探索全球顶尖大学的研究室——研究领域与主要论文一览无余。
Professor Changgu Lee's research lab specializes in the mechanical, tribological, and electronic properties of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, with a focus on graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g., MoS₂), and hexagonal boron nitride. The lab employs advanced nanomechanical techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) to probe intrinsic elasticity, strength, and friction at the atomic scale, while also developing flexible 2D semiconductor devices for sensing and electronics applications. Their work bridges fundamental nanomechanics with practical device integration, particularly on flexible substrates.
Professor Kyung-Suk Cho's research lab specializes in environmental biotechnology, focusing on microbial processes for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. Key research directions include the isolation and characterization of novel microorganisms—such as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and white-rot fungi—for the degradation of hazardous pollutants like BTEX, dyes, and organic waste. The lab investigates microbial metabolism in applications ranging from denitrification and microbial fuel cells to mycoremediation, emphasizing the role of functional genes and microbial communities in enhancing treatment efficiency. Their work integrates microbiology, molecular biology, and bioprocess engineering to develop sustainable solutions for industrial and municipal wastewater challenges.
Professor Kiyoto Kasai's research lab specializes in neuropsychiatry and neuroimaging, focusing on the structural and functional brain abnormalities underlying schizophrenia and other psychoses. The lab investigates progressive gray matter volume loss in specific cortical and subcortical regions—particularly in the left superior temporal gyrus, Heschl's gyrus, and temporolimbic networks—using large-scale, multisite MRI studies. A central theme is distinguishing neurodevelopmental versus post-onset pathological processes in schizophrenia by comparing patients with first-episode psychosis to those with affective psychosis and healthy controls. The lab also explores early-stage auditory processing deficits, highlighting disruptions in frontotemporal networks even during preattentive detection of speech sounds.
Professor Yongsheng Ren's research lab specializes in advanced materials development, with a primary focus on high-entropy alloys, aluminum alloy purification and refinement, and high-purity silicon crystal growth. The lab investigates innovative processing techniques to enhance material properties, including novel purification methods for aluminum and silicon, and the use of reactive elements like zirconium to remove impurities such as boron. Their work spans from fundamental thermodynamics and kinetics to practical applications in aerospace, electronics, and photovoltaics.
Professor Yasuhito Sakuraba's research lab focuses on plant molecular biology, particularly the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying leaf senescence, abiotic stress responses, and chlorophyll catabolism in monocotyledonous plants such as rice. The lab investigates key transcription factors—especially NAC family members—involved in regulating senescence and stress tolerance, as well as the roles of chlorophyll degradation enzymes and photoreceptors in developmental transitions and stress adaptation. Their work integrates functional genomics, gene expression analysis, and mutant phenotyping to uncover regulatory networks controlling plant longevity and environmental resilience.
Professor Masato Machida's research lab specializes in the development and fundamental investigation of advanced functional oxides for sustainable energy and environmental applications. The lab focuses on rare-earth-based materials, particularly lanthanide oxides, oxysulfates, and tantalates, with an emphasis on their redox properties, oxygen storage capacity, and photocatalytic activity. Key research directions include designing efficient catalysts for diesel soot oxidation and low-temperature NOx removal, as well as exploring novel photocatalysts for solar-driven water splitting using UV light. The lab integrates materials synthesis, spectroscopic characterization (e.g., in situ FT-IR, XPS), and theoretical calculations to understand structure-activity relationships at the electronic level.
Professor Takao Arimori's research lab specializes in structural biology and enzymology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of protein-ligand interactions, particularly in enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and nucleotide signaling. The lab employs a combination of X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and NMR spectroscopy to elucidate the structural basis of substrate specificity and catalytic function in glycoside hydrolases, nucleotide hydrolases, and cell adhesion molecules. Key research directions include understanding the structural dynamics of chitinases and their unique substrate-binding architectures, the mechanism of nucleotide diphosphatase activity in NUDT5, and the development of novel protein tags for structural and functional studies.
