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 Hiroshi Sakaguchi's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and characterization of functional nanomaterials and molecular architectures with tailored electronic and optical properties. The lab focuses on bottom-up fabrication techniques such as radical-polymerized chemical vapor deposition and electrochemical polymerization to create graphene nanoribbons, conjugated copolymers, and self-assembled monolayers with precise control over structure and function. Key research directions include molecular-scale electrical conduction, second harmonic generation in organized molecular films, and the development of advanced materials for optoelectronic and biomedical applications.
Professor Masahiro Kurata's research lab specializes in structural health monitoring and seismic resilience of civil infrastructure, with a focus on developing advanced sensing systems and innovative retrofitting technologies for steel and base-isolated structures. The lab pioneers low-cost, dense wireless sensor networks for real-time data collection and damage detection in large-scale infrastructure, emphasizing practical, scalable solutions for post-earthquake performance assessment. Key research directions include dynamic strain-based damage identification, seismic behavior of connection details (e.g., column bases and beam-column joints), and performance evaluation of non-structural systems such as two-elevation ceiling systems under seismic loading.
Professor Toshiharu Shikanai's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying chloroplast gene expression and electron transport in photosynthesis, with a particular emphasis on RNA editing, the NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH) complex, and copper homeostasis in plant chloroplasts. The lab employs forward and reverse genetic approaches in *Arabidopsis thaliana* to dissect the roles of PPR proteins in RNA editing and NDH complex assembly, as well as to identify components of chloroplast metal ion transport systems. Their work reveals critical regulatory nodes in photosynthetic electron flow, photoprotection, and organelle gene expression.
Professor Takeshi Nanjo's research lab specializes in the development of innovative transition-metal-catalyzed and photocatalyzed transformations for the selective construction of complex organic molecules. The lab focuses on C–H activation, particularly site-selective functionalization of aliphatic C–H bonds, and the design of novel catalytic systems for enantioselective and radical-based C–C bond formations. Key advances include the use of Pd-catalyzed domino reactions for indole and carbazole synthesis, Fe-catalyzed remote C–H oxidation of amides via imidate protection, and photocatalytic C–Br and C–O bond cleavages for radical generation. The lab also pioneers new photoredox catalysts and strategies for sustainable synthesis under mild conditions.
Professor Toshio Nishikimi's research lab specializes in cardiovascular and hormonal regulation, focusing on natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP), adrenomedullin, and urocortin in the context of heart failure, hypertension, and cardiac remodeling. The lab investigates the local and systemic roles of these peptides as autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine factors, with particular emphasis on their production, signaling pathways, and pathophysiological functions in the heart and vasculature. Using both animal models and clinical studies, the lab explores molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and vascular dysfunction, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases.
Professor Yukio Ago's research lab focuses on the neurochemical and neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The lab investigates the roles of monoaminergic systems—particularly serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine—in behavior, cognition, and psychiatric pathophysiology. Key research directions include the modulation of neurotransmitter systems by drugs such as galantamine and ketamine, the neurochemical basis of behavioral sensitization, and the impact of early-life stress (e.g., isolation rearing) on brain function and mental health. The lab integrates preclinical models with neurochemical and behavioral analyses to explore novel therapeutic targets for schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Professor Mikito Koshino's research lab specializes in the theoretical investigation of electronic and transport properties in low-dimensional carbon systems, particularly graphene and its multilayer forms. The lab focuses on understanding quantum phenomena such as Berry's phase, Landau levels, and topological effects in bilayer and multilayer graphene, with particular attention to trigonal warping, Lifshitz transitions, and the influence of external fields. Their work combines effective mass models, self-consistent approaches, and analysis of optical and magnetic responses to uncover emergent behaviors in these novel quantum materials. The lab also explores the role of pseudospin degrees of freedom and disorder in determining transport and susceptibility, offering insights into both fundamental physics and potential applications in nanoelectronics and spintronics.
Professor Takane Imaoka's research lab specializes in the atomic-level design and synthesis of subnanometer noble metal clusters, focusing on their unique electronic and geometric structures that govern exceptional catalytic properties. The lab develops precision synthesis methods—particularly using dendrimer templates and molecular templates—to achieve atomically precise clusters with tailored activity, especially for energy-relevant reactions like the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Their work bridges molecular chemistry and nanomaterials science, emphasizing structure-activity relationships in ultra-small clusters and enabling scalable, high-precision catalyst development for sustainable energy applications.
Professor Yuyue Yan's research lab specializes in dynamic noncooperative systems, focusing on game-theoretic modeling, stability analysis of Nash equilibria, and incentive design in multi-agent systems. The lab investigates advanced control mechanisms such as pseudo-gradient dynamics, cognitive hierarchy extensions, and zero-sum tax/subsidy policies to stabilize unstable equilibria and improve social welfare without requiring agents' private sensitivity parameters. Key research directions include hierarchical incentive structures, flash switching phenomena in switched systems, and bifurcation behavior in bounded state spaces. The lab emphasizes practical applications in economic and engineering systems through rigorous theoretical analysis and numerical validation.
Professor Daniel Berrar's research lab specializes in data science applications within bioinformatics and biomedicine, with a strong focus on machine learning, statistical modeling, and high-dimensional data analysis. The lab investigates challenges in small-sample and high-dimensional settings—common in genomics and clinical microarray data—emphasizing robust performance evaluation, model selection, and reliable inference. Key research directions include the development of statistical methodologies for classifier evaluation (e.g., AUC analysis, confidence intervals for effect sizes), survival analysis using gene expression data, and the application of deep learning in biomedical contexts. The lab also addresses methodological pitfalls in classical hypothesis testing and promotes more informative alternatives to p-values in machine learning research.
