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 Ken-ichi Inoue's research lab specializes in ultrafast interfacial dynamics at the molecular level, focusing on vibrational spectroscopy and dynamics of water and biomolecules at aqueous and solid interfaces. The lab employs advanced time-resolved techniques such as two-dimensional heterodyne-detected vibrational sum-frequency generation (2D HD-VSFG) and time-resolved HD-VSFG to probe ultrafast hydrogen-bond dynamics, vibrational energy transfer, and interfacial water structure. Their work spans biological interfaces—such as zwitterionic lipid membranes and pulmonary surfactants—as well as metal surfaces, particularly in the context of hot-carrier-driven chemistry and surface reactions. The integration of experimental spectroscopy with molecular dynamics simulations enables a deep, atomistic understanding of interfacial phenomena in complex systems.
Professor Jiajie Wang's research lab specializes in advanced materials and environmental technologies, focusing on sustainable solutions for energy conversion, environmental remediation, and resource recovery. Key research directions include the development of functional nanomaterials for electrocatalysis and CO₂ mineralization, the design of efficient photocatalytic systems for water treatment, and the application of bulk metallic glasses in advanced joining technologies. The lab also emphasizes innovative analytical platforms, such as lab-on-a-chip devices, for rapid and eco-friendly detection of environmental pollutants like total phosphorus.
Professor Mayuko Saito's research lab focuses on the virology and immunology of human noroviruses and sapoviruses, particularly their transmission dynamics and host immune responses in young children. The lab investigates genotype-specific immunity following serial infections, aiming to inform the development of effective multivalent vaccines. A key emphasis is on the role of maternal antibodies, especially secretory IgA in breast milk, in protecting infants from severe disease. The lab integrates epidemiological, virological, and serological approaches to understand viral diversity and host interactions in community settings.
Professor Yousuke Takaoka's research lab specializes in the development of innovative chemical tools and strategies for selective protein modification and labeling, with a strong focus on bioorthogonal chemistry, ligand-directed reactions, and supramolecular probes. The lab pioneers methods for site-specific protein labeling in live cells and in vitro, enabling precise functional studies and engineering of proteins. A key direction involves designing stimuli-responsive probes—particularly for (19)F NMR/MRI—enabling real-time, background-free sensing of biomolecular interactions. The lab also applies these chemical approaches to study and manipulate plant hormone signaling, aiming to decouple defense activation from growth inhibition.
Professor Ichidai Tanaka's research lab specializes in cancer biology with a focus on tumor microenvironment remodeling, immunometabolism, and multi-omics integration to identify novel therapeutic targets in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant mesothelioma. The lab employs functional genomics, bioinformatics, and clinical data integration to uncover key drivers of immune evasion and therapeutic resistance, particularly in tumors with LKB1/KEAP1 co-mutations. A central theme is the identification of stromal and tumor-intrinsic factors—such as SRGN and OXTR—that shape an immunosuppressive and aggressive tumor microenvironment. The lab also explores the translational potential of targeting these molecules using preclinical models and AI-driven data analysis.
Professor Yoshihisa Matsukawa's research lab specializes in urological disorders, particularly focusing on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and post-surgical outcomes following radical prostatectomy. The lab investigates the pathophysiology of bladder dysfunction, including de novo detrusor underactivity and overactive bladder (OAB), with an emphasis on differentiating detrusor underactivity from bladder outlet obstruction using urodynamic and non-invasive assessments. Their work also explores the efficacy of medical therapies such as silodosin and tadalafil in improving both storage and voiding symptoms through objective urodynamic improvements.
Professor Masato Ikeda's research lab specializes in the design and development of functional supramolecular materials, with a focus on stimuli-responsive hydrogels, metallosupramolecular polymers, and fluorescent sensor systems. The lab pioneers innovative approaches to create smart materials that respond to biological, redox, or photochemical triggers, enabling applications in biosensing, drug delivery, and bioimaging. A key strength lies in the integration of supramolecular architecture with biologically relevant molecules, such as glucose oxidase or polyamine biomarkers, to create responsive and biocompatible systems. The lab also explores the self-assembly of complex nanostructures, including helical metallopolymers and PPV-amylose composites, for advanced optoelectronic and sensing applications.
