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 Seokbeom Kwon's research lab focuses on the intersection of science policy, innovation systems, and the translation of scientific knowledge into societal and technological impact. The lab investigates how interdisciplinary research, data sharing, regulatory environments, and institutional frameworks influence the flow of knowledge and innovation outcomes. Particular attention is given to emerging technologies such as nanomedicine, synthetic biology, and autonomous vehicles, as well as the role of policy and institutional design in shaping innovation trajectories.
Professor Fumitaka Mafuné's research lab specializes in the physical synthesis and characterization of noble metal nanoparticles, primarily gold, silver, and platinum, using laser ablation in aqueous surfactant solutions. The lab focuses on understanding and controlling nanoparticle size, stability, and optical properties through precise manipulation of laser parameters and surfactant concentration. A key research direction involves laser-induced size reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles, enabling the production of monodisperse, ultra-small metallic nanoparticles with tailored optical responses.
Professor Satoshi Kida's research lab focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying fear memory regulation, with a particular emphasis on the roles of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and key signaling molecules such as CREB and alpha-CaMKII. The lab investigates how molecular and cellular processes—including memory reconsolidation, extinction, and forgetting—contribute to the pathophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety-related behaviors. Using rodent models, the lab explores how pharmacological interventions like memantine can modulate neurogenesis and memory dynamics, especially in the context of remote versus recent memories. Their work bridges molecular neuroscience with behavioral phenotypes to uncover potential therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders.
Professor Dai Shida's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of lipid mediators, particularly sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), in cancer progression. The lab investigates how these bioactive lipids regulate cell survival, migration, and signaling crosstalk, especially through G protein-coupled receptors and receptor tyrosine kinase transactivation. A central theme is the role of sphingosine kinases (SphK1/SphK2) in maintaining lipid rheostat balance and promoting tumorigenesis. The lab also explores clinical applications, including enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in colorectal cancer, integrating molecular findings with patient-centered outcomes.
Professor Takeshi Fujino's research lab focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying protein degradation, aging, and hematopoietic stem cell regulation. The lab investigates the roles of post-translational modifications, such as oxidation and ubiquitination, in protein aggregation and cellular dysfunction, particularly in erythrocytes and hematopoietic stem cells. Key research directions include the molecular basis of clonal hematopoiesis driven by ASXL1 mutations, the function of deubiquitinating enzymes in aging and disease, and the identification of novel proteases involved in the selective degradation of damaged proteins. The lab also explores the structural and functional aspects of microbial cellulosomes, particularly in cellulose-degrading bacteria like *Clostridium thermocellum*.
Professor Yen Yen Sally Rahayu’s research lab focuses on ethnopharmacology, traditional medicine integration, and biodiversity conservation with a strong emphasis on underutilized and neglected plant resources in Indonesia. The lab investigates the role of wild, underutilized, and neglected edible plants (WUNEPs) and traditional food plants (TFPs) in enhancing food and nutrition security, particularly in rural communities. It also explores the integration of traditional Indonesian herbal medicine (TIHM) into national healthcare systems, such as Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and examines the attitudes of healthcare practitioners toward herbal medicine. Additionally, the lab applies advanced biotechnological tools like DNA barcoding for the authentication and quality control of herbal materials.
Professor Ryuichi Okamoto's research lab focuses on intestinal epithelial biology, with a central emphasis on the molecular mechanisms governing intestinal stem cell plasticity, cell fate decisions, and tissue regeneration in health and disease. The lab investigates key signaling pathways such as Notch and transcription factors like ATOH1 in regulating epithelial homeostasis, repair, and tumorigenesis. Using advanced lineage-tracing and organoid-based models, the lab explores the regenerative potential of intestinal cells, particularly in the context of inflammatory bowel disease and mucosal healing. Their work also extends to ion channel function in intestinal epithelial physiology, particularly bestrophin-family calcium-activated chloride channels.
