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 Kunpeng Cui's research lab specializes in the fundamental mechanisms of nonequilibrium processes in soft and polymeric materials, with a focus on flow-induced crystallization, hierarchical structure formation, and energy dissipation in tough hydrogels. The lab combines advanced in situ techniques—such as extensional rheology and ultrafast X-ray scattering—to investigate dynamic phase transitions and microstructure evolution under external fields. Key research directions include the design of smart, self-healing, and adaptive materials inspired by biological systems, particularly through nonequilibrium structural transformations. The lab also explores the interplay between molecular architecture, network topology, and macroscopic mechanical performance in polyampholyte hydrogels and semicrystalline polymers.
Professor Fumitoshi Kakiuchi's research lab specializes in transition-metal-catalyzed C–H bond activation and functionalization, with a focus on developing efficient, selective, and sustainable methods for constructing carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bonds. The lab pioneers catalytic systems using ruthenium and palladium complexes to enable direct functionalization of unreactive C–H bonds in aromatic and aliphatic substrates, often employing directing groups or electrochemical oxidation strategies. A key theme in their work is the design of atom-economical and green synthetic transformations that minimize waste and eliminate the need for stoichiometric oxidants or additives.
Professor Yuji Yoshimura's research lab specializes in urban analytics and behavioral data science, focusing on the spatial and temporal patterns of human behavior in urban and cultural environments. The lab leverages large-scale, anonymized digital trace data—such as Bluetooth, bank card transactions, and museum visitor flows—to study urban dynamics, commercial activity, and visitor experiences in museums and cities. Key research directions include spatial clustering, urban diversity, and the application of data mining techniques like association rule mining to understand human mobility and consumption behavior. The lab bridges urban planning, computational social science, and data analytics to derive actionable insights for city management and cultural institutions.
Professor Yoshifumi Hashikawa's research lab specializes in the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of endohedral fullerenes, particularly focusing on the encapsulation and dynamic behavior of small molecules such as H₂ and H₂O within carbon cages. The lab pioneers innovative synthetic strategies—such as molecular surgery and open-cage fullerene construction—to precisely control the internal environment of fullerenes and study quantum and classical dynamics of confined species. Their work combines advanced NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and DFT calculations to explore unique electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions in confined water and hydrogen molecules.
Professor Takayoshi Katase's research lab specializes in the development and fundamental study of oxide-based superconducting thin films and functional oxides, with a focus on iron-based superconductors such as Co-doped BaFe₂As₂. The lab explores epitaxial film growth on textured substrates to achieve high critical current densities and engineer quantum devices like Josephson junctions and dc-SQUIDs. A key research direction involves manipulating electronic properties through ion doping (e.g., La, Co) and protonic gating, enabling metal-insulator transitions and electrochromic switching in oxides like WO₃ and VO₂. The lab also pioneers novel three-terminal, solid-state oxide devices for smart window and energy-efficient optoelectronic applications.
Professor Takuya Mabuchi's research lab specializes in computational materials science, focusing on the molecular-level understanding of proton transport and nanostructure evolution in polymer electrolyte membranes, particularly Nafion. The lab employs advanced molecular dynamics simulations—ranging from classical to reactive and coarse-grained models—to investigate water clustering, solvation shells, ionomer self-assembly, and mechanical failure mechanisms under hydration and deformation. Key research directions include the Grotthuss mechanism of proton transport, the role of water content in membrane morphology and mechanical properties, and the impact of solvent composition on ionomer aggregation. The lab’s work bridges simulation with experimental validation, aiming to guide the design of next-generation proton-exchange membranes for fuel cells and energy conversion devices.
Professor Kazuyuki Iwase's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced functional materials for sustainable energy conversion and environmental remediation. The lab focuses on developing non-precious metal electrocatalysts—particularly based on covalent organic frameworks (COFs), high-entropy oxides, and layered double hydroxides—for key reactions such as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and electrochemical CO₂ and N₂ reduction. By leveraging precise molecular engineering and computational modeling, the lab aims to achieve high activity, selectivity, and stability in electrocatalysts using abundant elements.
