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 Ichizo Yagi's research lab specializes in the development and fundamental understanding of advanced electrocatalysts for sustainable energy conversion and storage. The lab focuses on designing non-platinum group metal (non-PGM) and base-metal-based electrocatalysts—particularly Fe–N–C and copper-based systems—for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells and metal–air batteries. A key research direction involves probing the electronic and geometric structures of nanomaterials using in situ spectroscopic techniques such as XANES and ultralow-frequency Raman spectroscopy to establish structure–activity relationships. The lab also investigates the role of carbon supports, including nitrogen-doped and polymer-coated carbons, in enhancing the activity and durability of Pt-based nanostructures.
Professor Masashi Takeuchi's research lab focuses on advancing surgical oncology and clinical decision-making through innovative applications of artificial intelligence and quantitative biomarkers. The lab investigates the role of visceral fat area (VFA) and other imaging-based indicators in predicting postoperative complications and oncological outcomes, particularly in gastrointestinal cancers such as esophageal and gastric cancer. A key direction involves integrating AI into surgical workflows for preoperative planning, intraoperative decision support, and real-time analysis of endoscopic and radiological data. The lab also explores human-like interaction in clinical dialog systems, emphasizing timing and prosody for more natural and effective clinician-patient or clinician-system communication.
Professor Shinya Fushinobu's research lab specializes in structural and enzymatic studies of carbohydrate-active enzymes, particularly glycoside hydrolases, phosphorylases, and esterases from microbial sources. The lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of these enzymes, especially their substrate specificity, catalytic mechanisms, and structural adaptations to extreme environments such as low pH or nutrient-poor conditions. Their work bridges structural biology with microbial metabolism, particularly in bifidobacteria and filamentous fungi, to elucidate how these microbes utilize complex carbohydrates like human milk oligosaccharides and plant cell wall components.
Professor Kenta Nakai's research lab specializes in computational biology and bioinformatics, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying gene regulation, protein subcellular localization, and transcriptional control. The lab develops and maintains key biological databases such as DBTSS and DBKERO, which provide high-resolution transcriptional start site data and functional genomics context for human genome variations, particularly in regulatory regions. Their work integrates experimental genomics with computational modeling to interpret disease-associated mutations and evolutionary conservation in regulatory elements. The lab also investigates physicochemical properties of amino acids and their implications for protein structure and function.
Professor Ryota Niikura's research lab specializes in gastrointestinal disease epidemiology and endoscopic intervention, with a primary focus on colonic diverticulosis and its complications. The lab investigates risk factors for diverticular bleeding, long-term outcomes, and effective preventive strategies such as barium impaction therapy. It also explores the potential long-term effects of common gastrointestinal medications, including proton pump inhibitors, on gastric cancer risk following *Helicobacter pylori* eradication. The lab integrates large-scale population-based data with clinical trials to inform evidence-based practice in digestive health.
Professor Shin’ichiro Ando's research lab specializes in high-energy astrophysics and particle astrophysics, focusing on cosmic neutrinos, dark matter phenomenology, and the high-energy gamma-ray background. The lab investigates supernova relic neutrinos as probes of cosmic star formation history and neutrino properties, while also exploring the detectability of dark matter through gamma-ray signals from annihilation and decay. A key emphasis is placed on distinguishing astrophysical backgrounds from exotic sources using spectral and anisotropy analyses of high-energy cosmic radiation. The group employs cutting-edge data from observatories like IceCube and Fermi to test theoretical models and guide future large-scale detectors.
Professor Yoshitaka Fukada's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythms in vertebrates, with a particular emphasis on the post-translational regulation of core clock proteins such as CRY1/2 and BMAL1. The lab investigates how phosphorylation by kinases like DYRK1A and GSK-3β controls the stability and activity of these proteins, thereby shaping circadian oscillations in both central and peripheral clocks. Additionally, the lab explores the roles of signaling molecules such as MAPK and G protein γ-subunits in modulating clock function and phototransduction pathways. Their work integrates biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular physiology to uncover fundamental principles of biological timekeeping.