Professor Kalimuthu Selvam's research lab specializes in advanced energy systems, with a primary focus on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and their integration with advanced thermodynamic cycles. The lab investigates high-efficiency, low-emission power generation through innovative SOFC configurations such as dead-end anode (DEA) systems, internal reforming, and 100% fuel utilization. Key research directions include optimizing system performance using diverse fuels—hydrogen, ammonia, natural gas, and biofuels—through energy and exergy analysis, and exploring advanced bottoming cycles like ultrasupercritical steam and supercritical CO2 cycles to maximize efficiency. The lab also emphasizes sustainable energy conversion by improving fuel flexibility and minimizing exergy destruction in SOFC systems.
Professor Muneyuki Matsuo's research lab focuses on the origins of life and synthetic biology, exploring the emergence of life-like dynamics through artificial protocells. The lab develops giant vesicle (GV)-based model systems that mimic primitive cellular behavior, integrating self-replication of genetic molecules (like DNA) with compartmental growth and division. Central to their work is the design of supramolecular catalysts—such as lipo-deoxyribozymes—that enable linked proliferation between internal information molecules and the surrounding membrane. The lab also investigates self-propelled droplets and non-equilibrium systems to understand how autonomous, dynamic behaviors can arise from simple chemical interactions.
Professor Kazuyuki Akitsu's research lab specializes in theoretical and computational cosmology, focusing on the early universe, primordial non-Gaussianity, and the imprints of new physics on large-scale structure. The lab investigates ultra-light axions as dark matter and dark energy candidates, explores galaxy shape and clustering as probes of primordial physics, and develops advanced simulation techniques to study the effects of long-wavelength gravitational waves and tidal fields on structure formation. A central theme is using cosmological surveys—especially galaxy imaging and redshift surveys—as sensitive detectors for spin-0 and spin-2 particles in the early universe.
Professor Keisei Sowa's research lab specializes in the structural and electrochemical characterization of redox enzymes, particularly those capable of direct electron transfer (DET) with electrodes. The lab focuses on understanding the 3D structures, electron transfer pathways, and electrode-interaction mechanisms of dehydrogenases such as formate dehydrogenase and fructose dehydrogenase, with applications in bioelectrocatalysis, biosensors, and biofuel cells. By integrating structural biology (including cryo-EM), bioelectrochemistry, and protein engineering, the lab aims to unlock the design principles of efficient, mediator-free biocatalytic systems.
Professor Takeo Kawabata's research lab specializes in asymmetric synthesis and organocatalysis, with a focus on developing highly enantioselective and regioselective methods for the functionalization of chiral molecules and carbohydrates. The lab pioneers innovative catalytic systems—particularly chiral C2-symmetric pyrrolidinopyridine catalysts—that enable non-enzymatic kinetic resolution and chemoselective acylation of alcohols and sugars. Their work emphasizes the control of stereochemistry and reactivity in complex polyfunctional substrates, exemplified by the selective acylation of unprotected monosaccharides and the memory of chirality in α-alkylation reactions. The lab also contributes to the total synthesis of natural products, such as ellagitannins, through regioselective and sequential functionalization strategies.
Professor Shizuo Fujita's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of wide-bandgap semiconductors, with a focus on corundum-structured III-oxide semiconductors such as Ga₂O₃ and AlGaN, as well as SiC and diamond-based materials. The lab investigates epitaxial growth techniques—particularly mist chemical vapor deposition—for producing high-quality, low-defect single-crystal films to enable advanced electronic and optoelectronic devices. Key research directions include bandgap and function engineering, defect control, and the fundamental understanding of charge traps in wide-bandgap materials for next-generation power devices and deep ultraviolet technologies.
Professor Satoshi Miyamura's research lab specializes in orthopedic regenerative medicine and advanced surgical techniques, with a focus on improving outcomes in joint reconstruction and bone healing. The lab investigates patient-specific surgical solutions, such as customized implants and navigation techniques, particularly for complex conditions like elbow arthritis and distal radius physeal arrest. Utilizing 3D imaging, computational modeling, and biomaterials—including electrospun nanofibers for nerve repair—the lab bridges medical innovation with clinical application. A strong emphasis is placed on translational research, aiming to enhance functional recovery in elderly and trauma-affected patients through anatomical precision and tissue engineering.
