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 Masaki Satoh's research lab specializes in high-resolution global atmospheric modeling, with a focus on non-hydrostatic and cloud-resolving models that simulate multiscale atmospheric processes with kilometer-scale accuracy. The lab pioneers the development of the Non-hydrostatic Icosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM), advancing global weather and climate simulations through conservative numerical schemes and advanced physical parameterizations. Their work emphasizes the representation of moist convection, cloud feedbacks, and radiative-convective equilibrium dynamics to improve climate sensitivity and predictability. The lab also engages in model intercomparisons and satellite data validation to enhance the realism and reliability of global atmospheric models.
Professor Ryo Yoshida's research lab specializes in stimuli-responsive polymers and smart materials, with a focus on self-oscillating gels and dynamic polymer systems. The lab pioneers the integration of chemical oscillations—particularly the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction—into polymer networks to create autonomous, rhythmically oscillating materials that mimic biological behaviors. Key research directions include the design of temperature- and redox-responsive hydrogels for controlled drug delivery, with an emphasis on 'on-off' regulation and pulsatile release profiles. The lab also explores the transduction of chemical energy into mechanical and optical responses in soft materials.
Professor Huijuan Jia's research lab focuses on the interplay between gut microbiota, host metabolism, and chronic inflammatory diseases, with a particular emphasis on the therapeutic potential of natural bioactive compounds such as eggshell membrane (ESM). The lab investigates how ESM modulates immune responses, lipid metabolism, and microbial homeostasis in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and cancer-related cachexia. Additionally, the lab explores plant molecular biology, especially the role of light-harvesting complex (Lhc) genes in peach stress responses and fruit quality, linking molecular mechanisms to agricultural applications. Overall, the lab integrates host-microbe interactions with translational health and plant biotechnology to develop sustainable interventions for human and plant health.
Professor Hirokazu Takahashi's research lab specializes in computational and systems neuroscience, focusing on the neural mechanisms underlying sensory processing, epileptic seizure dynamics, and intrinsic brain network computations. The lab employs advanced neurophysiological techniques—such as dense microelectrode arrays, optogenetic stimulation, and in vivo recordings—in combination with computational modeling and machine learning to decode complex neural dynamics in both animal models and living neuronal cultures. A central theme is leveraging the brain's intrinsic spatiotemporal patterns for applications in brain-machine interfaces and physical reservoir computing.
Professor Gouhei Tanaka's research lab specializes in the dynamics and robustness of complex networks, with a focus on nonlinear systems, synchronization phenomena, and computational models for biological and medical applications. The lab investigates spatiotemporal dynamics in coupled oscillator networks, reservoir computing for temporal data processing, and the development of advanced neural network architectures such as complex-valued multistate Hopfield networks. A central theme is understanding how network structure and component degradation affect dynamical robustness, with applications in systems biology and personalized medicine, including mathematical modeling of prostate cancer progression under hormone therapy.
Professor Kiyoshi Yasukawa's research lab specializes in molecular biology and biotechnology, with a focus on cytokine receptor biology and reverse transcriptase enzymology. The lab investigates the structure and function of interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R), particularly soluble IL-6R, using recombinant protein expression and immunoassay techniques. It also explores the biochemical properties of reverse transcriptases from retroviruses, emphasizing their thermal stability and activity modulation by nucleic acid templates. These studies contribute to the development of sensitive detection systems and tools for molecular diagnostics and gene expression analysis.
Professor Koichiro Hata's research lab focuses on advancing outcomes in liver transplantation and related immunological disorders, with a strong emphasis on ischemia/reperfusion injury, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), and post-transplant complications such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD). The lab develops innovative preclinical models—particularly in rodent systems—to study mechanisms of organ injury and rejection, and to evaluate novel protective strategies such as remote ischemic preconditioning and novel preservation solutions like Polysol. A key direction involves understanding the pathophysiology of steatotic liver grafts and metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes and obesity) that increase cancer risk, using translational models to identify early biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The lab also investigates the limitations of current immunosuppressive regimens, especially in ABO-incompatible and DSA-positive transplant settings, aiming to improve long-term graft survival through targeted interventions.