Professor Takashi Morii's research lab specializes in the design and development of functional biomolecular systems, particularly focusing on fluorescent biosensors, engineered protein-DNA interactions, and DNA-templated protein assemblies. The lab pioneers innovative strategies for creating modular, customizable biosensors that enable real-time detection of key intracellular signaling molecules such as IP3 and calcium. By combining synthetic biology, protein engineering, and DNA nanotechnology—especially using DNA origami as a scaffold—the lab constructs precisely organized transmembrane and signaling protein complexes for applications in synthetic biology and biomedical sensing. A central theme is the rational design of molecular tools that mimic or enhance natural cellular signaling processes with high specificity and sensitivity.
Professor Kazufumi Yazaki's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis, transport, and compartmentation of plant specialized (secondary) metabolites, with a particular emphasis on terpenoids, prenylated flavonoids, and other complex natural products. The lab investigates key regulatory genes and transporters—especially ABCB/PGP family transporters—involved in auxin distribution and secondary metabolite trafficking, aiming to understand how these molecules are spatially and temporally controlled in plants. Their work integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, and functional genomics to unravel the connections between metabolic pathways and plant development or stress responses.
Professor Atsuo Maki's research lab specializes in maritime safety and ship dynamics, with a focus on nonlinear phenomena in ship motion, particularly capsizing and parametric rolling. The lab investigates the underlying mechanisms of instability in oceangoing vessels using nonlinear dynamics and stochastic processes, aiming to improve safety standards in harsh sea conditions. Research directions include the theoretical analysis of roll motion stability, the impact of irregular wave excitation, and the application of advanced mathematical models to predict and prevent catastrophic ship behavior.
Professor Samar Helou's research lab focuses on advancing digital health through innovative technologies and human-centered design. The lab explores telehealth adoption, mobile health solutions like sonouroflowmetry, and the usability of virtual reality in healthcare. It also investigates patient data sharing behaviors, trust in health data anonymity, and the technical challenges of storing and querying archetype-based electronic health records using modern database technologies.
Professor Megumi Akai-Kasaya's research lab specializes in molecular and nanoscale neuromorphic computing, focusing on the development of bio-inspired computing systems using low-dimensional carbon nanomaterials and redox-active molecules. The lab explores physical reservoir computing using electrochemical and molecular systems, such as polyoxometalate-doped carbon nanotube networks and self-assembled polydiacetylene wires, to harness intrinsic nonlinear dynamics for signal processing. A central theme is the integration of molecular complexity and dynamic response in 3D wetware-like environments to mimic brain-like computation. The lab also investigates noise dynamics in nanoscale devices for applications in sensing and adaptive computing.
Professor Abdollah Bahador's research lab specializes in the development and processing of advanced titanium-based alloys and composites, with a focus on powder metallurgy, solidification behavior, and high-energy laser welding techniques. The lab investigates microstructure-property relationships in titanium matrix composites (TMCs), shape memory alloys (SMAs), and dissimilar metal joints, emphasizing grain refinement, phase transformation control, and defect mitigation during additive and fusion-based manufacturing. Key research directions include optimizing mechanical performance through alloying (e.g., W, Fe, Nb, Ta), controlling microstructure evolution during extrusion and sintering, and enhancing weldability of P/M-fabricated components using laser and GTAW processes. The lab also explores the role of processing parameters—such as defocusing distance, laser power, and welding speed—on porosity formation and phase stability in advanced titanium alloys.
Professor Shingo Sotoma's research lab specializes in the development and application of fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) as advanced nanosensors for biological and biomedical research. The lab focuses on engineering FNDs with enhanced biocompatibility, surface functionality, and precise targeting capabilities to enable high-precision, long-term imaging of cellular processes at the nanoscale. Key research directions include the design of hyperbranched polymer-modified FNDs to suppress nonspecific protein adsorption, the integration of nitrogen-vacancy centers for quantum sensing in living cells, and the creation of robust, photo-crosslinked lipid-coated FND hybrids for multimodal bioimaging. The lab's work bridges nanomaterials science, quantum sensing, and cell biology to push the frontiers of live-cell imaging and molecular diagnostics.
