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 Hiroaki Fujita's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying ubiquitin signaling, particularly the role of the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) in regulating immune responses and inflammation. The lab integrates structural biology, biochemistry, and systems microbiology to decipher how post-translational modifications like linear ubiquitination control key signaling pathways such as NF-κB activation. Additionally, the lab investigates microbial community dynamics, applying ecological theory and multi-omics approaches to predict abrupt shifts—such as dysbiosis—in complex microbial ecosystems. Their work bridges molecular mechanisms with ecosystem-level behaviors in microbiomes, with implications for human health and synthetic ecology.
Professor Hitoshi Okamura's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythms in mammals, with a particular emphasis on the transcriptional and post-translational regulation of the circadian clock. The lab investigates how core clock components such as mCry, mPer, DBP, and E4BP4 interact within transcriptional feedback loops to generate robust 24-hour oscillations in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and peripheral tissues. Using genetic models, cell culture systems, and molecular analyses, the lab explores how environmental cues like light and serum factors entrain the clock and how disruptions in key regulators lead to behavioral and physiological arrhythmia. Their work provides fundamental insights into the interplay between the central and peripheral circadian oscillators and their roles in physiology and disease.
Professor Prabhat Verma's research lab specializes in advanced optical spectroscopy techniques for nanoscale materials characterization, with a focus on tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) and near-field optical imaging. The lab investigates the interaction of light with nanostructures, particularly plasmonic effects in metallic tips and their application in achieving sub-diffraction-limited spatial resolution. Key research directions include the study of phonon modes in quantum dots, 2D materials like graphene, and semiconductor nanostructures under various conditions such as disorder, ion implantation, and mechanical stress. The lab also explores the coupling of optical, mechanical, and chemical phenomena at the nanoscale, including plasmon-induced molecular transformations and defect analysis in nanomaterials.
Professor Kojiro Uetani's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of sustainable, high-performance nanomaterials with tailored thermal and mechanical properties. The lab focuses on nanocellulose-based materials, particularly cellulose nanopapers and bacterial cellulose-derived films, to achieve anisotropic thermal conductivity, high thermal diffusivity, and excellent flexibility. Key research directions include the structural engineering of nanocellulose for enhanced phonon transport, interfacial thermal resistance control, and applications in thermal management for electronics and energy systems.
Professor Hideki Iijima's research lab focuses on the immunological mechanisms underlying inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with a particular emphasis on the role of mucosal immunity, T cell subsets, and cell surface molecules such as CEACAM1 in regulating immune homeostasis and inflammation. The lab investigates the functions of T helper cell subsets—especially Th1 and Th2 responses—and their contribution to intestinal immunopathology, using genetically modified mouse models and targeted immunomodulatory therapies. Key research directions include the identification of novel biomarkers for disease activity and clinical course, such as G0F/G2F, and the impact of psychological stress on IBD progression.
Professor Akira Nakajima's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced functional materials, with a focus on superhydrophobic and photocatalytic thin films for environmental and biomedical applications. The lab investigates surface science, defect engineering in oxides, and the interplay between material structure and macroscopic properties such as wettability and catalytic activity. Recent work also extends into biointerfaces, exploring immunoglobulin A-mediated host-microbiota interactions and the role of G-protein-coupled receptors in metabolic regulation.
Professor Manabu Watanabe's research lab specializes in the thermophysical properties of molten metals and alloys, with a focus on high-precision measurements of density, surface tension, viscosity, and thermal conductivity using electromagnetic and electrostatic levitation techniques under controlled magnetic fields. The lab investigates the relationships between thermodynamic functions, excess molar properties, and phase transitions—particularly order–disorder transitions—in binary and multicomponent alloy systems such as Pt–X, Co–Cr–Mo, and Au–X. Their work supports advanced materials processing, especially in additive manufacturing and biomedical implant development, by providing critical data for process modeling and optimization. The lab also explores nanofabrication techniques, such as AFM-based nanowire synthesis, and surface phenomena in micro/nanofabrication processes like resist development in semiconductor manufacturing.
