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 Yosuke Imamura's research lab specializes in theoretical high-energy physics, focusing on supersymmetric gauge theories, holography, and their gravity duals. The group investigates the structure of moduli spaces, partition functions, and superconformal indices in diverse dimensions—particularly in 3D and 6D—using advanced techniques such as brane engineering, dimensional reduction, and topological field theory. A central theme is the interplay between quantum field theories and M-theory or type IIB string theory dualities, especially in the context of quiver gauge theories, fractional brane charges, and M2/M5-brane configurations.
Professor Hitoshi Takamura's research lab specializes in computational materials science with a focus on proton conductors for solid oxide fuel cells. The lab investigates the atomic-scale mechanisms governing hydration behavior and proton transport in complex oxide materials, particularly Sc-doped BaZrO3, using advanced density functional theory calculations. Key research directions include understanding the correlation between local atomic structures, oxygen vacancies, and proton incorporation, as well as optimizing hydration energy and proton mobility for improved electrolyte performance. The lab aims to guide the rational design of high-performance oxide electrolytes for clean energy applications.
Professor Keito Okazaki's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional dysregulation in cancer, with a central emphasis on the KEAP1-NRF2 signaling pathway. The lab investigates how persistent activation of the transcription factor NRF2 contributes to tumorigenesis, therapeutic resistance, and metabolic reprogramming in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly through the formation of aberrant enhancers and cooperation with transcription factors like CEBPB. A key direction involves deciphering the context-dependent functions of transcription factors in cancer progression, especially in the tumor microenvironment and in disease subtypes with overlapping pathological features. The lab also explores rare renal disorders linked to monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition, highlighting the intersection of cancer biology and renal pathology.
Professor Daigo Takemoto's research lab focuses on plant-microbe interactions, particularly the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying plant immune responses and symbiotic relationships. The lab investigates cytoskeletal dynamics, reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, and subcellular trafficking during pathogen attack and mutualistic colonization. Key research directions include the role of the plant and fungal cytoskeleton in defense and symbiosis, the regulation of NADPH oxidase complexes in ROS production, and the subcellular targeting of disease resistance proteins. These studies integrate cell biology, live imaging, and molecular genetics to uncover fundamental mechanisms of plant immunity and microbial symbiosis.
Professor Teruki Nii's research lab specializes in developing advanced biomaterial-based 3D in vitro models to mimic the tumor microenvironment for cancer research and regenerative medicine. The lab focuses on engineering functional hydrogels—particularly gelatin hydrogel microspheres—for controlled drug delivery and to study cell-cell interactions in cancer progression, such as those involving cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). By integrating sustained-release systems with live cell aggregates, the lab creates physiologically relevant models that enhance drug screening accuracy and reveal mechanisms of cancer invasion and metastasis. Their work bridges the gap between in vitro experiments and in vivo conditions, aiming to improve preclinical drug evaluation and regenerative therapies.
Professor Pengzhan Zhao's research lab specializes in formal methods and static analysis for quantum software, focusing on identifying and mitigating common programming errors in quantum programming languages like Qiskit. The lab develops practical tools and benchmarks—such as QChecker and Bugs4Q—to enhance the reliability, correctness, and testability of quantum programs through systematic static analysis and reproducible empirical evaluation. Their work bridges the gap between theoretical quantum computing and practical software engineering, aiming to support the growing need for robust quantum software development. The lab also emphasizes the creation of real-world benchmarks and reusable frameworks for evaluating debugging and testing tools in quantum computing.
Professor Masaru Kato's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with a central emphasis on autophagy, citrullination, and cytokine signaling. The lab investigates how dysregulated autophagy and post-translational modifications like citrullination contribute to autoimmunity and chronic inflammation in synovial fibroblasts. Additionally, the lab explores the impact of targeted therapies—such as JAK inhibitors—on immune regulation and infection risk, including viral reactivation. The integration of cellular stress responses, mitochondrial function, and immune cell activation defines the lab’s interdisciplinary approach to understanding and treating autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
Professor Sato Honma's research lab focuses on the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythms in mammals, with a particular emphasis on the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) as the master circadian pacemaker. The lab investigates how cellular circadian clocks in the SCN synchronize through neuropeptides like VIP and AVP, and how these signals regulate tissue-level rhythms, especially under genetic or developmental perturbations. Using advanced techniques such as bioluminescence imaging of clock gene expression and behavioral monitoring, the lab explores the effects of environmental cues—like light and exercise—on circadian phase shifts and physiological outputs. Their work bridges molecular clockwork with systems-level regulation of behavior, sleep, and metabolism.
Professor Naoki Shikazono's research lab specializes in computational materials science and energy conversion systems, with a focus on multi-scale modeling of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The lab employs advanced numerical methods such as the lattice Boltzmann method to simulate complex transport phenomena—electronic, ionic, and gaseous—within three-dimensional microstructures reconstructed from FIB-SEM imaging. Key research directions include understanding electrochemical reaction mechanisms at the three-phase boundary, optimizing anode performance through microstructure design, and investigating the effects of operational parameters like steam partial pressure and domain size on overpotential. The lab bridges experimental microstructure data with predictive simulations to advance next-generation energy materials.
Professor Hiroshi Masai's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of functional molecular materials for advanced electronic and optoelectronic applications. The lab focuses on insulated molecular wires, metallopolymers, and supramolecular architectures—particularly those incorporating transition metals like Ru(II) and Pt(II)—to achieve enhanced charge transport, phosphorescence, and stimuli-responsive behavior. Key research directions include the development of self-assembled, macrocycle-protected conjugated systems, rotaxane-based molecular machines, and stimuli-responsive polymers with tunable optical and electronic properties.
