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 Yuichi Masubuchi's research lab specializes in the development and application of mesoscopic simulation models to understand the dynamics of entangled polymeric liquids. The lab focuses on coarse-grained modeling of polymer networks, particularly through primitive chain and slip-link frameworks, to capture key mechanisms such as reptation, constraint release, and tube length fluctuations. Their work bridges molecular-scale physics with macroscopic rheological behavior, aiming to derive constitutive relationships from molecular architecture for industrial polymer processing applications. The lab emphasizes quantitative comparisons with experimental data to validate and refine their simulation methodologies.
Professor Yu Mon Saw's research lab focuses on public health and health systems research in Myanmar, with a strong emphasis on adolescent and youth health, mental health, substance use, and the social determinants of health. The lab investigates critical issues such as cyberbullying, risky health behaviors among university students, and the challenges of health workforce shortages. It also conducts vital assessments of national health goals, including progress toward the Millennium Development Goals, particularly in maternal and child health and HIV/TB care. The lab’s work emphasizes evidence-based policy recommendations, health system strengthening, and community-centered interventions to improve health outcomes in low-resource settings.
Professor Tetsu Tatsuma's research lab specializes in photoelectrochemistry and nanomaterials for sustainable energy applications. The lab focuses on developing advanced oxide-based semiconductors, such as TiO2 and WO3, for photocatalytic water splitting, solar energy conversion, and charge storage. A key research direction involves plasmon-induced charge separation (PICS) and the integration of noble metal nanoparticles (e.g., Au, Ag) with metal oxide matrices to enable visible-light-driven photocurrent generation and multifunctional sensing. The lab also investigates the interfacial charge transfer processes in hybrid nanostructures under various environmental conditions, including humid air and aqueous electrolytes.
Professor Keita Tachiki's research lab specializes in wide-bandgap semiconductor devices, with a primary focus on 4H-SiC (silicon carbide) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) and MOS capacitors. The lab investigates fundamental interface engineering between SiC and SiO₂, emphasizing defect passivation techniques such as H₂ etching, N₂/NO annealing, and oxidation-minimizing processes to achieve low interface state densities and high channel mobility. Their work addresses critical challenges in power electronics, including short-channel effects, threshold voltage stability, and the compatibility of normally-off operation with high performance in SiC-based power devices.
Professor Ibrahim Abdo's research lab specializes in high-frequency integrated circuits and transceivers for terahertz (THz) wireless communications, focusing on CMOS and compound semiconductor technologies. The lab develops advanced phased-array transceivers, mixers, and power amplifiers operating in the 300 GHz band, with an emphasis on high data rates, low power consumption, and efficient beamforming. Key research directions include hybrid integration of CMOS and III-V semiconductors (e.g., InP, HEMT), outphasing and mixer architectures for improved linearity and LO feed-through cancellation, and innovative antenna and circuit co-design for wideband, high-gain systems. The lab also explores frequency doubling and signal generation techniques for W- and D-band applications, enabling next-generation terahertz communication systems.
Professor Hiromasa Tanaka's research lab specializes in plasma medicine, focusing on the development and application of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma and plasma-activated solutions for cancer therapy. The lab investigates the selective killing of cancer cells—particularly glioblastoma, ovarian, gastric, and pancreatic cancers—while sparing normal cells, using plasma-activated medium (PAM) and plasma-activated Ringer's solutions (PAL). Key research directions include elucidating the molecular mechanisms of plasma-induced apoptosis, particularly through modulation of survival pathways such as AKT/mTORC2 and PI3K/PDK1, and understanding the role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) in selective tumor cell death. The lab also explores clinical translation by utilizing medically approved solutions like saline and Ringer's lactate for safe and effective therapeutic applications.
Professor Wataru Shinoda's research lab specializes in computational materials science and molecular simulation, focusing on the development and application of advanced coarse-grained (CG) models for complex soft matter systems such as surfactants, lipids, and self-assembled nanostructures. The lab emphasizes the creation of transferable and accurate CG force fields that reproduce key thermodynamic and structural properties from all-atom simulations, with applications in interfacial phenomena, membrane biophysics, and self-assembly in complex fluids. They also pioneer novel simulation algorithms—such as efficient NPT molecular dynamics with rigid bodies and enhanced sampling techniques—to improve the accuracy and efficiency of molecular simulations. Their work bridges fundamental simulation methodology with practical applications in materials design and biological systems.
