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 Michael Hirscher's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of advanced porous materials for hydrogen storage and isotope separation. The lab focuses on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and carbon nanostructures, aiming to achieve high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen capacities at both cryogenic and ambient temperatures. A key research direction involves exploiting quantum sieving effects in nanoporous materials to enable efficient separation of hydrogen isotopes, particularly for nuclear fusion applications. The lab combines materials synthesis, advanced characterization techniques, and theoretical modeling to design materials with optimized porosity, surface chemistry, and structural flexibility.
Professor Makoto Matsuoka's research lab focuses on plant hormone signaling, particularly gibberellin (GA) and brassinosteroid (BR) pathways, in monocot crops such as rice. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying hormone-regulated growth and development, with a strong emphasis on the ubiquitin-proteasome system, including F-box proteins like GID2 that target key transcriptional repressors for degradation. Their work also explores post-transcriptional regulation via microRNAs, such as miR159, in hormone signaling and developmental processes. The lab's research contributes to understanding the evolution and engineering of C4 photosynthesis in C3 crops for improved agricultural productivity.
Professor Hiroshi Kiyama's research lab focuses on neuroimmunology and glial cell biology, particularly the roles of microglia and astrocytes in central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis, injury response, and neurodegenerative diseases. The lab investigates microglial activation mechanisms, phagocytic functions, and their contributions to neuropathic pain and neural circuit remodeling. Using advanced molecular and imaging techniques, including in situ hybridization and electron microscopy, the lab explores the dynamic interactions between glial cells and neurons in health and disease. A key focus is identifying cell-specific markers and signaling pathways that regulate microglial responses for potential therapeutic targeting.
Professor Shigeru Hamada's research lab specializes in power electronics, with a primary focus on soft-switching DC-DC converter topologies for high-efficiency power conversion. The lab develops innovative converter designs using saturable reactors and phase-shift modulation to achieve zero-voltage and zero-current switching across a wide load range, minimizing switching losses while maintaining low conduction losses. Key research directions include high-frequency power conversion, power density optimization, and the application of magnetic components for improved efficiency in high-power and high-frequency systems. The lab emphasizes practical implementation through experimental validation using high-frequency breadboards and prototype converters.
Professor Daïki Nomura's research lab specializes in polar biogeochemistry, focusing on the exchange of greenhouse gases—particularly CO₂ and DMS—between sea ice, snow, and the atmosphere in Arctic and Antarctic regions. The lab investigates how physical and chemical processes during sea-ice formation, melt, and snow-ice interactions regulate carbon cycling and trace gas emissions. Key research directions include air-ice CO₂ flux dynamics, ikaite mineral formation in sea ice, and the role of meltwater layers and superimposed ice in modulating gas exchange. The lab employs field measurements, chamber techniques, and laboratory experiments to understand climate-relevant processes in ice-covered oceans.
Professor Masumi Yamagishi's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms regulating pigment biosynthesis and secondary metabolism in higher plants, particularly in lilies and soybeans. The lab investigates transcriptional regulation of anthocyanin and carotenoid pathways using R2R3-MYB transcription factors and microRNAs, with a strong emphasis on spatial and developmental control of pigmentation. Additionally, the lab explores nutrient regulation in crop plants, especially boron's role in nitrogen fixation and nodulation in soybeans. Their work integrates molecular genetics, gene expression analysis, and physiological studies to understand developmental and metabolic regulation in angiosperms.
Professor Shingo Tomiyama's research lab specializes in hydrogeology and environmental geochemistry, focusing on groundwater flow systems, contamination processes in mine-impacted environments, and the application of stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O, δ²H) to trace water sources and flow paths. The lab conducts field investigations and numerical modeling to understand the hydrological behavior of groundwater in abandoned mine sites, with particular emphasis on pollution risks such as acid mine drainage and arsenic contamination. Their work also extends to environmental restoration, including phytoremediation and the role of vegetation in stabilizing degraded mine soils. The lab integrates isotope hydrology, hydrochemical analysis, and numerical simulation to develop conceptual and predictive models for sustainable water resource management.
Professor Hirotaka Sato's research lab specializes in bio-integrated microsystems, focusing on the development of implantable neuromuscular stimulation systems for remote control of insects in free flight. The lab pioneers miniaturized, radio-powered microsystems that enable precise neural and muscular control in live beetles, combining microelectronics, biomimetic actuation, and neurophysiological interfaces. Their work also extends to advanced microfabrication techniques, such as SU-8-based 3D microfluidic devices with integrated micromesh structures, supporting applications in bio-hybrid systems and implantable devices. The lab’s interdisciplinary approach bridges neuroscience, microengineering, and robotics to create cyborg insects and next-generation microscale actuators.
Professor Kazuhiro Kuruma's research lab specializes in nanophotonics and quantum optics, focusing on the integration of single quantum emitters—such as color centers in diamond and quantum dots—into nanoscale photonic structures. The lab develops high-quality photonic crystal cavities, nanobeam waveguides, and topological photonic systems to enhance light-matter interactions, enabling strong coupling and Purcell enhancement for scalable quantum photonic circuits. A key research direction involves engineering photonic and phononic bandgap structures to control quantum emission and suppress decoherence, with applications in quantum information and sensing. The lab combines advanced fabrication techniques with precise optical characterization to achieve sub-nanometer position control and ultrafast time-resolved measurements of quantum dynamics.
Professor Kiyoshi Asai's research lab specializes in computational biology and bioinformatics, focusing on the development of advanced algorithms and models for analyzing biological sequences. The lab pioneers the application of statistical models, such as hidden Markov models (HMMs), to predict protein secondary structures and contributes to the improvement of long-read sequencing technologies through innovative simulation tools. Current research directions include enhancing read simulation with realistic error models and multi-pass sequencing emulation, supporting the advancement of next-generation sequencing data analysis. The lab plays a key role in bridging computational methods with high-throughput biological data to drive discoveries in genomics and structural biology.
