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 Fumitake Takahashi's research lab focuses on environmental health and sustainable energy systems, with a strong emphasis on understanding the impact of pollutants—particularly mercury—on human health and ecosystems. The lab investigates atmospheric emissions from waste combustion, especially speciated mercury, and develops advanced monitoring and modeling techniques to reduce uncertainty in emission estimates. Additionally, the lab explores biomass resources such as crop residues and animal dung for bioenergy potential, using probabilistic modeling to quantify availability and energy yield under uncertainty. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge environmental science, public health, and renewable energy technologies.
Professor Surya Velappa Jayaraman's research lab specializes in computational materials science with a focus on designing advanced nanomaterials for environmental and biomedical sensing applications. The lab investigates two-dimensional MXenes, graphene-based nanomaterials, and functionalized ionic liquids to understand their electronic, structural, and solvation properties at the atomic level. Key research directions include the development of highly sensitive volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors, hydrogen storage materials, and task-specific ionic liquids for selective molecular recognition. The lab employs first-principles density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics simulations to guide experimental design and predict material behavior under real-world conditions.
Professor Hiroki Kaneko's research lab focuses on retinal diseases, particularly the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying retinal degeneration in conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and age-related macular degeneration. The lab investigates the roles of oxidative stress, inflammation, neurotrophic factors like BDNF, and microRNAs in retinal cell damage and repair. A key focus is on the pathogenesis of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell dysfunction, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and oxidative injury induced by environmental stressors such as blue light and high glucose. The lab also explores protective pathways, such as the Nrf2 antioxidant system, and the therapeutic potential of n-3 fatty acids and neurotrophic factors.
Professor Tomohiro Nakao's research lab focuses on the neurobiological underpinnings of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with a particular emphasis on brain network dysfunctions, structural and functional neuroimaging, and their relationships to cognitive control and symptom progression. The lab investigates how abnormalities in key brain regions—such as the pre-SMA, IFG, dorsal caudate, and salience network—contribute to impaired response inhibition and cognitive flexibility in OCD. Longitudinal and resting-state fMRI studies are central to understanding disease progression and the impact of pharmacological and psychological interventions.
Professor Masatomo Fujiwara's research lab specializes in atmospheric chemistry and climate science, focusing on the long-term monitoring and analysis of stratospheric and tropospheric ozone and water vapor. The lab develops and maintains high-quality, homogenized satellite data products such as the SWOOSH database, which enables consistent intercomparison of atmospheric composition across decades. Their work emphasizes understanding atmospheric variability, transport processes, and the impacts of natural and anthropogenic events—such as forest fires—on atmospheric composition. The lab also contributes significantly to the evaluation and improvement of global reanalysis datasets used in climate research.
Professor Takahiro Matsuda's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced functional soft materials, with a primary focus on self-growing and mechanically tough hydrogels and elastomers. The lab explores mechanochemical transduction mechanisms, particularly how mechanical stress induces chemical responses such as polymerization and structural reorganization, enabling materials to autonomously grow, heal, or strengthen. A central theme is understanding and engineering energy dissipation at the nanoscale during fracture, using innovative techniques like mechanoradical polymerization and in situ visualization to probe damage zones in double-network hydrogels. The lab also investigates interfacial bonding in advanced electronic materials, particularly through low-temperature sinter bonding of wide-bandgap semiconductors like SiC with metals.
Professor Susumu Cato's research lab specializes in industrial organization, public economics, and environmental economics, with a focus on mixed markets, privatization policies, and the role of public enterprises in economic stability and efficiency. The lab investigates strategic interactions between public and private firms, particularly in the context of market openness, environmental externalities, and long-run welfare implications. It also explores the impact of information dynamics—such as infodemics—on collective behaviors like social distancing during crises. The research integrates game-theoretic models with real-world policy challenges, emphasizing dynamic trade-offs between efficiency, stability, and sustainability.
Professor Takafumi Hirata's research lab specializes in advanced mass spectrometry techniques for high-precision isotope and elemental analysis of geological and environmental materials. The lab focuses on developing innovative methods to correct for instrumental fractionation and interferences in multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) and laser ablation-ICP-MS. Key research directions include improving isotopic measurement precision through novel calibration strategies, optimizing ablation techniques for stable signal acquisition, and minimizing spectral interferences—particularly in the analysis of U-Pb geochronology and trace elements in zircons. The lab also pioneers the use of specialized hardware, such as Hg-trap devices and controlled laser ablation protocols, to enhance data accuracy in challenging analytical conditions.
Professor Tomoko Takahashi's research lab specializes in the development and application of advanced laser-based spectroscopic techniques for in-situ chemical analysis, particularly in challenging environments such as deep-sea and aquatic systems. The lab focuses on optimizing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy for quantitative and non-contact detection of elemental and molecular compositions in complex matrices, including underwater solids and microplastics. Key research directions include correcting matrix and self-absorption effects in LIBS, enabling accurate composition analysis under high-pressure conditions, and integrating multiple optical methods for real-time, high-resolution monitoring of environmental pollutants.
Professor Kimihiko Hirao's research lab specializes in theoretical and computational quantum chemistry, with a focus on advanced electron correlation methods and electronic structure theory. The lab develops and applies multireference perturbation theories, such as multireference Møller-Plesset (MR-MP) methods, to accurately describe complex electronic states and potential energy surfaces in diatomic molecules like N₂. Another key direction involves the variational principles underlying self-consistent field (SCF) methods, particularly in deriving and validating correct orbital equations and coupling operators. The lab also explores photophysical phenomena in rare-earth-doped materials, including persistent spectral hole burning in rare-earth-doped glasses, which has implications for optical data storage and quantum memory technologies.
