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 Michihiko Ike's research lab specializes in environmental biotechnology and microbial ecology, focusing on the biodegradation of emerging organic pollutants such as bisphenols, nonylphenol ethoxylates, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals in aquatic environments. The lab investigates microbial degradation pathways, isolates and characterizes pollutant-degrading bacteria, and explores the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying the transformation of recalcitrant environmental contaminants. A key research direction involves assessing the environmental fate and mineralization potential of these compounds under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, with applications in pollution control and ecological risk assessment.
Professor Ichiro Ieiri's research lab specializes in pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics, with a primary focus on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying inter-individual and inter-ethnic variability in drug response. The lab investigates the roles of drug transporters—particularly ABCB1 (MDR1), SLCO1B1 (OATP1B1), and ABCG2—and cytochrome P450 enzymes (e.g., CYP2C19 and CYP2C9) in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of clinically important drugs such as digoxin, tacrolimus, and statins. A central theme is the identification of genetic polymorphisms that influence drug absorption, disposition, and toxicity, with translational goals in personalized medicine and adverse drug reaction prediction. The lab also explores novel biomarkers, including circulating microRNAs, for early detection of drug-induced toxicity, especially myopathy associated with statins.
Professor Itsuro Kajiwara's research lab specializes in smart structures, active vibration control, and structural dynamics, with a focus on innovative actuation technologies such as dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) for lightweight and flexible systems. The lab develops advanced sensing and control methodologies for dynamic response suppression in complex structures, including membrane and plate-like systems, using non-contact excitation and measurement techniques. Research also extends to structural health monitoring using laser-induced acoustic excitation and signal processing, particularly for detecting defects in pipelines. The lab emphasizes multidisciplinary optimization in aerospace and mechatronic systems, such as micro air vehicles, integrating structural design with control system development.
Professor Masahiko Ayaki's research lab focuses on the intersection of ophthalmology, sleep medicine, and mental health, with a particular emphasis on the bidirectional relationships between ocular surface diseases—especially dry eye disease—and sleep and mood disorders. The lab investigates how visual discomfort, sleep quality, and psychological well-being are interconnected in patients with ocular surface disorders, while also exploring the physiological and behavioral impacts of blue light exposure and ophthalmic treatments. Key research directions include the role of melatonin regulation, the effects of preservative-free eye drops on ocular surface cells, and the potential benefits of non-pharmacological interventions such as blue-light filtering eyewear and lid heating therapy. The lab advocates for integrated, multidisciplinary care models, including consultation-liaison psychiatry, in managing complex ocular and systemic health conditions.
Professor Kentaro Hayashida's research lab specializes in structural and interventional cardiology, with a primary focus on transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and its complications, outcomes, and procedural optimization. The lab investigates imaging-guided valve sizing, particularly the use of CT for accurate prosthesis selection to reduce paravalvular leak, and examines rare but severe complications such as aortic annulus rupture. Additionally, the lab contributes to orthopedic surgery research, particularly arthroscopic management of shoulder instability, highlighting a multidisciplinary approach to minimally invasive interventions. The lab emphasizes clinical outcomes, risk stratification, and procedural safety across both cardiovascular and musculoskeletal interventions.
Professor Akira Akabayashi's research lab focuses on bioethics, end-of-life care, and clinical decision-making in Japanese and cross-cultural contexts. The lab investigates moral sensitivity in medical education, informed consent practices, and the role of patient-physician relationships in diverse cultural frameworks. It also explores the physiological and neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying behavior, particularly through studies on galanin's role in feeding behavior and energy balance. The lab's work bridges clinical medicine, neuroscience, and ethical inquiry, with a strong emphasis on practical applications in healthcare policy and patient autonomy.
