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 Takeshi Kondo's research lab specializes in quantum materials, focusing on the electronic structure and emergent quantum phenomena in high-temperature superconductors, topological materials, and strongly correlated systems. Using advanced angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) combined with first-principles calculations, the lab investigates unconventional superconductivity, pseudogap physics, and exotic quantum states such as nodal superconductors and topological semimetals. A central theme is understanding the interplay between electron correlation, spin-orbit coupling, and symmetry-protected topological order in iron-based and 5d iridate systems.
Professor Ichiro Hisaki's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of porous hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) with a focus on enhancing their thermal and chemical stability while achieving high surface areas and permanent porosity. The lab pioneers the use of shape-persistent, C3-symmetric π-conjugated macrocycles and functionalized hexaazatriphenylene derivatives as robust molecular tectons to construct crystalline frameworks through reversible hydrogen bonding. By combining single-crystal X-ray diffraction, gas sorption, and ultrafast spectroscopy, the lab enables precise structural characterization and functional evaluation of these materials, particularly for applications in gas storage, sensing, and photoresponsive materials. The research emphasizes the rational engineering of supramolecular synthons and network topology to overcome common challenges such as framework interpenetration and structural collapse.
Professor Hiroaki Sasai's research lab specializes in the development of asymmetric catalysis using rare-earth-based multifunctional complexes. The lab pioneers the design of heterobimetallic catalysts that simultaneously exhibit both Lewis acidity and Brønsted basicity, mimicking enzymatic functions to achieve high enantioselectivity in carbon-carbon and carbon-nitrogen bond-forming reactions. Key research directions include catalytic asymmetric nitroaldol reactions and the structural optimization of rare-earth–alkali metal complexes with chiral ligands such as BINOL derivatives. Their work has led to significant advances in enantioselective synthesis, offering synthetic alternatives to enzyme-catalyzed transformations.
Professor Yusuke Hirabayashi's research lab focuses on cellular and subcellular mechanisms underlying neural development, organelle communication, and calcium signaling in neurons. The lab investigates how signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin regulate neural precursor cell fate decisions and neuronal differentiation, while also exploring the functional roles of inter-organelle contact sites—particularly endoplasmic reticulum–mitochondria contacts—in calcium homeostasis and neuronal plasticity. Using advanced imaging, optogenetics, and deep learning-based image analysis, the lab aims to uncover the dynamic, 3D organization of cellular structures and their roles in brain development and function.
Professor Ryohei Terauchi's research lab specializes in plant genomics and molecular breeding, focusing on the genetic mechanisms underlying disease resistance in crops—particularly rice. The lab develops and applies next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based technologies such as MutMap and MutMap-Gap to rapidly identify causal mutations and resistance genes, enabling precise and efficient crop improvement. Their work integrates functional genomics, pathogen–host interaction studies, and high-throughput gene expression analysis to dissect complex traits and evolutionary dynamics in plant-pathogen systems. The lab also pioneers innovative sequencing methods like SuperSAGE to profile host and pathogen gene expression simultaneously during infection.
Professor Naoto Katakami's research lab specializes in cardiovascular complications of diabetes, with a focus on diabetic macroangiopathy and its underlying vascular pathophysiology. The lab investigates vascular imaging biomarkers—such as carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV)—to improve risk stratification and monitor disease progression in diabetic patients. Key research directions include evaluating the efficacy of pharmacological agents like cilostazol and tofogliflozin in slowing atherosclerotic progression and assessing soluble RAGE (esRAGE) as a potential circulating marker of vascular damage. The lab integrates clinical trials with advanced vascular imaging to translate findings into practical tools for cardiovascular risk management in diabetes.
Professor Kenji Inaba's research lab specializes in the molecular mechanisms of disulfide bond formation and redox regulation in biological systems, with a focus on protein folding, oxidative folding pathways, and metal ion homeostasis in cellular compartments. The lab investigates key enzymes such as DsbB and ERp44, exploring their roles in disulfide bond catalysis, electron transfer, and metal ion sensing—particularly zinc. Using structural biology, biochemistry, and spectroscopic techniques, the lab uncovers how redox enzymes function under physiological conditions and how their activity is modulated by cofactors and metal ions. These studies provide fundamental insights into protein quality control and have implications for diseases involving misfolded proteins and redox imbalance.