Professor Takeru Kumabe's research lab specializes in wide-bandgap semiconductor materials, particularly AlGaN/GaN heterostructures, with a focus on innovative doping techniques and device engineering for high-performance electronic and optoelectronic applications. The lab pioneers dopant-free approaches such as distributed polarization doping (DPD) to overcome limitations of conventional doping, enabling high hole mobility and superior carrier transport properties in p-type AlGaN layers. Key research directions include low-damage plasma etching processes, contamination-free heterojunction formation, and the development of high-efficiency HBTs and p-n diodes with ideal rectifying and electroluminescent behaviors. The lab emphasizes fundamental understanding of defect physics, carrier dynamics, and polarization effects in nitride semiconductors to advance next-generation power and high-frequency devices.
Professor Kazuyuki Mizuno's research lab specializes in oncology and immunotherapy, with a focus on overcoming multidrug resistance in cancer and improving treatment outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The lab investigates the mechanisms of drug resistance, particularly in ovarian and liver cancers, and evaluates the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including rechallenge strategies after immune-related adverse events (irAEs). A key area of interest is the prognostic value of liver function assessment tools such as ALBI grade in B-type hepatitis-related HCC, offering refined patient stratification beyond traditional classifications like Child-Pugh. The lab also explores repurposed immunosuppressive agents as modulators of multidrug resistance, aiming to enhance chemotherapy efficacy.
Professor Koichiro Suekuni's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of environmentally friendly thermoelectric materials, with a primary focus on copper-based chalcogenides such as tetrahedrites, colusites, and clathrates. The lab investigates the structure-property relationships that govern high thermoelectric performance, particularly achieving high figure of merit (ZT) through low lattice thermal conductivity and enhanced power factors. Key research directions include crystal structure engineering, doping and substitution strategies, and the tuning of electronic and thermal transport properties in complex sulfide and germanosilicate frameworks. The lab emphasizes sustainable materials design using earth-abundant elements for efficient energy conversion applications.
Professor Kazunori Koga's research lab specializes in plasma science and its applications, spanning biomedical engineering and materials science. The lab investigates the effects of nonthermal plasma on biological systems, such as seed germination and anesthesia outcomes, demonstrating a unique interdisciplinary approach. It also focuses on the fundamental growth mechanisms of nanoscale clusters in low-pressure plasmas and the development of stable hydrogenated amorphous silicon films for advanced optoelectronic applications. These diverse research directions reflect a strong emphasis on plasma–matter interactions with real-world implications in healthcare and renewable energy technologies.
Professor Naoyuki Harada's research lab specializes in organic and materials chemistry, with a strong focus on photon upconversion and the development of functional organic semiconductors for energy and biomedical applications. The lab pioneers advanced materials for triplet-triplet annihilation-based photon upconversion, achieving record efficiencies in visible-to-UV upconversion using novel emitters like TIPS-Nph. In parallel, the lab develops water-soluble, bioactive compounds—particularly derivatives of ellipticine—for targeted cancer therapy, emphasizing prodrug design and enzyme-activated antitumor agents. The research integrates synthetic chemistry, photophysics, and medicinal chemistry to address challenges in renewable energy and precision oncology.
Professor Takashi Nakamura's research lab specializes in the mechanics of fatigue failure in advanced engineering materials, with a particular focus on very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) behavior in high-strength steels and titanium alloys. The lab employs advanced non-destructive evaluation techniques, such as synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography (SR-μCT), to visualize and analyze the initiation and propagation of sub-surface and internal fatigue cracks at the micro- and nano-scale. A key research direction involves understanding the formation mechanisms of unique fracture features like ODA (originated from sub-surface damage) and the role of internal microstructural heterogeneities in crack nucleation. The lab also investigates the influence of environmental conditions on crack growth, contributing to improved life prediction and structural integrity assessment in high-performance engineering components.
