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 Koichi Suematsu's research lab specializes in the development of advanced nanomaterials for high-performance gas sensors, with a focus on metal oxide semiconductors such as SnO₂ and ZnO. The lab investigates the synthesis of clustered and doped nanoparticles—particularly Pd-, Sb-, and Au-doped SnO₂ and ZnO—to enhance sensitivity, selectivity, and stability toward volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic gases. Key research directions include microfabricated gas sensors using MEMS technology, pulse-heating operation for low power consumption, and the fundamental understanding of surface oxygen species and their role in gas sensing mechanisms under varying humidity conditions. The lab also explores applications in real-time, portable, and battery-operated sensing devices for environmental and health monitoring.
Professor Kento Koyama's research lab specializes in quantitative microbiology and risk assessment, focusing on the variability and uncertainty in microbial behavior under food safety conditions. The lab develops advanced statistical and machine learning models—particularly Bayesian and generalized linear models—to quantify bacterial survival, inactivation kinetics, and growth/no-growth responses. Research integrates image analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and non-destructive sensing techniques to enable non-invasive, real-time assessment of food quality and microbial risk. The lab’s work bridges microbiology, data science, and food safety to improve predictive modeling and decision-making in food systems.
Professor Motohiko Miyachi's research lab specializes in cardiovascular physiology and exercise science, with a primary focus on the effects of different types of physical activity—particularly resistance and aerobic training—on arterial stiffness and central arterial compliance. The lab investigates how long-term resistance training may adversely affect vascular health in young and middle-aged men, while exploring the protective role of concurrent aerobic exercise in mitigating these negative effects. Their work contributes to understanding the balance between exercise modalities and their impact on systemic cardiovascular risk. The lab also examines emerging forms of physical activity, such as motion-controlled video games, as potential tools to meet public health physical activity guidelines.
Professor Ryoko Kawakami's research lab specializes in geriatric health and sarcopenia, focusing on the development and validation of simple, non-invasive tools for assessing muscle mass and physical function in aging populations. The lab investigates anthropometric measures such as calf circumference and fat-free mass index (FFMI) as reliable surrogate markers for diagnosing low muscle mass, particularly in community-dwelling adults. Their work also explores the long-term health benefits of physical activity, including its protective effects against type 2 diabetes and hearing loss, using large-scale cohort data. The lab emphasizes practical, population-based approaches to improve early detection and prevention of age-related physical decline.
Professor Masanobu Kano's research lab specializes in the neurobiology of the endocannabinoid system, focusing on retrograde synaptic signaling and its role in synaptic plasticity within the central nervous system. The lab investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying endocannabinoid-mediated modulation of synaptic transmission, particularly in the hippocampus and cerebellum, with an emphasis on CB1 receptor function and the enzymatic regulation of endocannabinoid levels. Using electrophysiological, imaging, and genetic approaches in mouse models, the lab explores how endocannabinoids shape neural circuit development, function, and plasticity. Their work also extends to understanding the roles of key signaling molecules such as PLCβ4, Gq proteins, and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) in synaptic refinement and motor coordination.
Professor Tomoki Tozuka's research lab specializes in tropical ocean-atmosphere interactions, with a focus on climate variability and dynamics in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Key research directions include decadal and interannual climate modes such as the Indian Ocean Dipole and ENSO-like phenomena, ocean circulation mechanisms like the Makassar Strait throughflow, and the role of air-sea interaction in shaping regional climate patterns. The lab employs high-resolution ocean general circulation models and observational data to investigate multiscale oceanic variability and their impacts on global climate systems.
Professor Kenzo Yamatsugu's research lab specializes in the development of innovative catalytic methods for the synthesis and functionalization of biologically relevant molecules, with a strong focus on carbohydrates and bioactive compounds. The lab pioneers asymmetric synthesis strategies—particularly using earth-abundant metal catalysts and organocatalysts—to construct complex molecular architectures with high stereoselectivity. Key research directions include the catalytic phosphorylation of alcohols, site-selective transformations of polyfunctional sugars, and the design of novel catalysts for protein modification, all aimed at enabling efficient access to pharmaceuticals and functional materials.