Professor Hiroshi Kimura's research lab specializes in the virology and immunopathology of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), with a focus on chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) and EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying EBV persistence, clonal expansion of infected T or natural killer (NK) cells, and the clinical and virological features that drive disease progression. Using advanced molecular techniques such as real-time quantitative PCR, the lab quantifies viral load and explores host-virus interactions to identify prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. Their work also contributes to understanding the epidemiological and clinical differences in EBV-related diseases across populations, particularly in Asian and nonimmunocompromised cohorts.
Professor Fumina Tanaka's research lab specializes in food science and engineering, focusing on the development of bio-based edible coatings and active packaging materials to enhance food preservation and quality. The lab investigates the physicochemical and antifungal properties of natural polymer-based films enriched with essential oils and nanomaterials, particularly for perishable fruits like strawberries and stone fruits. Additionally, the lab conducts advanced thermal and drying process analyses to optimize the preservation of rice-based animal feed and understand the impact of thermal treatment on nutrient retention and structural properties of agricultural products. Their work integrates computational modeling, X-ray computed tomography, and experimental drying studies to support sustainable food processing solutions.
Professor Toshiyuki Wakimoto's research lab specializes in natural product chemistry, with a focus on the isolation, structural elucidation, and total synthesis of bioactive natural compounds from marine and terrestrial sources. The lab investigates biologically active lipids, such as those from New Zealand green-lipped mussels, and complex marine natural products like surugamides and kasumigamide, often employing advanced synthetic methodologies and biosynthetic insights. A key direction involves understanding the biosynthesis of natural products through metagenomic and enzymatic studies, particularly in symbiotic systems involving sponges and actinomycetes. The lab also explores structure-activity relationships of neurotoxic and anti-inflammatory compounds, including aziridine-containing amino acids and tetramic acid derivatives.
Professor Ryo Higuchi's research lab specializes in computational and experimental mechanics, focusing on the multi-scale simulation and mechanical characterization of advanced composite materials. The lab investigates damage mechanisms, failure behaviors, and thermo-mechanical properties in fiber-reinforced polymers, ceramic matrix composites, and thermoplastic composites, with an emphasis on microstructure-based modeling and mesh-independent numerical methods. Additionally, the lab contributes to biomechanics by developing high-fidelity musculoskeletal models for spinal load prediction, integrating anatomical accuracy with dynamic loading validation. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge materials science, structural mechanics, and biomedical engineering through advanced finite element analysis and experimental validation.
Professor Yutaka Osuga's research lab focuses on the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying endometriosis, a chronic gynecological disorder affecting reproductive-age women. The lab investigates immune cell dysfunction—particularly in T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells—within the context of endometriotic lesion development and immune escape. Additionally, the lab explores hormonal signaling pathways, including gonadotropin receptor function and their role in endometriosis pathogenesis, using molecular and cellular biology approaches. The research aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets by elucidating the interplay between immune regulation, endometrial function, and hormone signaling.
Professor Kun Qian's research lab specializes in the intersection of artificial intelligence, signal processing, and biomedical/healthcare applications, with a strong focus on aging society challenges. The lab develops AI-driven solutions for elderly care, including smart health monitoring, heart sound analysis, and snore detection using advanced machine learning and sensor technologies. It also explores innovative signal reconstruction techniques in remote sensing, such as deep learning for synthetic aperture radar tomography. A key theme across projects is enhancing interpretability and efficiency in AI models for real-world healthcare and environmental applications.
