor Hiroshi Umakoshi's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of advanced lipid-based nanocarriers and biomimetic systems for biomedical and biotechnological applications. The lab focuses on nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), liposomes, and aqueous two-phase systems, with an emphasis on understanding their physicochemical properties, membrane dynamics, and applications in drug delivery and protein recovery. Key research directions include the design of multifunctional liposomes with enzymatic activities, controlled protein translocation across membranes, and the use of ionic liquids and polymers to enhance separation and productivity in bioprocessing.
Professor K. Nakajima's research lab specializes in nanomechanical characterization of soft materials, particularly polymers and biological systems, using advanced atomic force microscopy techniques. The lab focuses on quantitative mapping of mechanical properties such as elastic modulus, adhesion energy, and viscoelastic behavior at the nanoscale, with an emphasis on overcoming limitations of classical contact mechanics models. A key research direction involves developing and applying nano-palpation and force-volume methods to study complex polymeric and biological materials. The lab also explores biomarker discovery in cancer, exemplified by work on Cystatin SN as a potential tumor marker for colorectal cancer.
Professor Noriaki Watanabe's research lab specializes in rock mechanics and fluid flow in fractured geological systems, with a focus on understanding fracture formation, permeability evolution, and multiphase flow under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. The lab investigates hydraulic fracturing, chemical stimulation, and fluid-rock interactions in granitic rocks, particularly in the context of enhanced geothermal systems and superhot geothermal energy. Key research directions include fracture network development, permeability enhancement, and the role of temperature, stress, and fluid chemistry in controlling fluid flow and rock failure.
Professor Yoshiki Katayama's research lab specializes in the design and development of stimuli-responsive polymers and molecular probes for biomedical applications, particularly in signal transduction monitoring and artificial gene regulation. The lab focuses on creating smart biomaterials that respond to specific cellular enzymes—such as protein kinase A, caspase-3, and PKC isoforms—through controlled conformational changes or disassembly. These systems enable real-time detection of enzymatic activity and precise control of gene expression, with applications in cancer diagnostics and targeted therapy. The lab also pioneers novel fluorescence probes using unique mechanisms like spin exchange for detecting biologically important molecules such as nitric oxide.
Professor Yohei Mikami's research lab focuses on the immunological mechanisms underlying inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with a particular emphasis on the neuro-immune interactions, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), and T cell plasticity in gut inflammation. The lab investigates the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway mediated by the vagus nerve, the role of ILC3 subsets in barrier immunity and inflammation, and the dynamic regulation of Th1 and Th17 cells at inflammatory sites. Using translational mouse models and multi-omics approaches, the lab aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets for IBD and related immune disorders.
Professor Nam-Young Kim's research lab specializes in the development of advanced biosensors and electronic skins that integrate flexible electronics, radiofrequency (RF) resonators, and machine learning for real-time, label-free detection of biological analytes and tactile sensing. The lab focuses on creating miniaturized, reusable, and highly sensitive devices—such as RF biosensors on gallium arsenide substrates and micropyramid-based e-skins—enabling applications in point-of-care diagnostics, wearable health monitoring, and intelligent human-machine interaction. By combining materials science, microfabrication (e.g., IPD technology), and neuromorphic computing concepts, the lab pioneers systems that emulate human perception through integrated sensing, learning, and memory functions. Their work spans from molecular-level functionalization (e.g., graphene oxide and antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 detection) to system-level integration using FPGA platforms and memristors for intelligent perception.
Professor Seung Min Han's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and mechanical characterization of advanced nanomaterials with a focus on flexible and functional materials for next-generation optoelectronic and energy applications. Key research directions include the development of mechanically robust transparent conductors, polymer nanocomposites with 3D continuous inorganic reinforcements, and metal-organic frameworks for carbon capture. The lab employs in situ mechanical testing and advanced microscopy to understand size-dependent deformation mechanisms, such as twinning and dislocation dynamics, in nanoscale materials.
Professor Gangaraju Manogna Karthik's research lab specializes in advanced manufacturing and surface engineering, focusing on enhancing the mechanical and functional properties of metallic materials through innovative processing techniques. The lab investigates additive manufacturing (particularly laser powder bed fusion), post-processing treatments like annealing and ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification, and solid-state coating methods such as friction surfacing and plasma transferred arc cladding. Key research directions include microstructural tailoring, wear and corrosion resistance, and the development of gradient and high-performance coatings for industrial applications in aerospace, energy, and defense.
Professor Masahiro Hashizume's research lab specializes in environmental health epidemiology, focusing on the impacts of climate variability and extreme weather events—such as floods and temperature fluctuations—on infectious diseases and public health outcomes. The lab investigates the complex interplay between meteorological factors, water and sanitation conditions, and disease incidence, particularly diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections in vulnerable populations. Using advanced time-series and statistical modeling techniques, the lab aims to disentangle climate effects from other confounding factors to inform targeted public health interventions.
Professor Kaori Muto's research lab focuses on public health behavior during crises, particularly examining how individuals respond to government recommendations in the absence of mandatory regulations, as seen in her studies on COVID-19 precautionary behaviors in Japan. The lab also investigates social and ethical issues in genetics, especially genetic discrimination, through large-scale surveys to assess public attitudes and policy gaps. Her work bridges behavioral science, public policy, and bioethics, emphasizing societal responses to emerging health challenges and the implementation of ethical principles in law and practice. The lab employs survey-based, micro-level data analysis to inform evidence-based policy recommendations.