Professor Satoshi Watanabe's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and application of functional nanomaterials, with a strong focus on self-assembly processes, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and colloidal nanostructures. The lab explores hierarchical materials engineering—particularly through supraparticle assembly and microreactor synthesis—to achieve precise control over morphology, porosity, and surface properties for advanced applications in gas separation, catalysis, and sensing. A key research direction involves leveraging rapid mixing in microfluidic systems to overcome mass transfer limitations in MOF crystallization and core-shell particle formation.
Professor Toshiyuki Ikoma's research lab specializes in biomaterials science, focusing on the design and characterization of bioactive porous composites for regenerative medicine. The lab investigates the relationship between 3D microstructure—particularly unidirectionally interconnected pores—and mechanical properties and tissue integration in hydroxyapatite/collagen composites. A key research direction involves surface engineering of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals for protein-responsive sensing and reversible adsorption, using techniques like QCM-D and FTIR to evaluate biointerfacial behavior. The lab also explores surface regeneration methods for reusable biosensors, emphasizing protein removal without structural or functional degradation.
Professor D. V. Louzguine's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of metallic glasses and quasicrystalline materials, focusing on their nanostructure evolution, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. The lab investigates phase transformations during heating, including nanodevitrification and crystallization in bulk metallic glasses, with an emphasis on designing nanocomposites that combine high strength with enhanced ductility. A key research direction involves understanding the influence of chemical composition—particularly rare-earth elements—on the supercooled liquid region and glass-forming ability. The lab employs advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and electron microscopy to explore structure-property relationships in amorphous and mixed-phase materials.
Professor Hiroshi Kakinuma's research lab specializes in the fundamental mechanisms of hydrogen-matter interactions in metallic materials, with a focus on hydrogen embrittlement, localized corrosion, and the development of advanced sensing technologies. The lab employs innovative techniques such as hydrogenochromic sensors and real-time video imaging to visualize hydrogen diffusion and microstructural evolution at the microscale. Key research directions include the role of grain boundaries, intermetallic particles, and phase interfaces in hydrogen transport and corrosion initiation in materials like nickel, aluminum alloys, and duplex stainless steels.
Professor Shigeharu Ukai's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of advanced oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) ferritic and martensitic steels for extreme nuclear energy applications. The lab focuses on enhancing high-temperature mechanical properties—particularly creep rupture strength and ductility—through microstructural engineering, including grain morphology control via recrystallization and optimization of oxide particle dispersion. Their work centers on designing next-generation cladding materials for fast breeder reactors, such as Japan’s MONJU and Generation IV reactors, with an emphasis on radiation resistance and long-term stability under severe conditions. The lab also investigates the role of complex oxide phases (e.g., Y2Ti2O7, αY2TiO5) and solute elements (Ti, Y) in refining microstructures and improving performance at elevated temperatures.
Professor Yusuke Yokota's research lab specializes in geodesy and seismology, focusing on the precise monitoring and analysis of crustal deformation associated with subduction zone earthquakes and slow earthquakes. The lab develops and applies advanced geodetic techniques—particularly GNSS-A (Global Navigation Satellite System-Acoustic ranging)—to observe seafloor movements with high accuracy, enabling the detection of subtle tectonic signals, including slow slip events and transient deformation. Their work integrates dense geodetic, seismic, and tsunami data to reconstruct detailed earthquake source processes, especially for large subduction zone earthquakes such as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. The lab also pioneers the use of high-rate GPS data (e.g., 1-Hz) to capture dynamic rupture processes in medium-sized earthquakes, enhancing our understanding of earthquake mechanics and hazard assessment.