Professor Xiaobin Liang's research lab specializes in the nanomechanical characterization of polymer nanocomposites and soft materials using advanced atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The lab focuses on understanding the microscale deformation mechanisms, stress distribution, and interfacial interactions in rubber-based composites filled with carbon black or other nanofillers. Key research directions include in situ visualization of nanoscale stress softening, stress chain formation, and dynamic behavior of single polymer chains under mechanical loading.
Professor Shinsuke Niwa's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying intracellular transport, particularly axonal and intraflagellar transport (IFT) in neurons and cilia. The lab investigates kinesin and dynein motor proteins, their regulation through autoinhibition and subunit specificity, and the structural basis of their interactions with microtubules and cargo. Using *C. elegans* as a model system, the lab combines genetic, cell biological, and structural approaches to study transport defects linked to human ciliopathies and neurodegenerative disorders. A key goal is to understand how motor protein dysfunction leads to disease and to develop tools for precise genome engineering in model organisms.
Professor Ryoichi Nagatomi's research lab focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle regeneration, fibrosis, and the interplay between the nervous and immune systems in aging and exercise. Key research directions include the role of proteasome function in muscle stem cells, the regulation of myofibroblast differentiation in fibrotic diseases, and the impact of physical activity on immune cell dynamics and healthcare costs in the elderly. The lab also investigates hypoxia-inducible factors in myogenesis and the neuro-immune interactions modulating immune competence under stress and exercise. These studies aim to uncover novel therapeutic targets for muscle wasting, fibrosis, and age-related immune dysfunction.
Professor Sang-Kwon Lee's research lab specializes in the design, fabrication, and application of advanced nanomaterials for next-generation electronic, spintronic, and thermoelectric devices. The lab focuses on low-dimensional materials such as GaN nanowires, transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g., WSe₂), and 2D van der Waals heterostructures, with particular emphasis on interface engineering to enhance spin transport, thermoelectric performance, and cellular detection. Key research directions include nanowire-based biosensors for rare cell analysis, spin current enhancement via 2D heterostructures, and high-performance thermoelectric materials with engineered interfaces for energy harvesting.
Professor Takemi Kato's research lab specializes in the electronic structure and quantum phenomena of quantum materials, with a focus on kagome superconductors AV₃Sb₅ (A = K, Rb, Cs). The lab employs advanced angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), including microfocused and temperature-dependent techniques, to investigate electron correlation, charge density wave order, superconductivity, and surface polarity. Key research directions include understanding the interplay between topology, electron correlation, and electronic order in kagome lattices, as well as the role of surface termination and doping in tuning quantum phases. The lab also explores exotic phenomena such as band folding, Fermi surface reconstruction, and large magneto-optical responses in correlated materials.
Professor Hiroki Tanaka's research lab specializes in the development of advanced lipid-based nanocarriers, particularly lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), for next-generation RNA therapeutics. The lab focuses on designing smart, self-degradable materials that enhance intracellular delivery and release of therapeutic RNA—such as mRNA and siRNA—by leveraging unique chemical mechanisms like HyPER (Hydrolysis accelerated by intra-Particle Enrichment of Reactant). Their work spans from fundamental material design to preclinical applications, including brain-targeted delivery and gene therapy for neurological disorders, with an emphasis on safety, efficiency, and clinical translation.
Professor Hiroshi Nomoto's research lab specializes in glycobiology and chemoprevention, focusing on the structural characterization of glycoproteins—particularly the carbohydrate structures in ion channels like the acetylcholine receptor—and investigating natural compounds for their protective effects against colorectal carcinogenesis. The lab employs advanced analytical techniques such as NMR spectroscopy and HPLC to elucidate complex oligosaccharide structures, while also exploring the biological impact of polyphenols like proanthocyanidins and EGCG on cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and immune cell infiltration in preneoplastic models. Their work bridges structural biochemistry with translational cancer prevention strategies.
Professor Shouta M.M. Nakayama's research lab specializes in environmental toxicology and wildlife conservation, focusing on the impacts of chemical pollutants—particularly anticoagulant rodenticides—on non-target wildlife, especially raptors. The lab investigates exposure pathways, ecological risks, and the global prevalence of secondary poisoning in free-ranging animals. Their work combines field monitoring, toxicological analysis, and global data synthesis to inform evidence-based wildlife protection policies. A key research direction is understanding how rodenticide use in pest control inadvertently affects top predators and ecosystem health.
Professor Hiroki Sayama's research lab specializes in artificial life, swarm intelligence, and self-organization, focusing on how simple agents or systems can spontaneously generate complex, adaptive, and self-organizing behaviors through local interactions. The lab explores emergent phenomena in artificial chemistries, evolutionary dynamics in cellular automata, and the role of social networks in shaping collective behavior and academic progress. A central theme is the design of minimalistic, robust, and adaptive robotic and computational systems inspired by biological principles.
Professor Kosuke Kataoka's research lab focuses on mitochondrial biology, developmental epigenetics, and the molecular mechanisms underlying environmental adaptation in invertebrates. The lab investigates mitochondrial genomics, protein quality control systems such as Lon protease and cereblon, and the role of chromatin remodeling in transgenerational epigenetic programming. A key focus is understanding how maternal environmental cues, such as photoperiod, induce developmental arrest through molecular and epigenetic reprogramming in insects like crickets.