Professor Feng Xiao's research lab specializes in numerical methods for computational fluid dynamics and interface capturing, with a focus on developing high-accuracy, conservative schemes for simulating moving interfaces in multi-fluid systems. The lab pioneers advanced numerical algorithms such as the THINC and CSLR methods, which enable oscillation-free and smearing-free advection of fluid interfaces on structured and unstructured grids. Additionally, the lab explores applications in materials science, including the design of superhydrophobic surfaces for corrosion protection, and investigates physiological mechanisms in ischemia/reperfusion injury, particularly in the context of brain injury and neutrophil dynamics. The research integrates computational science with practical engineering and biomedical applications.
Professor Takako Izumi's research lab focuses on disaster risk reduction (DRR) with an emphasis on integrating science, technology, and innovation into policy and practice. The lab explores community-based approaches, institutional resilience in higher education, and the role of non-governmental and private sectors in strengthening disaster preparedness and response. A key focus is on understanding compound disasters—such as the intersection of pandemics and natural hazards—and how they affect decision-making, evacuation, and recovery processes.
Professor Butsurin Jinnai's research lab specializes in advanced nanoscale spintronic devices and plasma processing technologies, with a primary focus on the development and scaling of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) for next-generation spin-transfer torque magnetoresistive random access memory (STT-MRAM). The lab investigates fundamental mechanisms of material interactions under plasma irradiation, particularly UV/VUV and ion effects, to enable low-damage, high-selectivity processes essential for advanced CMOS integration. Key research directions include the engineering of multilayered ferromagnetic structures for enhanced thermal stability and switching performance at sub-10 nm scales, as well as innovative on-wafer monitoring techniques for real-time plasma diagnostics using machine learning. The lab also explores the compatibility of ArF photoresists and low-k dielectrics with plasma processes, aiming to overcome reliability challenges in nanofabrication.
Professor Hiroshi Yukawa's research lab specializes in advanced nanobiotechnology and regenerative medicine, focusing on the development and application of fluorescent nanomaterials—particularly quantum dots and fluorescent nanodiamonds—for in vivo cell imaging, intracellular thermometry, and stem cell tracking. The lab investigates the roles of extracellular vesicles (e.g., exosomes) in cancer angiogenesis and explores innovative strategies for enhancing stem cell therapy in liver disease models. A key emphasis is placed on improving the safety, efficiency, and long-term monitoring of stem cell-based regenerative therapies using cutting-edge nanoscale sensing technologies.
Professor Shinji Kudo's research lab specializes in sustainable chemistry and biomass conversion, focusing on the catalytic pyrolysis of cellulose to produce high-value biobased chemicals—particularly levoglucosenone (LGO)—using ionic liquids as efficient, reusable catalysts. The lab explores the design and application of tailored ionic liquids to enhance selectivity and yield in LGO production, while minimizing char formation and enabling catalyst recovery. Their work also extends to understanding the atmospheric impacts of biomass burning and the isolation of bioactive natural products, such as optically active sydonic acid. The lab emphasizes green chemistry principles, aiming to develop scalable and cost-effective processes for biorefinery applications.
Professor Yuichi Kamiya's research lab specializes in the structural and chemical characterization of advanced materials, particularly diamond and related semiconductors, using advanced x-ray techniques such as diffraction and absorption topography. The lab focuses on understanding the growth mechanisms, defect structures, and impurity distributions in synthetic and natural diamonds, with particular attention to fibrous growth textures and their implications for material properties. Their work bridges materials science and solid-state physics, contributing to the development of high-performance materials for industrial and electronic applications. The lab also explores the role of trace elements and local crystallographic variations in influencing material behavior at the microscale.