Professor Ken Shiozaki's research lab specializes in the theoretical classification and characterization of topological quantum phases in condensed matter systems, with a focus on crystalline insulators, superconductors, and symmetry-protected topological phases. The lab employs advanced mathematical frameworks such as twisted equivariant K-theory to classify topological invariants and understand the role of spatial symmetries—especially nonsymmorphic and order-two symmetries—in stabilizing topological states. A key direction involves developing nonlocal order parameters and topological invariants using operator formalism, including fermionic partial transpose and nonlocal measurements, to enable experimental and numerical detection of topological phases. The lab also investigates the interplay between topology, symmetry, and geometry in both gapped and gapless systems, including Weyl and Dirac semimetals.
Professor Itaru Osaka's research lab specializes in the molecular design and synthesis of advanced semiconducting polymers for organic electronics, with a focus on polythiophene-based materials. The lab explores structure-property relationships to optimize electrical and optoelectronic performance in applications such as organic field-effect transistors and bulk heterojunction solar cells. Key research directions include backbone engineering, side-chain functionalization, and controlling molecular orientation to enhance charge transport and device stability.
Professor Z. Yang's research lab specializes in experimental nuclear physics, with a focus on exotic and neutron-rich nuclei, cluster structures, and quantum many-body phenomena in atomic nuclei. The lab investigates nuclear clustering, halo structures, and collective excitations using advanced reaction techniques such as quasifree knockout, inelastic scattering, and inverse kinematics. Key research directions include the formation of α clusters and molecular-like states in light to medium-mass nuclei, the role of neutron skins in clustering, and the interplay between cluster formation and nuclear deformation or pairing correlations.
Professor Kishan Kumar Nyati's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, with a central emphasis on posttranscriptional gene regulation, particularly through RNA-binding proteins such as Arid5a. The lab investigates signaling pathways that control mRNA stability and immune response modulation, especially in the context of cytokine regulation (e.g., IL-6) and neuroinflammatory disorders like Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Key research directions include the role of host factors, cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and microbial triggers (e.g., *Campylobacter jejuni*) in disease pathogenesis and immune dysregulation. The lab integrates molecular immunology, post-transcriptional regulation, and translational research to identify novel therapeutic targets for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Professor S. Yamamoto's research lab specializes in organic and hybrid electronic materials, with a focus on optoelectronic devices such as polymer solar cells, organic field-effect transistors, and neuromorphic systems. The lab investigates charge carrier dynamics, energy level alignment, and device physics in bulk heterojunction systems using advanced spectroscopic techniques like transient absorption spectroscopy. A key research direction involves engineering the interface and morphology of organic semiconductors to enhance device performance, particularly in external quantum efficiency and long-term stability. The lab also explores the integration of ionic and electronic transport in organic electrochemical transistors for bio-inspired computing and neuromorphic applications.
Professor Takahiro Arima's research lab specializes in epigenetic regulation during early human development, with a focus on genomic imprinting, DNA methylation dynamics, and the epigenetic risks associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The lab employs advanced sequencing technologies—such as whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and transcriptome-wide allelic expression analysis—to investigate how environmental and clinical interventions, including ART and somatic cell nuclear transfer, disrupt epigenetic programming in gametes and embryos. A key research direction involves modeling human embryo implantation using 3D feto-maternal assembloids to dissect the molecular crosstalk between the embryo and endometrium. The lab also explores the functional consequences of imprinting loss in developmental disorders and cancer.
Professor Akiko Maruyama's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying sulfur homeostasis and signaling in plants, particularly in *Arabidopsis thaliana*. The lab investigates transcriptional regulation, hormone crosstalk (especially cytokinin and auxin), and the role of specific transcription factors and cis-acting elements in the response to sulfur deficiency. Key research directions include the identification of sulfur-responsive genes, the regulation of high-affinity sulfate transporters (SULTR1;1 and SULTR1;2), and the molecular basis of glucosinolate biosynthesis under sulfur limitation. The lab employs genetic, molecular, and cell biological approaches, including reporter gene systems and mutant analysis, to dissect nutrient sensing and signaling pathways in roots.