Professor Hidetaka Suga's research lab specializes in the in vitro differentiation of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into functional hypothalamic and pituitary lineages, with a focus on modeling developmental neuroendocrinology. The lab pioneers 3D organoid systems to recapitulate the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, enabling the generation of mature, hormone-secreting cells such as corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-producing neurons and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing pituitary cells. A key focus is identifying and isolating hypothalamic neural stem/progenitor cells—particularly Rax-expressing tanycyte-like cells—from pluripotent stem cells to model postnatal neurogenesis and explore regenerative therapies for hypothalamic disorders.
Professor Takayoshi Suganami's research lab focuses on the pathophysiological mechanisms linking obesity, chronic inflammation, and metabolic diseases. The lab investigates the role of adipose tissue immune cell interactions—particularly macrophage-adipocyte crosstalk—through inflammatory mediators like TNF-alpha and free fatty acids in driving insulin resistance and tissue remodeling. A key focus is on innate immune activation via TLR4 by saturated fatty acids, as well as the involvement of immune structures such as crown-like structures in liver and adipose tissue. The lab also explores novel therapeutic strategies, including synthetic, protein-free insulin delivery systems based on boronic acid chemistry for diabetes management.
Professor Hiroto Tachikawa's research lab specializes in computational quantum chemistry and materials science, focusing on the electronic and dynamic behaviors of nanomaterials at the atomic level. The lab employs advanced ab initio and semiempirical molecular orbital-molecular dynamics (MO-MD) methods to investigate ion diffusion, surface interactions, and electronic states in carbon-based materials such as amorphous carbon, graphene, fluorinated graphene, and carbon clusters. Key research directions include understanding lithium-ion transport mechanisms for energy storage applications, probing ionization dynamics in water and benzene–water clusters, and elucidating the effects of defects on the electronic properties of 2D materials. The lab combines high-level theoretical calculations with detailed dynamical simulations to provide atomic-scale insights into reaction pathways and material stability.
Professor Tatsuya Kikuchi's research lab specializes in advanced electrochemical materials synthesis, particularly focusing on anodic oxidation of aluminum to create novel nanostructured materials. The lab explores innovative electrolytes—such as pyrophosphoric acid and acetylenedicarboxylic acid—to fabricate unique anodic oxide morphologies, including nanofibers and branched porous alumina, expanding the family of anodic oxides beyond conventional barrier and porous types. The lab also integrates nanofabrication with functional applications, such as 3D microstructuring using electroplating and laser-assisted patterning, and contributes to remote educational technologies through high-speed networked laboratories. Their work bridges fundamental electrochemistry with practical nanotechnology applications in electronics, sensors, and advanced manufacturing.
Professor Kenichiro Sato's research lab focuses on translational biomedical research, particularly in neuroprotection and neurodegenerative diseases, with a strong emphasis on diabetes and stroke. The lab investigates the therapeutic potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues such as liraglutide in cerebral ischemia models, exploring mechanisms involving oxidative stress and neuronal survival. Additionally, the lab conducts pharmacovigilance studies using large adverse event databases to detect neuropsychiatric side effects of drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, especially in the context of emerging infectious diseases. The lab also contributes to the development of artificial intelligence applications in clinical neuroscience, aiming to automate cognitive screening tools for early detection of dementia.
Professor Nobuyoshi Matsumoto's research lab specializes in systems neuroscience and neurophysiology, focusing on the functional and developmental dynamics of specific brain regions such as the CA2 hippocampal subfield and the presubiculum. The lab investigates intrinsic membrane properties, neural circuit mechanisms, and neuromodulation in behaviors like spatial navigation, social behavior, and memory formation. Using in vivo electrophysiology, imaging, and behavioral assays, the lab explores how neural activity patterns support cognition and behavior, particularly in relation to neuromodulators like vasopressin and oxytocin. The lab also extends into translational neuroscience, examining pharmacological modulation of memory with drugs like ramelteon, and contributes to interdisciplinary robotics through minimal, behaviorally inspired robot design.