Professor Kinichi Nakashima's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying neural cell fate determination, particularly the signaling pathways that regulate astrocyte differentiation in the developing nervous system. The lab investigates the roles of cytokines such as LIF and BMP2, and their downstream effectors including gp130, STAT3, Smad1, and transcriptional coactivators like p300, in coordinating cell lineage decisions. A central theme is the integration of multiple signaling pathways—particularly JAK-STAT and BMP-Smad—through transcriptional coactivators to achieve precise developmental outcomes. The lab also explores evolutionary conservation in gene regulation, as seen in studies of snake venom phospholipase A2 genes, highlighting broader principles of gene structure and sequence evolution.
Professor Minoru Eto's research lab specializes in theoretical high-energy and condensed matter physics, focusing on solitonic solutions in gauge theories and their applications to quantum field theory, string theory, and ultracold atomic systems. The lab investigates BPS solitons—such as vortices, domain walls, monopoles, and instantons—particularly in the Higgs phase, using advanced mathematical tools like the moduli matrix formalism to classify and analyze their moduli spaces. A central theme is the topological structure and dynamics of composite solitons, including vortex-instanton and vortex-monopole bound states, with connections to Kähler geometry and orbifold singularities. The lab also explores vortex interactions in two-component Bose-Einstein condensates, revealing novel long-range forces and reconnection phenomena.
Professor Susumu Katsuma's research lab focuses on host–pathogen interactions, particularly the molecular mechanisms by which viral and bacterial symbionts manipulate host physiology and development. The lab investigates how baculoviruses alter host behavior through viral factors like the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP), and how endosymbiotic bacteria such as Wolbachia induce male-specific killing by targeting host sex-determination genes like Masc in lepidopteran insects. Additionally, the lab explores host signaling pathways, including GPCR-mediated responses to free fatty acids and MAPK cascades during viral infection. Their work bridges virology, microbiology, and insect developmental biology to uncover fundamental mechanisms of host manipulation.
Professor Hiroyuki Kusuhara's research lab specializes in pharmacokinetics and drug disposition, with a focus on the role of membrane transporters in drug absorption, distribution, and elimination. The lab investigates solute carrier (SLC) and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters—particularly OAT, OCT, MATE, and BCRP—in mediating drug-drug interactions, interindividual variability, and the fate of drugs in the body. Using translational approaches that span from in vitro transport assays to human microdose and clinical studies, the lab aims to predict and understand the impact of transporter interactions on drug response and safety. Their work also explores the influence of natural compounds, such as curcumin, on transporter function and drug bioavailability.
Professor Zhongwei Zhang's research lab specializes in the fundamental understanding of thermal transport at the nanoscale, with a focus on phonon dynamics, thermal conductivity engineering, and coherent heat transport in low-dimensional and amorphous materials. The lab combines first-principles calculations, nonequilibrium Green's function methods, and advanced molecular dynamics simulations to explore size-dependent thermal properties in 2D materials, heterostructures, and nano-phononic crystals. Key research directions include thermal transport in curved carbon allotropes, thermoelectric materials design, and the role of quantum coherence and localization in heat conduction. The lab also pioneers machine learning-driven approaches to predict and optimize thermal properties in complex nanomaterials.
Professor Takashi Watanabe's research lab specializes in wood chemistry and lignin biochemistry, focusing on the structural characterization of lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) and the enzymatic mechanisms involved in lignin degradation. The lab investigates enzyme-mediated reactions, such as beta-glucosidase activity and radical-mediated borylation, to understand biocatalytic transformations in natural polymers. A key research direction involves elucidating the chemical linkages—particularly ester and benzyl ether bonds—between lignin and carbohydrates using selective oxidation techniques like DDQ oxidation and methylation analysis. The lab also explores the role of extracellular oxidative systems in lignin breakdown by fungi, such as *Ceriporiopsis subvermispora*, contributing to sustainable biomass conversion technologies.
