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 Koji Fukagata's research lab specializes in computational and theoretical fluid dynamics, with a primary focus on turbulent drag reduction and flow control. The lab investigates fundamental mechanisms of wall-bounded turbulence using direct numerical simulations (DNS), large eddy simulations (LES), and advanced data-driven methods such as machine learning and nonlinear mode decomposition. Key research directions include the development of innovative drag reduction techniques—such as superhydrophobic surfaces, compliant walls, and streamwise-traveling wave controls—and the application of deep learning to reconstruct and analyze complex flow fields from experimental data with missing regions. The lab also explores the role of Reynolds stress and near-wall dynamics in turbulence control, aiming to bridge theoretical insights with practical engineering applications.
Professor Pham Nam Hai's research lab specializes in advanced quantum materials and spintronics, focusing on the development and characterization of novel semiconductors, topological insulators, and magnetic semiconductors. Key research directions include electron effective mass engineering in III-V nitride and III-arsenic-based quantum wells, carrier-mediated ferromagnetism in diluted magnetic semiconductors, and the realization of giant spin Hall effect in topological materials for low-power spintronic devices. The lab also explores epitaxial and sputtered thin films of topological materials such as BiSb and half-Heusler alloys, aiming for high-quality, device-compatible materials suitable for silicon-based integration. Their work bridges fundamental electronic properties with practical applications in spintronics and quantum devices.
Professor Hiroyuki Seimiya's research lab focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying cancer cell survival, telomere maintenance, and cellular metabolism. The lab investigates telomerase regulation through proteins such as tankyrase 1 and TRF1, exploring how post-translational modifications influence telomere length and genomic stability. Additionally, the lab examines the role of metabolic enzymes like acyl-CoA synthetase in cancer cell survival and the anticancer effects of natural compounds such as tea catechins, particularly their inhibition of telomerase activity. The research integrates cell biology, biochemistry, and cancer pharmacology to identify novel therapeutic targets in cancer.
Professor Arpita Varadwaj's research lab specializes in theoretical and computational chemistry, focusing on non-covalent interactions and their roles in molecular recognition and stability. The lab investigates novel types of intermolecular interactions such as halogen bonding, tetrel bonding, pnictogen bonding, and fluorine-based electrostatic interactions, often challenging conventional views through high-level quantum chemical calculations. Using advanced methods including DFT, MP2, CCSD(T), and QUIT, the lab explores electronic structure, binding energies, and the nature of these interactions via quantum theory of atoms in molecules and natural bond orbital analysis. Their work bridges fundamental physical organic chemistry with applications in supramolecular chemistry and materials design.
Professor Tetsuro Watabe's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms regulating cell fate decisions in development and disease, with a central emphasis on the roles of TGF-β superfamily signaling in vascular and mesodermal development, endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and tumor microenvironment remodeling. The lab investigates how growth factors such as activin, BMPs, and TGF-β regulate gene expression, cell differentiation, and tissue morphogenesis in embryonic stem cell-derived models and in pathological contexts like cancer. Key research directions include the identification of transcriptional regulators in organizer formation, the signaling networks controlling vascular progenitor cell differentiation, and the contribution of EndMT-derived cancer-associated fibroblasts to tumor progression. The lab integrates developmental biology with cancer biology to uncover therapeutic targets in cancer microenvironment and vascular disorders.
Professor Yasuharu Tabara's research lab specializes in genetic and molecular epidemiology, focusing on the genetic basis of complex metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes and hypertension in Japanese and other populations of Asian ancestry. The lab investigates gene-environment interactions, identifies susceptibility loci through genome-wide association studies, and explores the clinical implications of genetic variants—such as G6PD deficiency—on disease diagnosis and management. A key focus is translating genetic findings into personalized medicine approaches, including genetically informed diagnostic thresholds for conditions like diabetes.