Professor Cheng-Yao Zhang's research lab focuses on sustainable water and resource management, with a strong emphasis on optimizing water allocation in large river basins such as the Yellow River. The lab integrates systems analysis, life cycle assessment (LCA), and game-theoretic modeling to evaluate environmental performance and policy effectiveness in agricultural water pricing, chemical recycling, and vertical farming. Key research directions include climate impact assessment of plastic recycling, carbon circularity in waste management, and multi-objective water resource allocation under scarcity and economic development pressures.
Professor Masayuki Endo's research lab specializes in DNA nanotechnology and single-molecule biophysics, focusing on the design and construction of precise DNA nanostructures to study molecular dynamics and enzymatic reactions at the nanoscale. The lab employs advanced techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and DNA origami to visualize and control molecular interactions, particularly enzyme-DNA interactions, in real time under physiological conditions. A central theme is the development of functional DNA nanoarchitectures that serve as scaffolds for probing the mechanisms of DNA repair and modification enzymes with single-molecule sensitivity. The lab also pioneers the integration of nanomaterials and functional molecules into programmable DNA frameworks for applications in molecular sensing and nanomedicine.
Professor Takuya Yamamoto's research lab specializes in multiphase flows, ultrasonic phenomena, and advanced materials for energy applications. The lab investigates ultrasonic emulsification mechanisms, acoustic cavitation dynamics, and acoustic streaming in both liquids and molten metals, using high-speed imaging and numerical simulations. It also explores hydrogen storage properties in uranium-based alloys for potential applications in tritium storage and nuclear energy systems. The lab combines experimental techniques with computational modeling to understand complex interfacial and bubble dynamics.
Professor Akira Yokoi's research lab focuses on the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes, in cancer progression and early detection, with a strong emphasis on ovarian cancer. The lab investigates EV-mediated mechanisms of tumor metastasis, including the disruption of the peritoneal barrier and the transfer of oncogenic cargo such as microRNAs and genomic DNA. A key research direction involves identifying and validating circulating microRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The lab also explores the molecular mechanisms underlying EV biogenesis, especially the link between micronuclei and nuclear content loading into exosomes, contributing to our understanding of tumor-derived EV heterogeneity and genomic instability in cancer.
Professor Junpei Yamaguchi's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal carcinogenesis, particularly in pancreatic and gallbladder cancers. The lab investigates tumor microenvironment components such as pancreatic duct glands as stem cell niches, explores the roles of signaling molecules like trefoil factors and EZH2 in tumor progression, and examines cellular senescence as a barrier to malignant transformation. Key research directions include the tumor-suppressive functions of TFF1, epigenetic regulators like EZH2 and HDACs, and the impact of chronic inflammatory conditions on carcinogenesis.
Professor Junjun Ni's research lab focuses on the role of lysosomal proteases, particularly cathepsin B (CatB), in neurodegenerative diseases, aging, and neuroinflammation. The lab investigates how CatB regulates neuronal cell death pathways, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and microglial activation in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, ischemic brain injury, and aging-related cognitive decline. Using genetic, pharmacological, and cellular models, the lab explores the interplay between systemic inflammation, gut/oral microbiota, and brain pathology, especially amyloid-β accumulation. The research also examines neuroprotective agents like propolis in mitigating oxidative stress and synaptic dysfunction.
Professor Zhenglong Fang's research lab specializes in advanced manufacturing and materials processing, with a focus on functional metallic materials such as metallic glasses, electrical steels, and additively manufactured alloys. The lab investigates the machinability, subsurface integrity, and microstructural evolution of these materials during precision manufacturing processes like grinding, milling, and punching, with particular attention to minimizing defects and preserving magnetic and mechanical properties. The research integrates experimental mechanics, microstructure characterization (e.g., EBSD, nanoindentation), and process modeling to optimize manufacturing for high-performance applications in energy-efficient motors, turbines, and magnetic cores.