Professor Teruki Yanagi's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying rare genetic skin disorders and epithelial cancers, with a particular emphasis on ABCA12-related genodermatoses such as Harlequin ichthyosis and the roles of signaling proteins like TRIM29, PCTAIRE1, and tumor suppressors in cancer progression. The lab investigates disease pathogenesis using genetically engineered mouse models, functional genomics, and in vivo therapeutic approaches, including siRNA delivery via lipid nanoparticles. Key research directions include skin barrier dysfunction, epigenetic regulation in squamous cell carcinomas, and cell cycle control in cancer cells through centrosome dynamics and kinase signaling pathways.
Professor Ningqiang Zhang's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced single-atom and dual-atom catalysts for sustainable energy and environmental applications. The lab focuses on understanding the atomic-level mechanisms of heterogeneous catalysis, particularly in CO₂ reduction, water-gas shift reactions, and automotive exhaust treatment, using in situ/operando characterization and theoretical calculations. Key research directions include the rational engineering of metal–support interactions, surface reconstruction dynamics, and the development of highly efficient, atomically dispersed catalysts with maximal atom utilization and enhanced stability.
Professor Gracia Liu-Farrer's research lab focuses on transnational migration, particularly the intersection of international education, skilled labor mobility, and economic globalization. The lab investigates how student migration—especially Chinese students to Japan—serves as a conduit for both skilled and unskilled labor migration, shaping labor market dynamics and corporate strategies in host countries. Research also explores the social construction of skill, the role of institutional logics in enabling migration channels, and the emergence of immigrant occupational niches in globalized economies. The lab employs qualitative methods, including fieldwork, interviews, and discourse analysis, to examine migration policies, migration industries, and the socio-economic aspirations of migrant populations.
Professor Hatsumi Mori's research lab specializes in the synthesis, structural characterization, and electronic property analysis of organic conductors and superconductors, with a focus on BEDT-TTF-based salts. The lab investigates phase transitions, metal-insulator transitions, and superconductivity in these materials, particularly in θ-type and κ-type structures, using techniques such as X-ray crystallography, band structure calculations, and electrical transport measurements. The group also explores applications in power system analysis, including contingency screening and state estimation using advanced mathematical methods like the Tchebychev iteration and graph theory-based topological observability. Their work bridges fundamental materials science with practical engineering applications in energy and power systems.
Professor Sébastian Volz's research lab specializes in the fundamental understanding of heat transport at the nanoscale, with a focus on phonon dynamics, thermal transport in low-dimensional materials, and nanostructured composites. The lab employs advanced molecular dynamics simulations and nonequilibrium techniques to investigate thermal conductivity in silicon nanowires, graphene phononic crystals, carbon nanotube composites, and nanomembranes, aiming to uncover the role of coherent phonons, boundary scattering, and surface effects. A key research direction involves engineering thermal properties through nanoarchitecture, such as optimizing thermal contact resistance and leveraging surface phonon-polaritons for enhanced heat dissipation in next-generation microelectronics. The lab also explores the breakdown of classical Fourier heat conduction and the validity of generalized heat transport laws in nanosystems.
Professor Joel H. Nitta's research lab specializes in plant evolutionary biology, with a focus on ferns and lycophytes. The lab integrates molecular phylogenetics, integrative taxonomy, and ecological community ecology to study the evolutionary diversification, life cycle transitions, and ecological roles of ferns. A central theme is the use of DNA barcoding and next-generation sequencing to resolve species boundaries, understand reproductive modes, and track community dynamics across life stages—particularly the often-overlooked gametophyte generation. The lab also investigates how major ecological shifts, such as the rise of angiosperm forests, influenced fern evolution and adaptation, especially in epiphytic lineages.