Professor Hirokazu Toju's research lab specializes in fungal and microbial ecology, focusing on the diversity, distribution, and ecological roles of symbiotic microorganisms in terrestrial ecosystems. The lab investigates plant-microbe interactions, particularly mycorrhizal and endosymbiotic fungi, using advanced molecular techniques such as DNA barcoding and high-throughput sequencing. Key research directions include understanding the network architecture of below-ground symbioses, geographic variation in defensive coevolution (e.g., in weevil-plant systems), and the functional significance of microbial communities in forest ecosystems. The lab also explores the potential of microbial taxa for agricultural applications through their broad host and geographic ranges.
Professor Motonari Uesugi's research lab specializes in chemical biology and drug discovery, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation and stem cell differentiation. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, biochemistry, and cell-based screening to decipher the structural basis of protein–protein interactions, particularly those involving activation domains and their targets. A key research direction involves the development of small molecules and fluorescent probes for live-cell imaging and functional screening, with applications in regenerative medicine and targeted therapy. The lab also pioneers innovative chemical library design to identify bioactive compounds that modulate key signaling pathways such as WNT in human pluripotent stem cells.
Professor Akira Oda's research lab specializes in the design and characterization of metal-exchanged zeolites for catalytic and adsorptive applications, with a strong focus on understanding the electronic and structural properties of transition metal and main-group metal species in confined zeolitic environments. The lab investigates fundamental mechanisms of small molecule activation—such as NO, NH₃, CH₄, and H₂—using advanced spectroscopic techniques (UV–vis–NIR, ESR, IR) combined with DFT calculations. Key research directions include the development of selective catalysts for environmental remediation (e.g., SCR of NOx), activation of inert molecules under mild conditions, and the stabilization of reactive intermediates such as Zn(0), Zn(+), and dicopper species.
Professor Shohei Hattori's research lab specializes in atmospheric chemistry and stable isotope geochemistry, focusing on the isotopic behavior of sulfur species in the atmosphere and their implications for climate and environmental change. The lab investigates the isotopic fractionation processes in key atmospheric gases such as carbonyl sulfide (OCS) and sulfate aerosols, using advanced spectroscopic and mass spectrometric techniques. Major research directions include understanding the sources and sinks of atmospheric sulfur, the role of photochemical processes in isotope effects, and the use of ice core records to reconstruct past atmospheric conditions and volcanic activity.
Professor Soo-Hyun Joo's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced nanostructured metallic materials, with a focus on liquid metal dealloying (LMD) and high-entropy alloys (HEAs). The lab explores innovative strategies to control nanoscale morphology, phase stability, and mechanical properties in three-dimensional interconnected porous and cellular materials for applications in catalysis, energy systems, and structural components. Key research directions include the development of crack-free nanocellular graphene, strengthening of low-melting-point metal phases via eutectic alloying, and engineering deformation mechanisms in bulk metallic glasses through severe plastic deformation.
Professor Sunmyon Chon's research lab specializes in computational astrophysics, focusing on the formation and evolution of the first generation of stars and black holes in the early universe. The lab investigates the conditions under which supermassive stars and direct-collapse black holes form, particularly in metal-poor or metal-enriched environments, using high-resolution 3D radiation hydrodynamics and cosmological simulations. Key interests include the impact of radiative feedback, cosmic microwave background radiation, and ionizing radiation on star formation efficiency and the initial mass function in primordial conditions.
Professor Yusuke Ohno's research lab specializes in lipid biology, focusing on the enzymatic mechanisms and regulatory pathways underlying the biosynthesis and metabolism of bioactive lipids, particularly sphingolipids and acylceramides. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining biochemistry, cell biology, and mass spectrometry to identify key enzymes—such as ELOVLs, CYP4F22, and PNPLA1—involved in skin barrier formation and lipid homeostasis. Their work has elucidated critical steps in very long-chain fatty acid elongation, ω-hydroxylation, and esterification, providing molecular insights into inherited skin diseases like ichthyosis and atopic dermatitis. The lab also investigates post-translational lipid modifications, such as protein palmitoylation, to understand their roles in cellular signaling and membrane dynamics.