Professor Yoshitaka Tanimura's research lab specializes in theoretical quantum dynamics, focusing on the behavior of quantum systems interacting with complex environments. The lab develops advanced theoretical frameworks—particularly using path integral and influence functional methods—to study quantum decoherence, relaxation, and non-Markovian effects in condensed phases. Key research directions include the stochastic and dynamical treatment of open quantum systems, nonlinear optical spectroscopy, and the nonperturbative analysis of system-bath interactions with colored noise. The work bridges fundamental quantum mechanics with applications in ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum transport.
Professor Masataka Nagaoka's research lab specializes in theoretical and computational chemistry, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of electrochemical processes in energy storage systems, particularly sodium-ion batteries (NIBs). The lab employs advanced molecular dynamics simulations and free energy perturbation methods to investigate reaction pathways, transition states, and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation in complex electrolyte environments. Key research directions include understanding the role of electrolyte additives like fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) in stabilizing electrode interfaces and improving battery performance, as well as elucidating the free energy barriers and intrinsic reaction coordinates in solution-phase reactions. The lab bridges theoretical modeling with experimental observations to guide the design of next-generation electrolytes for sustainable energy technologies.
Professor Satoshi Yoshiji's research lab specializes in translational and genetic epidemiology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms linking metabolic diseases, obesity, and cardiometabolic disorders. The lab employs advanced biostatistical methods such as Mendelian randomization, proteome-wide association studies, and multi-ancestry genomics to identify causal proteins and genetic factors influencing diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular outcomes. A key focus is on understanding the pathogenesis of rare monogenic forms of diabetes, such as PDX1-MODY, and the adverse effects of diabetes medications like DPP-4 inhibitors. The lab also investigates novel biological mediators—such as COL6A3 and endotrophin—that link obesity to chronic diseases.
Professor Omid Dadras's research lab focuses on understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying severe outcomes in aging populations during viral infections, particularly SARS-CoV-2. The lab investigates the interplay between viral load, host age, and disease severity, with an emphasis on identifying biological and clinical determinants of poor prognosis in older adults. Key research directions include viral transmission dynamics, age-related immune responses, and the development of targeted interventions to improve outcomes in elderly patients. The lab also explores the implications of these findings for public health strategies and clinical management protocols.
Professor Andrew S. Darmawan's research lab specializes in quantum information science and many-body quantum physics, with a focus on quantum error correction, topological quantum codes, and strongly correlated quantum systems. The lab develops advanced numerical and tensor-network methods to simulate and understand fault-tolerant quantum computation under realistic noise models, particularly in surface codes and anyonic systems. It also explores quantum spin liquids and antiferromagnets, contributing to the theoretical foundations of topological quantum computation and quantum materials. The lab bridges quantum information theory with condensed matter physics, aiming to design scalable, robust quantum architectures using both qubit platforms and photonic implementations.
Professor Shizuka Koh's research lab specializes in the objective evaluation of optical quality and visual function in dry eye disease, with a focus on the dynamic role of the precorneal tear film in vision disturbances. The lab investigates higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and their changes after blinking, using wavefront sensing to quantify tear film-induced optical degradation. A key research direction involves developing dynamic, serial measurement techniques to assess real-time changes in optical quality, linking these to patient-reported symptoms such as blurred vision and glare. The lab also examines how clinical procedures, such as non-invasive tear stability testing, may inadvertently alter tear film measurements due to reflex tear secretion.
Professor Masayuki Okugawa's research lab specializes in the fundamental mechanisms of solidification microstructures and solute segregation in advanced materials, particularly in additive manufacturing processes such as laser and electron beam powder bed fusion. The lab combines computational modeling—including computational thermal-fluid dynamics (CtFD), multi-phase-field simulations, and system identification—with experimental validation using advanced characterization techniques like TEM and electron backscatter diffraction. Key research directions include grain refinement mechanisms, non-equilibrium solute segregation in Ni-based superalloys, and the development of self-sensing piezoelectric systems for smart structural applications.
Professor Asami Yagi's research lab focuses on the bioactive components of Aloe species, particularly Aloe vera and Aloe arborescens, with a strong emphasis on their antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties. The lab investigates natural compounds such as aloesin derivatives, anthraquinones, and polysaccharides like aloe mannan, exploring their mechanisms in scavenging free radicals, inhibiting tumor growth, and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities. The research also extends to public health implications, including the long-term impact of policy decisions on HPV vaccination on cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Japan.
Professor Yohei Nishizaki's research lab specializes in computational optics and machine learning for optical sensing and imaging. The lab focuses on developing non-iterative, deep learning-based methods for wavefront sensing, phase retrieval, and 3D holography, enabling fast and accurate optical reconstruction from single-shot measurements. Key research directions include inverse problems in optics, such as imaging through scattering media, blind deconvolution under turbulence, and spectral imaging using speckle memory effects. The lab integrates advanced neural networks with physical optics models to create efficient, real-time solutions for biomedical imaging, adaptive optics, and optical metrology.
Professor Hiroaki Miki's research lab focuses on redox biology and cellular signaling, with a central theme on the dual roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as both damaging agents and essential second messengers in physiological processes. The lab investigates how ROS regulate key cellular functions such as cytoskeletal dynamics, magnesium homeostasis, and axon guidance through redox-sensitive proteins and signaling adaptors. A major research direction involves identifying and characterizing redox-regulated proteins, including those involved in Wnt signaling, actin cytoskeleton reorganization, and ion transport. The lab also explores the molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative post-translational modifications, such as cysteine oxidation and disulfide formation, in signal transduction.
