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 Taku Hasobe's research lab specializes in the design and fabrication of advanced nanomaterials for renewable energy applications, particularly in organic photovoltaics and light-harvesting systems. The lab focuses on supramolecular organization of porphyrins, fullerenes, and carbon nanomaterials (such as SWCNTs and graphene oxide) to create hierarchical, photoactive architectures that enable efficient light absorption, charge separation, and electron transport. By leveraging self-assembly, covalent functionalization, and nanostructured electrodes, the group develops highly efficient, solution-processable solar cells with enhanced photoelectrochemical performance. Their work bridges molecular engineering, nanomaterial science, and renewable energy technology.
Professor Yoshio Takahashi's research lab focuses on environmental geochemistry and materials science, with a strong emphasis on the behavior and speciation of critical elements such as iron, manganese, and arsenic in natural and engineered systems. The lab investigates the transformation and bioavailability of these elements in soils, groundwater, and atmospheric dust, particularly under varying redox conditions. A key research direction involves using advanced spectroscopic techniques like XANES and XRD to understand the role of iron (hydr)oxides and clay minerals in sequestering or releasing contaminants. Additionally, the lab explores the synthesis and optical properties of novel crystalline glasses for nonlinear optical applications, especially those with ferroelectric and second-harmonic generation characteristics.
Professor Kyojiro Morikawa's research lab specializes in the electronic and nanoscale properties of complex oxides and confined liquids, with a focus on strongly correlated electron systems and nanofluidic phenomena. The lab investigates Mott insulators and metal-insulator transitions in perovskite oxides using advanced spectroscopic techniques such as photoemission and inverse photoemission, revealing the interplay between electron correlation and electronic structure. In parallel, the lab pioneers experimental methods to probe liquid behavior in extended nanospaces (10–1000 nm), particularly the dielectric and electrokinetic properties of water and ions in nanochannels, using streaming potential measurements. These studies bridge fundamental physics with applications in nanofluidics, single-molecule detection, and functional nanodevices.
Professor Koki Ikemoto's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and structural characterization of novel carbon-based nanomaterials and functional molecular architectures. The lab focuses on creating well-defined, discrete molecular systems such as phenylene-based nanocups, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes, and aromatic macrocycles, using innovative strategies like geodesic frameworks and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. A key strength lies in combining synthetic precision with in situ structural analysis—particularly through X-ray crystallography in porous coordination networks—to elucidate reaction mechanisms and control molecular reactivity at the atomic level. The ultimate goal is to develop advanced organic materials for optoelectronic applications, including high-efficiency single-layer organic light-emitting devices and selective catalytic transformations.
Professor Takaaki Saeki's research lab specializes in self-supervised and semi-supervised learning for speech and text processing, with a strong focus on multilingual and low-resource speech technologies. The lab develops advanced neural speech synthesis (TTS) and speech restoration systems that reduce reliance on high-quality paired data, enabling applications in low-resource and zero-shot multilingual settings. Key research directions include joint speech-text pretraining, degradation-robust TTS, and self-supervised restoration using real-world degraded speech. The lab aims to make high-quality speech technologies accessible to thousands of languages by leveraging text-only data and transfer learning.
Professor Yuya Fukano's research lab focuses on ecological and evolutionary processes in plant-insect interactions, particularly in the context of biological invasions and coevolution. The lab investigates the evolutionary trade-offs in plant defense strategies, such as those predicted by the Evolution of Increased Competitive Ability (EICA) hypothesis, and examines how changes in enemy pressure influence plant traits and fitness. Additionally, the lab explores the role of biotic interactions in shaping plant community dynamics, including competition and dispersal syndromes in fleshy fruits. A significant component of the research also involves applied biocatalysis, using marine microbes to produce medically and industrially relevant glycoconjugates like GM1 ganglioside.