Professor Kyoko Hayashida's research lab specializes in the development and application of rapid, field-deployable molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases, particularly vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens in resource-limited settings. The lab focuses on optimizing isothermal amplification techniques such as LAMP and RT-LAMP for point-of-care use, integrating these with portable sequencing technologies like MinION for real-time pathogen detection and surveillance. Their work spans tropical diseases including malaria, Theileriosis, and chikungunya virus, with an emphasis on improving diagnostic sensitivity, accessibility, and epidemiological understanding in endemic regions. The lab actively contributes to 'One Health' initiatives by bridging animal, human, and environmental health research.
Professor Satoko Hori's research lab focuses on translational neuroscience and pharmacovigilance, with a primary emphasis on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and its role in drug delivery and neuroprotection. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms regulating BBB integrity, particularly the regulation of tight junction proteins like occludin and efflux transporters such as ABCG2, using in vitro models of brain endothelial, astrocyte, and pericyte cells. In parallel, the lab applies advanced artificial intelligence and natural language processing techniques to analyze patient-generated text from online communities, aiming to detect adverse drug reactions—especially hand-foot syndrome—and psychological concerns in cancer patients for early clinical intervention. This interdisciplinary approach bridges molecular neuroscience with digital health innovation.
Professor Kei Fujiwara's research lab specializes in synthetic biology and artificial cell engineering, focusing on reconstituting cellular functions in vitro using cell-free systems. The lab develops innovative methods for cell-free protein synthesis, biomacromolecular crowding, and the autonomous operation of genetic circuits in synthetic compartments. A central theme is mimicking the intracellular environment to enable complex biological processes—such as transcription, translation, DNA replication, and protein folding—within minimal, defined systems. The lab also pioneers approaches to control spatiotemporal patterning and dynamic regulation in artificial cells, aiming to understand life’s fundamental principles and enable bio-inspired materials and biotechnologies.
Professor Tomohiro Ishii's research lab specializes in molecular and clinical endocrinology, with a focus on adrenal and steroidogenic disorders, autoimmune polyendocrinopathies, and gene regulation in immune and metabolic diseases. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying congenital adrenal hyperplasia, autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene mutations in APECED, and the stability of housekeeping genes in immune cells such as alveolar macrophages. Their work bridges basic molecular biology with clinical applications, particularly in pediatric endocrinology and autoimmune diseases.
Professor Mariko Hara-Chikuma's research lab focuses on the multifaceted roles of aquaporins and ion channels in cellular physiology and disease pathogenesis. Her team investigates how aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and aquaporin-1 (AQP1) regulate cellular signaling, trafficking, and migration beyond their classical roles in water and solute transport, particularly in skin, immune cells, and kidney epithelia. Key research directions include the role of AQP3 in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) transport in inflammation and psoriasis, AQP3-mediated T cell migration in cutaneous immunity, and AQP1 in epithelial cell migration. The lab also explores ion channel function in intracellular organelle acidification, such as ClC-3 in endosomal trafficking. These studies reveal novel signaling mechanisms linking membrane transport to immune responses, cancer, and metabolic disorders.
Professor Shuichiro Miwa's research lab specializes in advanced thermal-hydraulics and nuclear safety engineering, with a strong focus on two-phase flow phenomena, critical heat flux (CHF) prediction, and the development of high-performance emission control systems. The lab integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques—such as convolutional neural networks, transformers, and transfer learning—into traditional thermal-hydraulic modeling to improve accuracy and robustness in predicting complex flow behaviors and system responses. Additionally, the lab is actively involved in the design and durability testing of advanced materials, including silicon carbide-based diesel particulate filters, for high-temperature and high-stress applications.
Professor Ken Kurisu's research lab specializes in palliative care and supportive medicine, with a focus on improving outcomes for patients with advanced cancer and complex medical conditions. The lab investigates delirium in cancer patients, developing predictive models for short-term outcomes and identifying prognostic factors such as baseline severity and precipitating triggers. It also explores critical issues in geriatric and oncological care, including polypharmacy, suicide risk in advanced cancer, and the management of complications like nosocomial diarrhea. The lab emphasizes evidence-based, patient-centered approaches, particularly in vulnerable populations with comorbidities or eating disorders.