Professor Nobuhiro Yoda's research lab specializes in computational and biomechanical modeling in oral and maxillofacial implantology, focusing on the integration of advanced imaging, finite element analysis (FEA), and artificial intelligence to optimize dental implant outcomes. The lab investigates implant biomechanics, bone remodeling, and load distribution in implant-supported prostheses, with particular emphasis on patient-specific factors such as implant location, attachment types, and bone quality. Their work bridges clinical dentistry with engineering, using in-silico simulations and clinical CT data to predict long-term stability and improve treatment planning.
Professor Michio Homma's research lab specializes in bacterial motility, with a primary focus on the structure, assembly, and function of the bacterial flagellum. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying flagellar rotation, ion-driven motor function, and the dynamic assembly of flagellar components such as the hook, filament, and stator complexes. Using a combination of genetic, biochemical, and imaging techniques—including immunoelectron microscopy and fluorescent protein tagging—the lab elucidates the roles of key proteins like HAPs, PomA/B, MotX/Y, and the T ring in flagellar biogenesis and motility. Their work provides fundamental insights into how bacterial cells achieve directed movement through complex environments.
Professor Keisuke Nagai's research lab focuses on the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying stress adaptation in rice, particularly the unique submergence tolerance mechanisms of deepwater rice. The lab investigates hormone signaling pathways—especially ethylene and gibberellin—involved in submergence-induced internode elongation, a key survival strategy in flood-prone environments. Using QTL analysis, gene cloning, and comparative genomics, the lab identifies and characterizes key genes such as *SD1*, *SNORKEL1/2*, and regulatory networks that enable deepwater rice to grow rapidly under water. Their work bridges plant developmental biology and agricultural biotechnology, aiming to improve flood-resilient crops.
Professor Toshiaki Onitsuka's research lab focuses on the neurobiological underpinnings of schizophrenia, with a particular emphasis on structural and functional brain abnormalities linked to core symptoms such as impaired facial processing and cognitive integration. The lab investigates neuroanatomical alterations—especially in the temporal lobe regions like the fusiform and superior temporal gyri—and explores neurophysiological deficits using EEG and MEG to examine early sensory processing and neural synchronization, particularly in the gamma band. A central theme is identifying biomarkers, such as the auditory steady-state response, to understand the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and support early diagnosis and intervention.
Professor Michiyuki Kawakami's research lab specializes in neuroendocrinology and behavioral neuroscience, focusing on the neural mechanisms underlying reproductive behavior and hormone regulation in rodents. The lab investigates how sex steroids, pituitary hormones, and neuropeptides such as LH-RH modulate brain activity, particularly in the hypothalamus, limbic system, and brainstem, using electrophysiological and neurochemical techniques. Key research directions include the neurophysiological basis of the estrous cycle, the role of specific brain regions in hormone release and sexual behavior, and the neural control of pituitary function. The lab also explores the electrophysiological correlates of behavioral states such as post-coital EEG after-reactions and the effects of hormonal treatments on neural excitability.
Professor Jeong Hun Kim's research lab focuses on understanding and targeting the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) and neurovascular unit dysfunction in retinal diseases, particularly diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying vascular inflammation, endothelial permeability, and barrier breakdown, with a strong emphasis on signaling pathways such as STAT3 and RAS/VEGF. Utilizing advanced models including organotypic eye-on-a-chip systems and in vivo studies, the lab explores nanomaterial-based drug delivery and cytoprotective strategies to preserve retinal barrier integrity and function.
Professor Jonghwa Shin's research lab specializes in the design and fabrication of advanced nanomaterials and metamaterials for energy and photonic applications. The lab focuses on broadband and isotropic metamaterials, plasmonic nanostructures for enhanced light-matter interactions, and functional nanohybrids for sustainable energy conversion. Key research directions include radiative cooling with tailored optical properties, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) via precisely engineered nanoparticle arrays, and plasmonically active systems for artificial photosynthesis and photocatalysis.