Professor Yuki Nagashima's research lab specializes in the development of novel transition-metal-free and earth-abundant metal-catalyzed transformations, with a focus on borylation, silylzincation, and C–H functionalization reactions. The lab uniquely integrates experimental methodology with detailed DFT calculations to uncover mechanistic insights and rationally design selective, efficient, and sustainable catalytic processes. Key research directions include the activation of B–B and Si–B bonds, the design of new catalytic cycles for alkyne functionalization, and the development of selective transformations using base metals like zinc and rhodium. The work emphasizes atom-economical, step-economical, and selective synthesis of complex organoboron and organosilicon compounds.
Professor Hideo Yasunaga's research lab specializes in health services research and clinical epidemiology, focusing on healthcare utilization, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness in Japan’s national inpatient data systems. The lab leverages the Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database to investigate variations in surgical outcomes, hospital length of stay, and disparities in care across different populations and geographic regions. A key focus is on identifying modifiable factors influencing postoperative complications and healthcare costs, particularly in gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases. The lab also examines health inequities related to rural-urban disparities in emergency medical response and survival.
Professor Shin Murakami's research lab focuses on the virology and emerging infectious diseases, particularly zoonotic coronaviruses and influenza viruses. The lab investigates the ecology, molecular mechanisms, and host interactions of bat-borne sarbecoviruses and influenza viruses in animal reservoirs, with an emphasis on understanding viral entry mechanisms and host tropism. A key research direction involves developing improved reverse genetics systems and cell culture platforms—such as Vero and MDCK cells—for rapid and efficient production of pandemic influenza vaccines. The lab also contributes to surveillance and virological characterization of novel influenza viruses in livestock, including dromedary camels and cattle, to assess their zoonotic potential and role in viral transmission.
Professor Teigo Asai's research lab specializes in natural product discovery and biosynthesis, with a focus on exploiting epigenetic manipulation—particularly histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition—to activate silent gene clusters in fungi. The lab employs synthetic biology approaches, including heterologous biosynthesis and genome mining, to explore novel chemical space and access structurally diverse and biologically active natural products, especially polyketides and diterpenoids. A key strength lies in the integration of advanced spectroscopic techniques, such as vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), for rapid and accurate absolute configuration determination of new natural products.
Professor Tohru Minamino's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying type III protein secretion in bacterial flagella, particularly the intricate regulation and function of the flagellar type III export apparatus. The lab investigates the dynamic interactions among cytoplasmic ATPase complexes (FliI, FliH, FliJ) and membrane-embedded export gate components (FlhA, FlhB) to understand how substrate specificity switches during flagellar assembly. Using biochemical, genetic, and structural approaches, the lab elucidates the roles of key regulators like FliK and the proteolytic activation of FlhB in controlling hook length and export switching. Their work provides fundamental insights into how bacterial machines achieve precise, stepwise assembly through regulated protein export.
Professor Yusuke Asakura's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced functional materials for sustainable energy and environmental applications. The lab focuses on developing novel photocatalysts—such as carbon nitrides, oxynitrides, and metal-organic frameworks—for applications in hydrogen production, pollutant degradation, and the recovery of critical metals. A key research direction involves enhancing charge separation and surface reactivity through nanostructuring, doping, and hybrid architecture engineering. The lab also explores innovative synthesis strategies, including salt-assisted processes and topotactic transformations, to tailor materials with precise morphology and functionality.
Professor Masayasu Taki's research lab specializes in the design and development of novel fluorescent probes for monitoring biologically relevant metal ions, such as zinc, copper, cadmium, and calcium, with high selectivity, sensitivity, and ratiometric response. The lab focuses on creating cell-permeable, photostable fluorophores tailored for advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques, including ratiometric imaging, STED microscopy, and long-term live-cell tracking. Their work bridges synthetic chemistry and cell biology, enabling real-time visualization of metal ion dynamics in living systems with minimal perturbation. The lab also explores the reactivity of copper-oxygen species, contributing to the understanding of biological redox processes involving copper.
