Department of Strategic Studies
Nishibayashi laboratory
Our research group designs new transition metal complexes for efficient catalytic molecular transformations and develops new methodology for the construction of useful molecular skeletons. All of our projects are based on concept of catalysis & reaction engineering.
Transition Metal-Catalyzed Organic Transformations：
To establish more practical organic transformations for easy access to complicated molecular structures, new multinuclear catalytic systems are designed and constructed.
Development of Catalytic Nitrogen Fixation：
Our ultimate aim is to achieve sustainable nitrogen fixation system alternative to energy consuming Haber-Bosch process. Combined system of multiple transition metal complexes is projected for direct transformation of molecular dinitrogen into ammonia under ambient conditions.
Member:
- Yoshiaki Nishibayashi, Professor
Catalytic reaction engineering
Nanobio Device Laboratory
We are developing the devices and systems which will contribute to improvement of the quality of life by integrating nano/micro fabrication technology and biotechnology. Current and ongoing projects are development of a portable diagnostics device for rapid cancer detection and the system for high-throughput screening of enzyme-based drug.
Member:
- Takanori Ichiki, Professor
Nanotechnology, Materials Science and Engineering
Seki Laboratory
Emergent electronics / spintronics based on new materials
Our research group attempts to develop novel electronic and spintronic functions through the exploration of new materials from the viewpoint of topology and symmetry. Usually, the behavior of electrons is controlled by the external electric and magnetic fields. On the other hand, in materials with topologically nontrivial ordered structures, electrons feel giant “emergent” electromagnetic fields due to the curved geometry, and their effective use can dramatically change the way to control electron dynamics. We design and synthesize new material systems to realize such unique quantum phenomena originating from nontrivial topology and symmetry. By employing the state-of-the-art crystal growth and micro-fabrication techniques, we develop novel electronic functions potentially suitable for various applications such as information processing with ultra-low energy consumption or sensing with ultra-high sensitivity.
Members:
- Shinichiro Seki, Associate Professor
Applied Physics - Rina Takagi, Assistant Professor
Applied Physics
Sawada Laboratory
Engineering for observation, prediction and control of social spaces.
We are exploring new technology to observe the current state of social spaces, which includes natural phenomena such as weather and hydrology and social phenomena such as transportation and economics, predict its future, and control social infrastructures based on the prediction to protect our society from crises such as hydrometeorological disasters. We are interested in the advanced technology to simulate and observe both natural and social phenomena. By integrating those simulation and observation, we are tackling with the new methodology to design the resilient social spaces.
Member:
- Yohei Sawada, Associate Professor
Hydrometeorological disaster prediction, Simulation-observation integration - Hitomu Kotani, Assistant Professor
Social networks, disaster prevention and management, international studies
Yamada Laboratory
We study optimal design methods and their practical applications in mechanical engineering. Additionally, we construct a novel theory for design engineering based on mathematics and informatics beyond the traditional framework. To achieve our aim, we study mathematical physics in mechanical engineering, mathematical modeling for design problems, modeling for geometrical conditions by the partial differential equations, multiscale design problems, and practical design problems.
Member：
- Takayuki Yamada, Associate Professor
Mechanical Engineering - Yuki Noguchi, Assistant Professor
Mechanical Engineering
Ohta Laboratory
In our body, dynamic and complicated interactions of numerous biomolecules determine biological phenomena. Using functional nanoparticles as a tool, we develop a detection/visualizing method of these interactions. Integrating with the data analysis that considers living body as a system, we aim to develop a novel diagnostic platform enabling early diagnostics, precision medicines, and efficient drug development.
Member：
- Seiichi Ohta, Associate Professor
Chemical Engineering, Nanoparticles for medical use