Professor Sarah S. Park's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and functional characterization of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with tailored electronic, ionic, and transport properties. The lab focuses on creating conductive and porous MOFs for applications in energy storage, solid-state ionics, and electrochemical sensing, with a particular emphasis on understanding structure-function relationships at the molecular level. Key research directions include the development of single-ion conductors, proton conductors with distinct transport pathways, and redox-active MOFs for supercapacitor applications.
Professor SangUk Han's research lab specializes in intelligent construction technologies, focusing on leveraging advanced sensing, computer vision, and deep learning to enhance safety, productivity, and quality in the construction industry. The lab develops innovative, cost-effective solutions—such as RGB-D sensors and 3D point cloud reconstruction—for real-time worker behavior monitoring, unsafe action detection, and off-site quality inspection in modular construction. By integrating GIS, BIM, and data-driven analytics, the lab also addresses sustainable infrastructure planning, including photovoltaic plant site selection. The research emphasizes practical implementation of AI and sensor-based systems to proactively prevent accidents and improve project performance.
Professor Byeongmoon Jeong's research lab specializes in the design and development of thermoresponsive, biodegradable block copolymers for advanced biomedical applications. The lab focuses on understanding the structure-property relationships of poly(ethylene glycol)-based triblock copolymers, particularly PEG-PLGA-PEG, to engineer injectable in situ gelling systems that transition from sol to gel at physiological temperatures. Key research directions include controlled drug delivery, sustained insulin release for diabetes management, and tissue engineering applications such as cartilage repair using chondrocyte delivery. The lab combines polymer synthesis, physical characterization, and in vivo evaluation to advance smart biomaterials with tunable degradation and mechanical properties.
Professor Ryo Ishikawa's research lab specializes in advanced electron microscopy techniques to investigate atomic-scale defects and dopants in functional materials. The lab focuses on developing and applying quantitative electron microscopy methods—such as aberration-corrected STEM, differential phase-contrast imaging, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy—to directly observe and characterize single-atom dopants, vacancies, and their bonding states in semiconductors like wurtzite AlN. A key research direction involves 3D atomic localization and dynamic diffusion processes using low-dose, high-resolution imaging, enabling precise correlation between atomic structure and material properties. The lab also explores the impact of material microstructure on device performance, particularly in optical and electronic applications.
Professor Megumi Ota's research lab specializes in advanced optical materials and biomedical engineering, focusing on the development of liquid crystal-based photonic devices for next-generation optical technologies. The lab pioneers innovative photoalignment techniques—such as scanning wave photopolymerization (SWaP)—to fabricate high-precision molecular alignment patterns in liquid crystals, enabling applications in q-plates, diffractive waveplates, and vector beam generators. In parallel, the lab investigates neuromuscular imbalances in chronic low back pain (CLBP), using ultrasonography to assess abdominal muscle morphology and symmetry, aiming to improve conservative treatments through targeted stabilization exercises. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge materials science and clinical rehabilitation, with a strong emphasis on translational applications in both optical engineering and musculoskeletal health.
Professor Naohiko Yoshikai's research lab specializes in the development of transition-metal-catalyzed C–H bond functionalization and cross-coupling reactions, with a strong focus on nickel, cobalt, and iron catalysis. The lab pioneers innovative ligand designs—particularly phosphine-based and bidentate ligands—that enable the activation of challenging substrates such as aryl fluorides, chlorides, and phenol derivatives under mild conditions. A key theme in their work is the synergistic effect between transition metals and main-group metals (e.g., Mg) in bimetallic catalytic systems, enhancing reactivity and chemoselectivity. The lab also explores the use of first-row transition metals like cobalt and iron as sustainable alternatives to noble metals in selective C–H functionalization.