Professor Yuta Kanai's research lab specializes in virology and molecular virology, with a focus on understanding the replication mechanisms and pathogenesis of important animal and human enteric viruses, particularly rotaviruses and hepatitis E virus (HEV). The lab develops advanced reverse genetics systems to engineer recombinant viruses, enabling real-time monitoring of viral replication and high-throughput screening of antiviral agents. A key research direction involves elucidating viral immune evasion strategies—such as NSP1-mediated subversion of host innate immunity—and exploring fusogenic proteins in non-enveloped viruses to uncover novel mechanisms of viral spread and pathogenesis. The lab also investigates zoonotic transmission risks, including HEV in wildlife and swine reservoirs, contributing to One Health approaches in viral surveillance and vaccine development.
Professor Kazutaka Katoh's research lab specializes in bioinformatics, focusing on the development of high-performance algorithms for multiple sequence alignment (MSA) of DNA and protein sequences. The lab's main directions include enhancing alignment accuracy—particularly for distantly related sequences and functional noncoding RNAs—while improving scalability to handle large-scale genomic data. They also emphasize user-friendly, interactive tools for experimental biologists, integrating advanced computational methods with practical usability in biological research.
Professor Tatsuya Sugihara's research lab specializes in advanced manufacturing and surface engineering, focusing on improving machining performance and tool life for difficult-to-machine materials such as aluminum alloys and nickel-based superalloys like Inconel 718. The lab develops innovative surface textures—using femtosecond laser processing—and functional coatings (e.g., DLC, PCBN, CBN) to control chip adhesion, reduce friction, and enhance wear resistance. A key research direction involves understanding and manipulating surface mechanochemical phenomena, including the role of adsorbed organic monolayers in altering deformation behavior and inducing ductile-to-brittle transitions in metals. The lab combines in situ high-speed imaging with post-experimental analysis to uncover fundamental mechanisms governing material removal and tool degradation.
Professor Masaya Yoshikai's research lab specializes in coastal ecosystem dynamics, with a focus on mangrove forests and their role in coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and sediment dynamics. The lab integrates field measurements, hydrodynamic modeling, and individual-based physiological modeling to understand how mangrove root structures influence flow resistance, sedimentation, and ecosystem resilience under changing environmental conditions. A key research direction involves linking plant hydraulics and nutrient uptake to mangrove growth under salinity stress, particularly in restored and naturally regenerating forests. The lab also investigates blue carbon dynamics in tropical estuaries, emphasizing early-stage rehabilitation in low-organic-carbon environments.
Professor Izumi Taniguchi's research lab specializes in advanced materials and chemical engineering, focusing on reaction mechanisms in lithium-sulfide systems and the development of high-performance materials for energy storage applications. The lab investigates interfacial phenomena, particularly the role of functional interlayers in enhancing the stability and efficiency of lithium-metal batteries. Experimental studies on spray dynamics and gas-liquid absorption processes further support the development of scalable and efficient chemical processes. The lab's work bridges fundamental material science with practical engineering solutions for sustainable energy technologies.
Professor Kentaro Tanemura's research lab focuses on the neurotoxicological and developmental impacts of environmental chemicals and genetic mutations on the central nervous system and reproductive health. The lab investigates mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, particularly tau pathology and amyloid precursor protein processing in Alzheimer’s disease models, as well as the long-term neurological consequences of early-life exposure to neuroactive chemicals such as domoic acid, bisphenols, and pyrethroids. A key research direction involves understanding how low-dose, chronic exposure to environmental toxins during critical neurodevelopmental windows leads to persistent cognitive and behavioral deficits in adulthood. The lab also examines age-related morphological changes in reproductive tissues, particularly in the testis, to assess the effects of aging and chemical exposure on fertility.