Professor Atsuki Shinbori's research lab specializes in space weather and ionospheric physics, focusing on the coupling processes between the Earth's lithosphere, atmosphere, and ionosphere. The lab investigates traveling ionospheric disturbances, geomagnetic storms, and sudden commencements using ground-based and satellite observations, including GNSS-TEC, SuperDARN radars, and low-Earth-orbiting satellites. A key research direction involves analyzing electromagnetic and plasma responses in the ionosphere triggered by large-scale geophysical events such as volcanic eruptions and space weather disturbances. The lab also emphasizes interdisciplinary studies of atmospheric waves and their impacts on the upper atmosphere and near-Earth space environment.
Professor Hirotsugu Kikuchi's research lab specializes in advanced liquid crystal materials and their electro-optical properties, with a focus on blue phases, ferroelectric liquid crystals, and polymer-stabilized systems. The lab explores novel mesophases with unique dielectric and optical responses, such as anomalously high permittivity and large Kerr effects, aiming to enable ultrafast, low-voltage switching for next-generation displays and optical devices. Key research directions include understanding the molecular origins of ferroelectricity in high-symmetry fluid phases and developing surface-free alignment techniques for practical device integration.
Professor Alexandra Wolf's research lab focuses on the intersection of cognitive science, behavioral psychology, and neuroscientific methodologies, with a particular emphasis on visual attention, decision-making processes, and early detection of cognitive decline. The lab investigates how eye-tracking and gaze behavior contribute to understanding preference formation, consumer behavior, and the diagnostic challenges in conditions like mild cognitive impairment and schizophrenia. By integrating advanced technologies with psychological paradigms, the lab aims to develop more accurate, accessible, and early diagnostic tools for neurocognitive disorders.
Professor Sunao Sugiyama's research lab specializes in theoretical and observational cosmology, with a primary focus on dark matter and its astrophysical signatures. The lab investigates primordial black holes as viable dark matter candidates, exploring their formation through inflationary perturbations and their detectability via gravitational waves and microlensing. A key direction involves analyzing weak lensing and galaxy clustering data to constrain cosmological parameters, particularly using data from surveys like Subaru HSC and SDSS. The lab also explores axion stars as potential dark matter constituents, linking theoretical particle physics with observational microlensing events.
Professor Motomu Hashimoto's research lab focuses on the immunological mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The lab investigates the roles of complement activation, Th17 cells, and T cell receptor signaling in driving autoimmune inflammation and tissue destruction. Key research directions include understanding how innate immune signals such as C5a and GM-CSF promote pathogenic T cell responses, identifying self-antigens targeted by autoreactive T cells, and exploring the impact of comorbidities like sarcopenia and anemia in RA patients. The lab also examines the clinical implications of biologic therapies, such as tocilizumab, in modulating disease activity and hematological parameters.
Professor Si Gao's research lab specializes in the microstructure-property relationships of advanced metallic materials, with a focus on ultrafine-grained and nanostructured steels, intermetallic compounds, and metastable austenitic alloys. The lab employs advanced characterization techniques such as electron tomography, in situ X-ray diffraction, and mechanical testing to investigate deformation mechanisms, yielding behavior, and strengthening effects at the nanoscale. Key research directions include the Hall–Petch relationship in fine-grained materials, the Bauschinger effect in ultrafine-grained metals, and the role of intermetallic phases in enhancing both strength and ductility. The lab also develops innovative processing routes—such as accumulative roll bonding and two-step cold rolling and annealing—to tailor microstructures for improved mechanical performance.
Professor Yudai Kaneda's research lab focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare, particularly exploring the capabilities and limitations of large language models like ChatGPT in medical and childcare contexts. The lab investigates clinical reasoning, diagnostic accuracy, and the practical application of AI in real-world medical and educational settings, with an emphasis on Japanese-language performance and cultural relevance. Key research directions include evaluating AI-generated responses in national licensing examinations, assessing empathy and usefulness in caregiving scenarios, and analyzing policy implications of AI in public health decision-making.