Professor Takeshi Nitta's research lab focuses on the immunological mechanisms underlying T cell development and central tolerance in the thymus. The lab investigates the roles of stromal microenvironments—particularly thymic epithelial cells and fibroblasts—in shaping the T cell repertoire, with a special emphasis on chemokine-guided thymocyte migration (e.g., CCR7), signaling pathways in γδ T cell differentiation (e.g., Syk and PI3K/Akt), and novel GTP-binding proteins (IAN family) in thymic selection. The lab integrates molecular immunology, cell signaling, and in vivo models to uncover fundamental principles of immune tolerance and lymphocyte fate determination.
Professor Susumu Noda's research lab specializes in the design, fabrication, and application of photonic crystals for advanced optical devices. The lab focuses on creating three-dimensional and two-dimensional photonic crystal structures with precise control over light propagation, including bandgap engineering, defect engineering for nanolaser cavities, and polarization control. Key research directions include the development of ultra-compact, low-threshold, and wavelength-tunable surface-emitting lasers, particularly at optical communication and blue-violet wavelengths, using advanced nano-fabrication techniques such as wafer bonding and air-hole retention. The lab also pioneers the integration of photonic crystals with III-V semiconductors and quantum wells to enable efficient light emission and manipulation at the nanoscale.
Professor Toshiyuki Kida's research lab specializes in supramolecular chemistry and functional materials, focusing on the design and self-assembly of cyclodextrin-based nanostructures for applications in chiral recognition, molecular encapsulation, and stimuli-responsive materials. The lab explores the formation of unique architectures such as hollow capsules, microfibers, organogels, and inclusion complexes through non-covalent interactions, leveraging the unique cavity properties of cyclodextrins and modified derivatives. Key research directions include the development of chiral nanocapsules for enantioselective recognition and kinetic resolution, as well as the fabrication of crystalline and fibrous materials from cyclodextrins using unconventional solvents like HFIP.
Professor Koji Tanaka's research lab focuses on translational and molecular oncology, with a strong emphasis on understanding the biological mechanisms underlying cancer progression, chemoresistance, and tumor microenvironment interactions. The lab investigates key regulatory molecules such as microRNAs, neurotrophic factors (e.g., BDNF/TrkB), and innate immune components like neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in various cancers, including esophageal and colorectal cancer. Their work bridges preclinical models with clinical data to identify prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. The lab also explores clinical pathway optimization, such as outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy, to improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
Professor Shigekazu Nagata's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of programmed cell death, particularly apoptosis and its regulation in immune homeostasis and disease. The lab investigates key signaling pathways involving caspases, Fas/FasL systems, and phosphatidylserine exposure as an 'eat me' signal for phagocytic clearance of dying cells. A central theme is the identification of evolutionarily conserved molecular machinery—such as Xkr8, ATP11C, and MFG-E8—that govern phospholipid asymmetry and apoptotic cell engulfment, with implications for autoimmune diseases and immune tolerance.
Professor Hisako Hashimoto's research lab specializes in main-group and transition-metal organometallic chemistry, with a focus on the synthesis and reactivity of low-valent main-group element complexes, particularly those involving silicon, germanium, and tin. The lab explores novel bonding motifs such as M≡E (E = Si, Ge, Sn) multiple bonds, agostic interactions, and unique metal-ligand cooperativity in catalytic transformations. Key research directions include the development of silylene and germylene complexes, their reactivity toward small molecules (e.g., nitriles, ketones), and the design of efficient catalytic systems for hydrosilylation and hydrogermylation reactions. The lab combines experimental techniques with DFT calculations to elucidate reaction mechanisms and structural features of reactive intermediates.
Professor Itaru Honma's research lab specializes in advanced materials for energy storage and biomedical applications, with a strong focus on nanomaterials and sustainable battery technologies. The lab explores innovative synthesis methods—such as hydrothermal and solvothermal processes—for lithium iron and manganese phosphates, aiming to enhance performance in lithium-ion batteries. A key direction involves developing biocompatible and miniaturized battery systems for implantable medical devices, reducing toxicity and enabling compact, safe power sources. Additionally, the lab investigates functional hybrid materials, including graphene/ionic liquid films and SERS-active semiconductor heterostructures, for sensing and optoelectronic applications.