Professor Muneaki Shimada's research lab specializes in gynecological oncology, with a primary focus on improving treatment outcomes and prognosis prediction for cervical and ovarian cancers. The lab investigates adjuvant therapies, including chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy, in relation to histological subtypes and patient-specific factors such as renal function and tumor biology. Utilizing large-scale retrospective studies and advanced metabolomic profiling, the lab aims to identify biomarkers and risk factors for metastasis and recurrence, particularly in young patients with early-stage disease. Their work bridges clinical oncology with translational research, emphasizing personalized treatment strategies.
Professor Yuki Suzuki's research lab specializes in DNA nanotechnology and biophysical characterization, focusing on the dynamic assembly and manipulation of DNA origami nanostructures on biomimetic lipid bilayers. The lab develops advanced imaging techniques—particularly high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM)—to visualize real-time structural changes in nanoscale systems, including self-assembly, disassembly, and recombination processes. A central theme is the design of programmable, responsive nanoarchitectures that mimic biological processes such as membrane protein clustering and topological regulation of DNA recombination. The lab also pioneers hybrid imaging platforms that combine HS-AFM with fluorescence microscopy to study dynamic cellular events at nanoscale resolution.
Professor Kyoko Asakura's research lab focuses on nursing workforce well-being, with a strong emphasis on work motivation, professional autonomy, occupational commitment, and work values among nurses. Her research explores how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, psychological resources, and organizational factors influence job satisfaction, work engagement, and retention in long-term care and acute care settings. The lab is particularly interested in gender dynamics in nursing, especially the experiences of male nurses, and the psychometric development of instruments to assess professional identity and values in nursing practice. These studies contribute to improving nurse retention, workplace equity, and the quality of patient care through evidence-based human resource strategies.
Professor Xian Wu Cheng's research lab focuses on vascular and cardiovascular remodeling, with a central emphasis on the roles of proteolytic enzymes—particularly cathepsins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)—in atherosclerosis, neovascularization, and age-related vascular dysfunction. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms linking inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, and pathological tissue remodeling in hypertension, heart failure, and ischemic diseases. Key research directions include the regulation of protease activity by signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, HIF-1α, and AMPK, as well as the impact of aging and metabolic factors on vascular repair and stem cell function.
Professor Yuichi Otsuka's research lab specializes in ionospheric and atmospheric physics, focusing on the dynamics of the Earth's upper atmosphere, particularly the ionosphere. The lab investigates traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs), plasma bubbles, and ionospheric responses to seismic and geomagnetic activities using advanced observational techniques such as GPS TEC mapping, all-sky airglow imagers, and VHF radars. A key focus is understanding the coupling processes between the ionosphere and lower atmosphere, including the effects of earthquakes and space weather on ionospheric variability. The lab also explores geomagnetic conjugacy of ionospheric structures, revealing large-scale wave and plasma phenomena across hemispheres.
Professor Mohamed Egiza's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of advanced nanomaterials for high-performance engineering applications, with a focus on ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) and amorphous carbon composite films. The lab investigates the synthesis, mechanical properties, and interfacial behavior of these coatings using advanced deposition techniques such as coaxial arc plasma deposition, particularly on cemented carbide and ceramic substrates. Key research directions include enhancing hardness and wear resistance through doping (e.g., Si, Cr) and buffer layer engineering, as well as exploring sustainable solutions for industrial components in harsh environments. The lab also integrates machine learning for performance prediction in solar desalination systems, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to materials science and environmental sustainability.
Professor Jin Miyawaki's research lab specializes in the development and application of advanced carbon nanomaterials, particularly single-walled carbon nanohorns (SWNHs), for biomedical and environmental applications. The lab focuses on functionalizing SWNHs for drug delivery, in vivo imaging, and targeted diagnostics by incorporating magnetic or luminescent nanoparticles such as magnetite and Gd₂O₃. Key research directions include the quantitative biodistribution analysis of nanomaterials in living organisms, the stabilization of ultrafine nanoparticles within nanohorn cavities through confinement effects, and enhancing gas adsorption properties via controlled micropore hydration. The lab also explores the use of SWNHs as nanoreactors for high-temperature transformations, demonstrating their potential in materials synthesis and energy-related applications.