Professor Atsushi Iwama's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms governing hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal, lineage commitment, and aging, with a particular emphasis on epigenetic regulators such as Polycomb group proteins (e.g., EZH2, BMI1) and TET2. The lab investigates how somatic mutations in epigenetic regulators contribute to the pathogenesis of myeloid malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and MDS/MPN overlap disorders. Using genetic models, patient-derived samples, and functional assays, the lab explores the interplay between epigenetic dysregulation and stem cell fate decisions in both normal hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. The research also extends to tumor-initiating cells in hepatocellular carcinoma, highlighting the role of EZH2 in cancer stemness and therapeutic resistance.
Professor Xiongjie Jin's research lab specializes in the development of sustainable and efficient heterogeneous catalytic systems for selective organic transformations. The lab focuses on designing advanced nanomaterials—particularly transition metal and bimetallic nanoparticles supported on metal oxides or layered double hydroxides—for applications in green oxidation, dehydrogenation, and C–N/C–O bond formation. Key research directions include the selective synthesis of amides, anilines, and phenols using molecular oxygen or air as the terminal oxidant, with an emphasis on atom-economical, byproduct-minimized processes. The lab also investigates structure–activity relationships in heterogeneous catalysts to enable recyclability and industrial scalability.
Professor Takaki Yamauchi's research lab focuses on the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying plant root development and stress adaptation, particularly in response to flooding and waterlogging. The lab investigates genetic and hormonal regulation of adventitious root formation, aerenchyma development, and reactive oxygen species signaling in gramineous plants such as rice, wheat, and maize. A central theme is understanding how ethylene and RBOH-mediated ROS signaling coordinate adaptive responses to oxygen-deficient conditions, with an emphasis on anatomical and physiological traits that enhance survival in waterlogged soils. The lab also explores evolutionary and ecological adaptations of root anatomy across wild Poaceae species to identify optimal traits for stress resilience.
Professor Hiroshi Shimizu's research lab specializes in advanced environmental sensing and bioprocess engineering, focusing on innovative lidar techniques for atmospheric monitoring and the development of sustainable energy systems. The lab pioneers cutting-edge methods in metabolic flux analysis using stable isotope labeling to understand microbial physiology, particularly in extremophile and industrially relevant microorganisms. Research also extends to bio-inspired vehicle design and microbial co-culture systems for biotechnological applications, such as pH control in antimicrobial peptide production. The lab integrates physics, microbiology, and engineering to address challenges in environmental monitoring, energy efficiency, and industrial biotechnology.
Professor Jihoon Shin's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms linking metabolic diseases—such as obesity, diabetes, and aging—to severe outcomes in viral infections, particularly SARS-CoV-2. The lab investigates how cellular stress responses, chaperone proteins (like GRP78 and HSP47), and signaling molecules (such as SDF-1 and TGF-β1) regulate insulin sensitivity, adipose tissue remodeling, and viral entry. A central theme is the role of metabolic dysregulation in exacerbating infectious disease severity, with translational implications for high-risk populations. The lab integrates molecular biology, systems biology, and translational models to uncover novel therapeutic targets.
Professor Keisuke Fujii's research lab specializes in quantum information science and quantum computing, with a focus on theoretical and computational aspects of quantum advantage, quantum algorithms, and hybrid quantum-classical computing. The lab explores foundational quantum models such as the one-clean-qubit model and develops practical techniques for simulating quantum operations using classical resources, including quasi-probability distributions and variational quantum algorithms. Additionally, the lab investigates quantum technologies applied to materials science and molecular systems, exemplified by studies on DNA nucleobases using X-ray spectroscopy. Their work bridges quantum theory with experimental applications, aiming to enable scalable quantum computation on near-term devices.
Professor Hidemi Kato's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of bulk metallic glasses and their composites, focusing on enhancing mechanical properties through microstructural control. The lab investigates the thermomechanical behavior, viscosity, and flow stress of metallic glass-forming alloys near the glass transition temperature, aiming to understand deformation mechanisms and processability. A key research direction involves the incorporation of ceramic particles, such as ZrC, into amorphous matrices to improve strength and stability without compromising glass-forming ability. The lab also explores the fundamental relationships between processing conditions, microstructure, and mechanical performance in bulk amorphous materials.