Professor Tatsuaki Okada's research lab specializes in planetary science and remote sensing, focusing on the in-situ and remote analysis of planetary bodies using spaceborne instruments. The lab is particularly active in developing and utilizing X-ray and thermal infrared spectrometers to investigate the composition, mineralogy, and thermo-physical properties of asteroids, especially C-type and S-type bodies. Key missions include Hayabusa and Hayabusa2, where the lab has contributed to understanding the surface characteristics and potential origins of primitive bodies in the inner asteroid belt. The research also emphasizes instrument innovation for deep-space exploration and planetary defense applications.
Professor Yoichiro Kato's research lab focuses on improving rice productivity and resilience under water-limited and flooded conditions, with a strong emphasis on water-use efficiency, stress tolerance, and physiological mechanisms underlying yield stability. The lab investigates aerobic rice cultivation, submergence tolerance, and the role of root architecture and water relations in enhancing crop performance under variable water regimes. Key research directions include the genetic and physiological basis of spikelet fertility, drought and flooding stress responses, and the development of resilient rice varieties for sustainable agriculture in diverse climates.
Professor Heng Yi Teah's research lab specializes in sustainable materials and environmental systems, focusing on the development of eco-friendly materials such as high-entropy alloys and silver nanoparticles, alongside life cycle assessment and sustainability evaluation of industrial and agricultural systems. The lab integrates environmental science, materials engineering, and social sustainability to address critical challenges in resource recovery, circular economy, and climate resilience. Key research directions include green synthesis of nanomaterials, life cycle assessment (LCA) and social life cycle assessment (SLCA), and participatory sustainability frameworks for agriculture and university campuses.
Professor Atsuo Yamada's research lab specializes in gastrointestinal endoscopy and artificial intelligence, focusing on improving the diagnosis and management of lower and upper gastrointestinal bleeding using capsule endoscopy and advanced imaging technologies. The lab develops and validates deep learning-based systems to detect critical findings such as colonic diverticular hemorrhage, blood content, and colorectal neoplasms with high accuracy and efficiency. Their work emphasizes clinical applicability, integrating AI tools into real-world endoscopic workflows while considering the expertise level of endoscopists. The lab also conducts randomized controlled trials to evaluate optimal timing and strategies in gastrointestinal bleeding management.
Professor Aiko Fukazawa's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel π-conjugated materials with tailored electronic and optical properties. The lab focuses on constructing rigid, ladder-type polycyclic architectures using main-group elements—such as B, P, Si, and B— as bridging units to modulate electronic structures, enhance planarity, and improve solid-state packing. Key research directions include the development of emissive and charge-transporting materials for organic electronics, with an emphasis on fluorescence, redox activity, and extended conjugation. The lab also investigates the reactivity and stability of organoboron and organophosphorus compounds, providing fundamental insights into their chemical behavior and applications in functional materials.
Professor Fumiyoshi Yamashita's research lab focuses on environmental toxicology and drug metabolism, with a particular emphasis on the long-term health effects of environmental pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The lab investigates the mechanisms underlying fetal exposure to toxins, including the clinical and metabolic consequences of prenatal PCB exposure, as seen in the fetal PCB syndrome. Additionally, the lab contributes to pharmaceutical sciences by developing in silico models to predict ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties and drug-drug interactions, especially those involving cytochrome P450 enzymes like CYP3A4. Their work bridges environmental health and drug development, aiming to reduce late-stage drug failure and understand developmental toxicity from environmental exposures.
Professor Osamu Takeuchi's research lab focuses on innate immunity, particularly the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogen recognition by Toll-like receptors (TLRs). The lab investigates how TLRs, especially TLR2, TLR1, and TLR6, detect microbial components such as lipoproteins and lipopeptides to initiate immune responses. Key research directions include the structural and functional characterization of TLR heterodimers in sensing bacterial ligands and their roles in cytokine production and host defense. The lab also explores the downstream signaling pathways involving adaptors like MyD88 in mediating inflammatory and antiviral responses.
Professor Katsuyuki Shizu's research lab specializes in the theoretical and computational design of advanced organic semiconductors for optoelectronic applications, with a primary focus on thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters. The lab employs quantum-chemistry calculations—particularly density functional theory and equation-of-motion coupled-cluster methods—to understand and predict the photophysical properties of TADF materials, including radiative and nonradiative decay rates, excited-state dynamics, and electronic wave function overlaps. A key research direction involves developing purely organic, metal-free emitters with high quantum yields and narrow emission spectra for use in efficient, cost-effective organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), particularly for sky-blue and green emission. The lab also investigates the fundamental mechanisms of multiple resonance (MR)-TADF systems to resolve controversies in their emission behavior and guide molecular engineering.
Professor Yasuhito Nannya's research lab specializes in the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying myeloid neoplasms, with a focus on copy number alterations, somatic and germline mutations, and their clinical implications in diseases such as myelodysplastic syndromes and late-onset myeloid neoplasms. The lab employs high-throughput genomic technologies, including high-density oligonucleotide microarrays and targeted-capture sequencing, to dissect the genomic landscape of hematologic malignancies and improve risk stratification and treatment outcomes in allogeneic stem cell transplantation. A central theme is the identification of germline predisposition genes—particularly DDX41—and their role in familial and sporadic myeloid neoplasms.
Professor Masayoshi Tonouchi's research lab specializes in ultrafast terahertz science and technology, focusing on the generation, manipulation, and application of terahertz radiation in advanced quantum materials. Key research directions include ultrafast dynamics in high-temperature superconductors, multiferroics, and strongly correlated oxides, with an emphasis on understanding light-induced phenomena such as supercurrent modulation, ferroelectric switching, and vortex dynamics. The lab develops cutting-edge time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy and imaging techniques to visualize and characterize nanoscale current distributions and transient electronic responses on femtosecond to picosecond timescales.