Professor Chuan Ma's research lab specializes in advanced thermal conversion and catalytic recycling of plastic wastes, with a strong focus on halogenated and sulfur-based polymers. The lab investigates pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis processes to transform end-of-life plastics into valuable chemicals such as BTX (benzene, toluene, xylene), phenolic compounds, and high-purity phenol, while minimizing bromine and other hazardous byproducts. Key research directions include catalyst design—particularly hierarchical zeolites and biochar—for selective product formation, and the use of in-situ analytical techniques like Py-GC/MS, XPS, and ESR to understand degradation mechanisms. The lab also explores the integration of waste streams (e.g., waste tires, epoxy PCBs) to enhance resource recovery and support circular economy goals.
Professor Takuya Kitaoka's research lab specializes in the design and fabrication of sustainable, bio-based nanomaterials with advanced functionalities. The lab focuses on developing novel hybrid materials by integrating natural polymers—particularly cellulose and its derivatives—with metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, enabling applications in catalysis, gas separation, and biomedical engineering. Key research directions include topochemical synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles on cellulose nanofibers, MOF hybridization on oxidized cellulose, and the creation of functional paper-like materials with antibacterial and catalytic properties. The lab emphasizes green synthesis strategies using natural resources and environmentally benign processes to address challenges in resource efficiency and sustainability.
Professor Ryo Yazaki's research lab specializes in the development of innovative catalytic methodologies for enantioselective synthesis, with a focus on asymmetric transition-metal-catalyzed transformations. The lab pioneers soft Lewis acid/hard Brønsted base cooperative catalysis to achieve high enantioselectivity in key transformations such as conjugate additions, allylation, and cycloadditions. Central to their work is the strategic use of metal-ligand systems—particularly copper-based catalysts with chiral ligands like Ph-BPE—to enable challenging bond formations with precise stereocontrol. The lab also explores the functionalization of versatile substrates, including thioamides, ketoimines, and cyclopropanes, to access complex, enantioenriched heterocycles and chiral building blocks for pharmaceutical and natural product synthesis.
Professor Girma Gezimu Gebre's research lab specializes in agricultural economics and food security, with a strong focus on gender dynamics, climate change adaptation, and rural development in East Africa. The lab investigates how decision-making roles, household headship status, and socio-economic factors influence food security, productivity, and resilience to climate variability among smallholder farmers. Using advanced econometric methods such as double-hurdle models, treatment effect models, and ordered probit analysis, the lab generates evidence-based insights for policy and development interventions. The research consistently emphasizes intersectional vulnerabilities—particularly those faced by women and marginalized households—within the context of climate change and food insecurity in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Professor Daniel R. King's research lab specializes in the design and engineering of advanced soft materials, with a primary focus on tough, multifunctional hydrogels and elastomeric composites. The lab explores innovative strategies—such as double network architectures, sacrificial networks, and rigid scaffolding—to enhance the mechanical performance of hydrogels and adhesives while maintaining high toughness and stretchability. Key research directions include stress-relieving mechanisms in hydrogel composites, scalable fabrication of bioinspired adhesives, and tuning mechanical properties through polymer chemistry and microstructure control. The lab’s work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in biomedical devices, soft robotics, and sustainable materials.
Professor Shuji Taketomi's research lab specializes in orthopedic surgery with a focus on knee joint reconstruction, particularly total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The lab investigates implant design, surgical techniques, and soft-tissue balancing to achieve optimal joint kinematics and long-term outcomes. Key research directions include the biomechanics of guided-motion TKA, meniscus repair trends, and the causes and effects of tunnel widening after ACL reconstruction.
Professor Shi Chen's research lab specializes in advanced optical communication systems, particularly free-space optical transmission under challenging environmental conditions such as atmospheric turbulence. The lab also focuses on intelligent systems for industrial safety, including vision-based monitoring of protective equipment and behavior recognition for insider threat detection in nuclear facilities. Additionally, the lab develops data-efficient AI methods for natural language processing and spectral analysis in remote sensing, emphasizing knowledge integration and automated labeling. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge photonics, artificial intelligence, and nuclear safety.
