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 Rui Zhong's research lab specializes in meta-heuristic optimization algorithms and their applications in solving complex, large-scale, and expensive optimization problems. The lab focuses on enhancing the balance between exploration and exploitation in nature-inspired algorithms, developing surrogate-assisted and cooperative coevolution frameworks, and improving robustness in noisy or high-dimensional environments. Key research directions include algorithmic innovation through hybridization with machine learning techniques like Q-learning and surrogate modeling, as well as designing adaptive and hierarchical search strategies for improved convergence and diversity.
Professor Shinya Kuroda's research lab specializes in systems biology and signal transduction, focusing on how cells interpret and transmit dynamic signals through complex molecular networks. The lab integrates computational modeling with high-throughput 'omics' technologies—such as phosphoproteomics and metabolomics—to decode the temporal dynamics of cellular signaling in processes like insulin action, cerebellar long-term depression, and viral protein trafficking. A central theme is understanding how information encoded in the timing and pattern of signaling molecules (e.g., pulses or sustained activation) is translated into specific cellular responses. The lab also investigates the functional roles of key regulatory proteins, such as IQGAP and viral pre-S1 peptides, in cellular homeostasis and disease mechanisms.
Professor M. Koike's research lab specializes in atmospheric chemistry and remote sensing, focusing on trace gas and aerosol measurements in the stratosphere and troposphere. The lab conducts long-term ground-based observations using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to study atmospheric constituents such as HNO₃, CO, and cloud condensation nuclei, particularly in polar and mid-latitude regions. Key research directions include the impact of volcanic eruptions on stratospheric chemistry, the role of aerosols in ozone depletion, and the seasonal and regional variability of tropospheric pollutants. The lab also integrates in situ measurements with global chemistry transport modeling to better understand atmospheric processes and pollution sources.
Professor Tomoki Kuwahara's research lab focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease and related synucleinopathies. The lab employs *C. elegans* as a powerful genetic model to study the pathogenic roles of alpha-synuclein and LRRK2, with a central emphasis on protein aggregation, post-translational modifications (such as Ser-129 phosphorylation), and their impact on neuronal health. Key research directions include identifying genetic modifiers of neurotoxicity, dissecting the functional interplay between LRRK2 and RAB GTPases in vesicular trafficking, and understanding how lysosomal stress and lysosomotropic agents influence LRRK2 kinase activity and cellular homeostasis. The lab integrates genetic screening, live imaging, and biochemical approaches to uncover conserved pathways relevant to human neurodegeneration.
Professor Tsutomu Sawai's research lab specializes in the ethical, legal, and societal implications of advanced biomedical technologies, particularly human brain organoids and stem cell-derived neural tissues. The lab investigates the ethical challenges surrounding consciousness in brain organoids, legal personhood, and the responsible translation of these technologies into medical applications. It also focuses on improving public understanding and media representation of emerging neurotechnologies, advocating for accurate and balanced discourse.
Professor Makoto Yamasaki's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression, particularly in esophageal and colorectal cancers. The lab investigates gene expression profiles and molecular markers—such as MRP2 and procarboxypeptidase A—associated with chemotherapy response and metastasis, aiming to improve treatment strategies for advanced and recurrent cancers. Their work spans from basic biochemical characterization to translational research, including clinical applications of chemotherapy regimens like DCF in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Professor Abhishek Abhishek's research lab specializes in hydrological and environmental systems, focusing on basin-scale water cycle dynamics, drought and flood characterization, and environmental pollution assessment. The lab integrates satellite remote sensing (e.g., GRACE, GRACE-FO), in-situ measurements, and hydrological modeling to quantify terrestrial water storage, groundwater variability, and climate extremes. It also investigates persistent organic pollutants and heavy metal contamination, with an emphasis on health risk assessment and advanced remediation technologies using nanomaterials. The lab’s work bridges climate science, hydrology, and environmental health to support sustainable water and pollution management.