Professor Yukinori Matsuo's research lab specializes in radiation oncology, with a focus on advancing respiratory motion management in radiotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma, and multimodal treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer. The lab investigates the clinical efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of advanced radiotherapy techniques, particularly in challenging cases where surgery or ablation are not viable. It also emphasizes the psychological well-being of radiation oncologists, addressing burnout and mental health in radiation oncology professionals. The lab integrates clinical research with quality improvement initiatives to optimize patient care and professional sustainability.
Professor Yoshito Tobe's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and self-assembly of novel aromatic and macrocyclic compounds, with a focus on π-conjugated systems and supramolecular architectures. The lab explores the hierarchical organization of molecules into well-defined 2D and 3D nanostructures through non-covalent interactions such as π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces. Key research directions include the development of functional molecular materials for optoelectronic applications, understanding electronic delocalization in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and engineering dynamic, error-correcting supramolecular systems.
Professor Susumu Fujii's research lab specializes in computational materials science, focusing on the atomic-scale design and optimization of functional materials for energy and electronic applications. The lab employs advanced machine learning potentials, first-principles calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate thermal transport, ionic conductivity, and defect engineering in complex oxides, chalcogenides, and ceramic materials. Key research directions include understanding the role of grain boundaries and anion environments in controlling thermal and ionic transport, as well as developing predictive models for thermoelectric and solid-state electrolyte materials. The lab also contributes to next-generation optical network technologies through virtual grid architecture design, demonstrating interdisciplinary impact beyond materials science.
Professor Kohei Hamaya's research lab specializes in spintronics and magnetic materials for next-generation semiconductor-based devices, focusing on the epitaxial growth and characterization of Heusler compounds and ferromagnetic semiconductors on group-IV substrates such as Ge and Si. The lab investigates the control of magnetic and electronic properties through compositional tuning and structural ordering, aiming to achieve room-temperature ferromagnetism with high spin polarization. Key research directions include pure spin current generation and detection in lateral spin-valve devices, the interplay between Kondo physics and spin transport in quantum dots, and the development of high-efficiency spin injection interfaces using Heusler-based Schottky tunnel contacts.
Professor Takuya Matsumoto's research lab specializes in advanced functional materials and their applications in emerging technologies, with a focus on organic electrochemical devices, biomimetic tissue engineering, and quantum materials. The lab investigates stimuli-responsive materials such as sulfonated polyaniline for reservoir computing, develops 3D tissue models using mechanical strain to guide cell and matrix organization, and explores novel magnetic phenomena like nonreciprocal magnons in antiferromagnets. Their work bridges materials science, biophysics, and quantum physics, aiming to create smart materials for neuromorphic computing, regenerative medicine, and next-generation spintronics.
Professor Yoshinori Kanayama's research lab specializes in plant metabolism, with a primary focus on sugar metabolism, polyol biosynthesis, and the molecular regulation of fruit development in horticultural crops. The lab investigates key enzymes such as fructokinase and sorbitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (S6PDH), exploring their roles in sugar signaling, stress responses, and photosynthate transport. A central theme is understanding how environmental factors like temperature and abscisic acid regulate metabolic pathways in fruit trees, particularly in the Rosaceae family, with implications for fruit quality and yield. The lab also examines nitrogen fixation regulation in legumes, particularly the role of nitrite and leghemoglobin in nodules under nitrate stress.
Professor Takahiro Okumura's research lab focuses on advancing heart failure management, particularly in the context of aging populations and early-stage disease progression. The lab specializes in developing predictive tools—such as the LVRR predicting score—for identifying patients at risk of left ventricular reverse remodeling in dilated cardiomyopathy, aiming to improve clinical decision-making. A key research direction involves integrating palliative care principles into the early management of heart failure to reduce suffering and optimize outcomes, even in patients receiving active treatment. The lab also investigates risk stratification and end-of-life care strategies tailored to elderly populations in aging societies.
Professor Arata Kioka's research lab specializes in marine geosciences and environmental geochemistry, focusing on deep-sea processes, sediment dynamics, and fluid cycling in extreme environments such as hadal trenches and mud volcanoes. The lab investigates earthquake-triggered sediment remobilization, carbon sequestration in deep-ocean trenches, and the role of submarine mud volcanoes in methane release and subsurface fluid migration. Using high-resolution geophysical surveys, sediment core analysis, and innovative geochemical modeling, the lab explores the interplay between tectonic activity, climate change, and biogeochemical cycles in sensitive polar and oceanic regions.
Professor Makoto Kubo's research lab specializes in translational oncology with a focus on precision medicine and immunotherapy in breast cancer. The lab investigates biomarkers such as PD-L1 and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to understand their prognostic and predictive roles in triple-negative and hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. It also explores novel therapeutic strategies, including immune checkpoint modulation, adoptive T-cell therapy, and combination therapies using monoclonal antibodies and cytokine-activated lymphocytes to overcome treatment resistance. Additionally, the lab contributes to large-scale clinical registries, such as the Japanese Breast Cancer Society registry, to analyze population-level trends and improve clinical outcomes.
Professor Yuta Takano's research lab specializes in the synthesis, characterization, and application of endohedral metallofullerenes and functionalized nanomaterials. The lab focuses on developing novel covalent conjugates of metallofullerenes with redox-active organic molecules, such as tetrathiafulvalene derivatives and electron acceptors, to explore their unique electronic and electrochemical properties for optoelectronic and energy conversion applications. A key research direction involves the design of targeted delivery systems for photodynamic therapy using nanocarriers to enhance mitochondrial localization of photosensitizers. The lab also investigates the environmental fate and potential toxicity of semiconductor nanomaterials, particularly in relation to heavy metal ion release from degrading nanomaterials.