Professor S. Seki's research lab specializes in quantum materials with strong spin-orbit coupling and topological electronic states, focusing on multiferroics, chiral magnets, and skyrmion physics. The lab investigates emergent phenomena such as magnetoelectric coupling, spin current generation, and topological spin textures like skyrmions in insulating and metallic systems. Key research directions include the interplay between magnetism, ferroelectricity, and lattice degrees of freedom in noncentrosymmetric crystals, with a strong emphasis on experimental techniques like Lorentz microscopy, neutron scattering, and spin caloritronics. The lab aims to uncover new mechanisms for low-dissipative spintronic devices based on topological order and symmetry breaking.
Professor Francesco Di Filippo's research lab focuses on quantum gravity phenomenology, particularly exploring regular black hole models that replace singularities with nonsingular cores. The lab investigates the stability and geometric structure of these black holes under linear and nonlinear perturbations, with a strong emphasis on resolving the black hole information paradox and mass inflation at inner horizons. Using frameworks such as Lorentz-violating gravity, higher-curvature corrections, and modified gravity theories like cuscuton/VCDM, the group studies the viability of alternative gravity models and their observational signatures—especially in light of recent EHT observations of Sgr A$^*$. The work bridges theoretical gravity, black hole thermodynamics, and astrophysical constraints.
Professor Yu Shimojo's research lab specializes in computational biomedical optics and laser-tissue interactions, focusing on developing in silico models to predict and optimize the safety and efficacy of laser-based medical devices. The lab pioneers computational clinical trials and simulation frameworks that integrate patient-specific tissue properties to guide clinical decision-making for picosecond and nanosecond laser treatments. Key research directions include modeling light transport, thermal diffusion, and thermal damage in biological tissues, with applications in dermatological therapeutics and regulatory science for laser device approval.
Professor Kenji Mizuguchi's research lab specializes in computational biology and bioinformatics, focusing on protein structure and function analysis, with particular emphasis on structural bioinformatics, drug metabolism prediction, and target identification in drug discovery. The lab develops innovative computational tools and databases—such as HOMSTRAD and JOY—for protein structure alignment, 3D annotation of sequence alignments, and comparative modeling. Their work integrates structural, evolutionary, and pharmacological data to improve understanding of protein evolution, drug plasma binding, and gene prioritization for therapeutic target discovery. The lab also applies machine learning to predict key pharmacokinetic properties, aiming to enhance early drug development success rates.
Professor Hiroaki Hiraiwa's research lab focuses on advancing the understanding of cardiovascular pathophysiology, particularly in heart failure and sepsis. The lab investigates novel prognostic indicators such as the spleen and right ventricular function, exploring their roles in disease progression and outcomes. A key research direction involves translational applications of metabolomics, especially amino acid profiling, to predict heart failure prognosis. The lab also examines hemodynamic changes in advanced heart failure, including spleen volume dynamics in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).
Professor Hiroaki Kajiyama's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying peritoneal metastasis and drug resistance in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). The lab investigates key biological processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor-stroma interactions, and the role of signaling axes like SDF-1α/CXCR4 and cell surface enzymes such as DPPIV/CD26 in modulating cancer cell invasiveness and chemoresistance. Using in vitro, in vivo, and omics-based approaches, the lab explores how tumor cells interact with the peritoneal microenvironment—including mesothelial cells and plasma-activated media—to identify novel therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes.
Professor Yoshihisa Yamashita's research lab focuses on the oral microbiome and its role in systemic and local diseases, with a particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of cariogenic bacteria like *Streptococcus mutans* and the microbial shifts associated with periodontal disease. The lab investigates bacterial virulence factors, such as glucan synthesis and antibiotic resistance, and explores how host-microbe interactions in the oral cavity influence both dental caries and systemic conditions like COPD. Using advanced molecular techniques—including next-generation sequencing and pyrosequencing—research spans from microbial ecology to translational insights into disease prevention and management. The lab also examines the impact of dietary components, such as sugar alcohols, on microbial metabolites linked to oral carcinogenesis.