Professor Yunping Li's research lab specializes in the fundamental mechanics and microstructural evolution of metallic materials, with a focus on deformation behavior, slip systems, and friction dynamics in high-temperature forming processes. The lab develops advanced characterization techniques—such as modified lattice rotation analysis and Slip Trace–Modified Lattice Rotation Analysis (ST-MLRA)—to identify active slip systems and twin modes in polycrystalline alloys, particularly magnesium and steel alloys. Their work bridges experimental mechanics with computational modeling to understand texture evolution, workability, and formability under extreme conditions.
Professor Shiro Imagama's research lab focuses on spinal cord injury repair, with a particular emphasis on extracellular matrix components such as chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate proteoglycans in neural plasticity and functional recovery. The lab investigates the pathophysiology of post-laminectomy complications like C5 palsy, examining anatomical and radiological risk factors through clinical and imaging studies. Additionally, the lab explores the interplay between chronic inflammation, sarcopenia, and vascular health in aging populations, linking systemic inflammation to physical function and quality of life. Their work bridges clinical spine surgery with molecular neuroscience and geriatric health.
Professor Ratnak Sok's research lab specializes in advanced internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies, focusing on combustion modeling, virtual sensing, and energy recovery systems. The lab conducts experimental and numerical investigations on lean and ultra-lean combustion, laminar flame speed characterization, and high-efficiency engine operation using detailed chemical mechanisms and reduced kinetic models. Key research directions include developing neural network-based virtual sensors for real-time engine control, optimizing lean-boost and high-tumble combustion strategies, and evaluating thermoelectric generator (TEG) integration for improved fuel efficiency and emissions reduction in modern ICEs, particularly in CNG and hybridized engines.
Professor Sihui Ma's research lab focuses on the interplay between nutrition, exercise, and metabolic health, with a particular emphasis on how dietary patterns and bioactive compounds modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular responses. The lab investigates the protective mechanisms of natural bioactive peptides and phytochemicals—such as sulforaphane and walnut-derived peptides—against exercise-induced organ damage and chronic diseases. Key research directions include the regulation of redox signaling, mitochondrial function, and immune modulation in the context of physical stress and nutritional interventions. The lab also explores the role of specific diets, such as the ketogenic diet and Mediterranean diet, in enhancing exercise capacity and mental health outcomes.
Professor Masaru Tanokura's research lab specializes in structural and physical biochemistry, with a strong focus on the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study biomolecular interactions and dynamics. The lab investigates the conformational behavior and pKa properties of ionizable groups in peptides and proteins, particularly histidine residues, using advanced NMR titration and curve-fitting techniques. Additionally, the lab develops and applies sophisticated NMR methodologies for the analysis of complex natural product mixtures, such as green coffee bean extract, enabling the identification, quantification, and structural elucidation of multiple compounds without prior separation. Their work bridges analytical chemistry and molecular biology, contributing to both fundamental understanding and practical applications in biochemistry and natural product analysis.
Professor Yoshihiro Masuda's research lab specializes in multiphase flow, enhanced oil recovery, and fluid-rock interactions under extreme conditions, with a strong emphasis on molecular-scale simulations and experimental validation. The lab investigates complex fluid behaviors in porous media, including polymer flooding, asphaltene stability at interfaces, hydrate formation in hydrocarbon mixtures, drill cuttings transport, and clay swelling under CO₂-rich environments. Their work bridges molecular dynamics simulations with experimental data to understand and predict fluid behavior in petroleum engineering and carbon capture applications. The lab also focuses on the role of heteroatoms, interfacial phenomena, and phase transitions in hydrocarbon systems under reservoir conditions.
Professor Jason Kristiano's research lab specializes in theoretical cosmology, focusing on primordial black hole formation, non-Gaussianities in the early universe, and quantum corrections in inflationary models. The lab investigates how non-perturbative effects and higher-order corrections—such as one-loop corrections to the power spectrum and bispectra—arise in scenarios with temporary ultraslow-roll inflation, where enhanced small-scale perturbations can lead to primordial black hole production. By applying quantum field theory techniques in curved spacetime, the lab explores the interplay between large-scale CMB observations and small-scale primordial features, aiming to constrain early-universe physics through observable signatures.