Professor Toshiaki Umezawa's research lab specializes in plant secondary metabolism, with a focus on lignin and lignan biosynthesis in vascular plants. The lab investigates the enzymatic mechanisms and genetic regulation underlying the formation of phenylpropanoid-derived polymers, particularly through the characterization of key enzymes such as pinoresinol/lariciresinol reductases and p-coumaroyl ester 3-hydroxylase. Using molecular, biochemical, and genetic approaches—including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and cell-type-specific gene expression—his team aims to engineer lignin composition and content in model and crop species to improve biomass utilization in biorefineries without compromising plant growth.
Professor Baoqi Guo's research lab specializes in the microstructural evolution and phase transformation behavior of advanced metallic materials, particularly zirconium and titanium alloys, under thermomechanical and post-processing conditions. The lab focuses on in-situ characterization techniques such as neutron diffraction and X-ray line profile analysis to investigate dynamic phase transformations, dislocation dynamics, and lattice parameter changes during deformation and heat treatment. Their work bridges fundamental understanding of phase stability with practical applications in improving mechanical properties like ductility and strength in additively manufactured and processed alloys. The lab also explores the role of solute elements (e.g., Sn) and residual stresses in influencing microstructure evolution and material performance.
Professor Shinji Toyota's research lab specializes in supramolecular and organoboron chemistry, focusing on the design and synthesis of novel molecular architectures with unique structural and dynamic properties. Key research directions include the development of boron-containing macrocycles and cyclic oligomers that exhibit fascinating phenomena such as rotational isomerism, skeletal flexibility, and host-guest complexation with fullerenes. The lab employs a combination of X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and computational methods (e.g., DFT) to elucidate the electronic and steric factors governing B–N coordination, conformational dynamics, and noncovalent interactions like CH⋅⋅⋅π. These studies contribute to the broader understanding of molecular recognition, dynamic covalent chemistry, and the construction of functional nanostructures.
Professor Shin-ichi Orimo's research lab focuses on the development and fundamental understanding of complex hydrides for advanced energy applications. The lab specializes in solid-state ion conductors, particularly alkali metal superionic conductors such as Na₂B₁₂H₁₂ and Li₂B₁₂H₁₂, which exhibit exceptional ionic conductivity due to dynamic anion structures and disorder-driven fast-ion transport. Key research directions include solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries, hydrogen storage materials, and materials with multifunctional energy-related properties such as microwave absorption and neutron shielding. The lab combines materials synthesis, structural characterization, and ion transport measurements to design next-generation materials for sustainable energy technologies.
Professor Koichi Fujiwara's research lab specializes in advanced sensing technologies and data-driven methodologies for health monitoring and industrial process control. The lab focuses on developing innovative soft-sensor systems using machine learning techniques such as Just-In-Time (JIT) modeling and partial least squares (PLS) for real-time quality estimation in dynamic environments. A key emphasis is placed on addressing challenges in data imbalance and anomaly detection, particularly in biomedical applications like driver drowsiness detection using heart rate variability (HRV) and wearable sensor integration. The lab also explores novel materials and device reliability, including C60-based dimers and semiconductor laser bonding for long-term performance under thermal stress.
Professor Takeshi Nakahara's research lab focuses on the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying chronic inflammatory skin diseases, particularly atopic dermatitis. The lab investigates key players such as dendritic cells, T-cell subsets, and cytokine networks, with a special emphasis on how chemotherapeutic agents like cyclophosphamide and endogenous mediators like endothelin-1 modulate immune responses. A central theme is the interplay between skin barrier integrity, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation, with recent work highlighting the role of transcription factors such as NRF2 and AHR in maintaining epidermal homeostasis. The lab also explores the therapeutic potential of immunomodulatory agents, including topical tacrolimus and natural compounds like OFIE, in restoring barrier function and suppressing type 2 inflammation.
Professor Yohei Hashimoto's research lab focuses on translational biomedical research, particularly in the intersection of molecular signaling in neuronal and immune cells and clinical ophthalmology. The lab investigates calcium-dependent signaling pathways, such as calcineurin and CaM-kinase II interactions, and applies advanced imaging and statistical modeling to improve glaucoma diagnosis and management. A key focus is leveraging routinely acquired ocular imaging data—such as OCT and visual field tests—to predict disease progression and reduce the need for repeated testing. The lab also explores immune cell activation mechanisms relevant to inflammatory diseases, integrating molecular biology with clinical outcomes.