Professor Kazuma Sakoda's research lab focuses on plant photosynthesis and stress responses, particularly under dynamic environmental conditions such as fluctuating light and drought. The lab investigates the physiological and molecular mechanisms regulating stomatal conductance, mesophyll conductance, and Rubisco activity to improve carbon assimilation and water use efficiency in crops. Key research directions include genetic manipulation of stomatal development and photosynthetic enzyme function to enhance biomass production and stress resilience in model plants and major crops like rice, soybean, and tobacco.
Professor Michinori Suginome's research lab specializes in transition-metal-catalyzed organic transformations, with a focus on the development of novel silicon- and boron-based reagents and their application in complex molecule synthesis. The lab pioneers regio- and stereoselective reactions such as silaboration, alkynylboration, and cyanoboration of alkynes, enabling efficient access to stereodefined alkenylsilanes and conjugated enynes. A key direction involves the use of palladium and nickel catalysts to construct valuable heteroatom- and carbon-substituted alkyne derivatives with high precision. The group also develops new organoboron and organosilicon building blocks for use in cross-coupling and cascade reactions.
Professor Takashi Asawa's research lab focuses on urban environmental sustainability, particularly the mitigation of urban heat islands (UHI) and the enhancement of energy efficiency in built environments. The lab investigates microclimate regulation through urban vegetation, passive cooling strategies, and building design, integrating field measurements, lysimeter experiments, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. Key research directions include urban tree water balance, antimicrobial resistance in animal pathogens, and bibliometric analysis of sustainable building technologies. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining environmental science, urban planning, and engineering to develop practical solutions for climate-resilient cities.
Professor Yoshihiko Matsui's research lab specializes in environmental engineering, with a focus on water treatment technologies and the removal of contaminants from water. Key research directions include the coagulation and adsorption processes for micro-pollutants such as viruses, pesticides, and synthetic organic chemicals, particularly in the presence of natural organic matter. The lab investigates advanced materials like granular activated carbon and polyaluminum chloride (PACl) to optimize removal efficiency and understand underlying mechanisms at the molecular and colloidal levels. Their work also extends to innovative applications such as plasma-based fuel reformation for sustainable energy conversion.
Professor Tomonori Okamura's research lab focuses on cardiovascular and renal physiology, particularly the role of the renin-angiotensin system in hypertension and vascular function. The lab investigates hormonal and enzymatic mechanisms underlying hypertension using animal models, such as the two-kidney, one-clip hypertensive rat, with a special emphasis on renin activity and angiotensin-converting enzyme dynamics in plasma and vascular tissues. The research also extends to epidemiological aspects of cardiovascular risk factors, including hypercholesterolemia, particularly in Japanese populations. The lab aims to bridge experimental pathophysiology with clinical cardiovascular prevention strategies.
Professor Keum Taek Hwang's research lab specializes in the isolation, characterization, and application of bioactive compounds from underutilized agricultural by-products, with a focus on natural antioxidants, polyphenols, and functional lipids. The lab investigates the chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory properties of compounds such as ellagitannins, urolithins, and policosanols derived from sources like black raspberry seeds and grain sorghum. Key research directions include improving the stability and industrial application of natural waxes and oils, as well as exploring their health-promoting effects in cancer prevention and oxidative stress mitigation. The lab also emphasizes sustainable utilization of food processing waste streams for high-value nutraceutical and functional food applications.
Professor Heejung Kim's research lab focuses on interdisciplinary studies at the intersection of cultural psychology, healthcare innovation, and electrical engineering. The lab explores cultural differences in values such as uniqueness and conformity, with applications in mental health assessment and community-based interventions for older adults. It also investigates advanced power electronics, particularly in reducing common-mode voltage in neutral-point-clamped inverters for more efficient and reliable motor drives. The lab emphasizes practical applications through machine learning, sensor-based monitoring, and patient-centered care strategies.
Professor Jii Bum Lee's research lab focuses on translational cancer immunology, with a central emphasis on immune checkpoint pathways and their role in tumor immune evasion. The lab investigates novel immune targets such as LAG-3, TIGIT, and the PVR pathway in solid tumors, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. It also explores the impact of microbiome components like *Fusobacterium nucleatum* on cancer progression and treatment response. Additionally, the lab is involved in clinical development of targeted therapies, including AKT inhibitors like TAS-117, for patients with advanced cancers harboring PI3K/Akt pathway mutations.
Professor Chan-Young Jung's research lab focuses on renal and metabolic diseases, with a strong emphasis on kidney function decline in chronic conditions such as diabetes, cirrhosis, and viral infections like COVID-19. The lab investigates novel biomarkers—such as creatinine-cystatin C ratios and inflammatory/vasoconstrictive pathways—for improved risk prediction and early diagnosis. It also explores the impact of comorbidities like obesity and systemic inflammation on disease progression, particularly in critical illness settings. The lab integrates clinical epidemiology with translational research to refine diagnostic criteria and optimize patient outcomes.
Professor Ki Kang Kim's research lab specializes in the synthesis, characterization, and application of two-dimensional materials, with a strong focus on hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and graphene-based nanomaterials. The lab investigates low-pressure and atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques to grow large-area, high-quality h-BN films with precise control over thickness and morphology, enabling their use in van der Waals heterostructures and 2D electronics. Additionally, the lab explores chemical doping strategies—particularly p-type doping using compounds like AuCl₃—to enhance the electrical properties of graphene and carbon nanotubes, significantly reducing sheet resistance and tuning work functions. The research integrates advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to probe electronic and optical behaviors at the nanoscale.