Professor Piotr de Silva's research lab specializes in theoretical and computational quantum chemistry, focusing on the electronic structure of functional materials for optoelectronics and energy applications. Key research directions include the development of novel electronic structure descriptors—such as the Density Overlap Regions Indicator (DORI) and the Single Exponential Decay Detector (SEDD)—to visualize and quantify chemical bonding, electronic compactness, and electron localization. The lab investigates thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) in organic semiconductors, aiming to understand and predict the electronic origins of small singlet-triplet gaps and efficient reverse intersystem crossing. Additionally, the group explores redox thermodynamics in aqueous organic flow batteries, emphasizing how molecular interactions tune electrochemical potential windows for sustainable energy storage.
Professor Shinichiro Morioka's research spans clinical and theoretical aspects of infectious diseases and particle physics. His clinical work focuses on post-acute sequelae of viral infections, particularly long-term symptoms and complications such as post-COVID syndrome and alopecia following SARS-CoV-2 infection. In parallel, his theoretical research investigates relativistic few-body systems using advanced quantum field theory techniques, including the Blankenbecler-Sugar reduction and relativistic Faddeev equations, with applications to hadronic interactions like the π-N system. His lab bridges clinical observations with fundamental theoretical physics, emphasizing both patient outcomes and the underlying dynamics of elementary particle interactions.
Professor Kenji Kondo's research lab focuses on the intersection of aging, sensory function, and natural products, with a particular emphasis on olfactory neurobiology and the molecular identification of medicinal plants. The lab investigates age-related changes in olfactory neuroepithelium, including neurogenesis and cell death, using animal models to understand the mechanisms underlying smell dysfunction in aging. Additionally, the lab employs molecular DNA markers to accurately identify and characterize medicinal licorice species, linking genetic profiles to their bioactive constituents. Recent work also explores the potential of phytochemicals in supporting recovery from post-viral olfactory disorders, such as those seen in COVID-19.
Professor Kaori Fukuzawa's research lab specializes in the theoretical and computational investigation of molecular interactions in biological and astrochemical systems. The lab focuses on applying advanced quantum mechanical methods—particularly the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) approach—to study biomolecular recognition, protein-ligand interactions, and the electronic origins of binding affinities in estrogen receptors and other macromolecular complexes. Additionally, the lab explores the mechanisms of neutral-neutral reactions in interstellar environments, aiming to understand the formation pathways of complex organic molecules such as cyanopolyynes and cyanoacetylenes. Their work bridges computational chemistry, structural biology, and astrochemistry through high-accuracy ab initio calculations and the development of public databases for data sharing and analysis.
Professor Yutaka Akiyama's research lab specializes in computational biology and bioinformatics, focusing on the development of advanced algorithms and simulation methods for drug discovery and systems biology. Key research directions include protein-protein interaction prediction, cyclic peptide drug design with an emphasis on membrane permeability, and high-throughput homology search for metagenomic data. The lab integrates computational techniques such as molecular dynamics simulations, machine learning, and structural bioinformatics to address challenges in drug target identification and virtual screening.
Professor Albert Escrivà's research lab specializes in theoretical and numerical cosmology, focusing on the formation mechanisms and astrophysical implications of primordial black holes (PBHs) in the early Universe. The lab investigates the critical conditions for PBH formation from primordial curvature fluctuations, particularly through detailed numerical simulations of spherically symmetric perturbations in radiation- and matter-dominated cosmological backgrounds. A central theme is the development of accurate threshold criteria for black hole formation, including the role of non-Gaussianities, equation of state variations (e.g., during the QCD crossover), and the shape of curvature profiles. The lab also explores the resulting PBH mass functions and their observational signatures, such as merger rates and constraints from cosmic microwave background and gravitational wave data.