Professor Kiyosei Takasu's research lab specializes in the development of novel organic synthesis methodologies and the design of functional organic materials with tailored electronic and structural properties. The lab focuses on transition-metal-free catalytic reactions, such as (2+2)- and [3+2]-cycloadditions, to construct complex carbocyclic and heterocyclic frameworks with high stereoselectivity. A key direction involves the synthesis and characterization of π-conjugated nanographenes and heterocyclic dyes, including azulene-embedded systems and rhodacyanines, for applications in optoelectronics and medicinal chemistry. The lab also explores catalytic kinetic resolution and cascade cycloaddition strategies to access enantiopure and densely functionalized molecules.
Professor Hiroyuki Ijima's research lab specializes in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, with a primary focus on developing bioartificial organs and extracellular matrix (ECM)-based scaffolds for liver support and regeneration. The lab pioneers innovative approaches using decellularized liver matrices (L-ECM) and polyurethane foam (PUF) scaffolds to culture functional spheroids of hepatocytes and other cell types, maintaining long-term liver-specific functions. Their work has led to the development of hybrid artificial liver support systems that significantly improve survival in animal models of acute liver failure, demonstrating clinical translatability. The lab also investigates the physical and biochemical properties of ECM substrates to optimize cell behavior and tissue engineering outcomes.
Professor Motohiro Nishida's research lab focuses on cardiovascular pathophysiology, particularly the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac remodeling, mitochondrial dynamics, and vascular dysfunction in heart disease and hypertension. The lab investigates key signaling pathways involving G protein-coupled receptors (e.g., AT1R and P2Y6R), ion channels (e.g., TRPC3), and cytoskeletal proteins (e.g., filamin A) in regulating cellular stress responses, senescence, and oxidative damage in cardiomyocytes and vascular cells. A central theme is the crosstalk between cellular structures like mitochondria and the cytoskeleton, and how their dysregulation contributes to heart failure and vascular disease. The lab also explores therapeutic targets to prevent chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and hypertension-related organ damage.
Professor Miki Fujimura's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebral ischemia and apoptosis, particularly the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in neuronal cell death. The lab investigates cytochrome c release and its regulation by antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutases in focal cerebral ischemia models. A key research direction involves understanding the pathophysiology of moyamoya disease, including genetic susceptibility (e.g., RNF213 gene variants) and hemodynamic changes following revascularization surgery. The lab also explores the clinical implications of cerebral hyperperfusion after STA-MCA anastomosis, especially in patients with moyamoya disease.
Professor Kenbun Sone's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in gynecological cancers, particularly endometrial and ovarian carcinomas. The lab investigates the roles of histone-modifying enzymes—such as SUV39H2, EZH2, and SETD8—in DNA damage response, tumorigenesis, and cancer progression, with an emphasis on lysine methylation of histones and its functional consequences. Additionally, the lab integrates artificial intelligence and deep learning techniques to develop automated diagnostic systems for gynecological malignancies using medical imaging and omics data.
Professor Kenji Kano's research lab specializes in bioelectrochemistry and bioenergy, focusing on the development of high-performance, sustainable biofuel cells. The lab pioneers direct electron transfer (DET)-type bioelectrocatalysis using enzymes such as fructose dehydrogenase (FDH) and laccase or bilirubin oxidase (BOD) for efficient oxidation and reduction reactions. Key research directions include enzyme immobilization strategies on carbon-based electrodes, optimization of biocathode performance through surface modification, and enhancing power density in passive, mediator-free biofuel cells operating under physiological conditions. The lab also investigates the structure-function relationships of multi-subunit redox enzymes to improve electron transfer efficiency.
Professor Mahdi Khosravy's research lab specializes in intelligent systems and sustainable energy technologies, with a strong focus on cybersecurity in biometric systems, renewable energy optimization, and human-centered industrial automation. The lab develops advanced algorithms for secure face recognition, such as mitigating model inversion attacks, and enhances solar photovoltaic efficiency through innovative optimization techniques like incremental Conductance-based Particle Swarm Optimization. It also explores the frontiers of Industry 5.0, emphasizing human-robot collaboration, AI-driven digital twins, and smart cyber-physical systems. Additionally, the lab investigates perceptual image enhancement and power system protection in high-penetration renewable networks.