Professor Kenneth T. Christensen's research lab specializes in experimental fluid dynamics, with a focus on wall-bounded turbulent flows, particularly the coherent structures and dynamics of turbulence over complex and rough surfaces. The lab employs advanced particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques—including time-resolved, stereo, and conditional averaging methods—to investigate the spatial and temporal organization of vortices, such as hairpin vortices and spanwise vortical pairs, in high-Reynolds-number flows. Research also extends to multiphase flows in porous media, especially CO₂-water displacement at reservoir conditions, using micro-PIV and fluorescence microscopy to study pore-scale dynamics and instability patterns. The lab emphasizes the interplay between surface topography, turbulence structure, and momentum transfer in engineering-relevant flows, such as in turbomachinery and carbon sequestration systems.
Professor Yaser Hosny Ali Elewa's research lab focuses on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, liver and lung fibrosis, and aging-related disorders, with an emphasis on oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic disturbances such as hyperhomocysteinemia. The lab investigates the protective effects of natural compounds—such as thymoquinone, curcumin, and policosanol—against tissue damage in preclinical models, particularly in the brain, heart, liver, and lungs. Using animal models of Parkinson’s disease, aging, autoimmune disease, and fibrosis, the lab explores structural and immunological changes, including novel immune structures like mediastinal fat-associated lymphoid clusters (MFALCs), and their role in disease progression. The research integrates histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular analysis to uncover therapeutic targets and mechanisms of phytochemicals in organ protection and repair.
Professor Glenn Stockwell's research lab focuses on computer-assisted language learning (CALL) and mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), exploring how digital technologies influence language acquisition, learner engagement, and instructional design. The lab investigates the impact of mobile devices—particularly smartphones—on vocabulary learning, learner preferences, and task performance, comparing mobile platforms with traditional desktop environments. A central theme is understanding how technological affordances shape language learning behaviors, motivations, and educational outcomes in real-world contexts.
Professor Yuri Hosokawa's research lab specializes in environmental and emergency medicine, with a primary focus on preventing and managing exertional heat illness (EHI) in athletes. The lab investigates the integration of climatological data into event planning, the efficacy of non-invasive core temperature monitoring (e.g., ingestible sensors), and the development of evidence-based protocols for prehospital care in mass sporting events. Research also emphasizes risk stratification, particularly among high-risk populations such as student-athletes in contact sports, and the adaptation of emergency care strategies for athletes with disabilities, including in Paralympic settings.
Professor Takuji Kawamura's research lab focuses on redox biology and aging, with a particular emphasis on the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying exercise-induced oxidative stress, the therapeutic potential of molecular hydrogen (H₂) in mitigating muscle damage and inflammation, and the role of lifestyle factors such as diet and cardiorespiratory fitness in biological aging. The lab investigates how molecular hydrogen modulates neutrophil dynamics, oxidative stress markers, and delayed-onset muscle soreness, while also exploring epigenetic aging clocks as biomarkers of biological age in relation to physical fitness and dietary patterns in older populations. Their work bridges exercise physiology, molecular medicine, and aging research to develop geroprotective strategies based on non-invasive interventions.
Professor Shun Fujii's research lab specializes in nonlinear photonics and integrated optics, focusing on the design and engineering of high-quality-factor microresonators for advanced optical frequency comb generation. The lab explores fundamental mechanisms such as four-wave mixing, Kerr nonlinearity, and Raman scattering in microcavities to enable broadband frequency conversion, soliton formation, and tunable light sources. Key research directions include dispersion engineering, pump-detuning stabilization, and the development of compact, chip-scale optical sources for applications in frequency metrology, optical communications, and quantum technologies.
