Neural system and cell electrical engineering

• We conduct education and research using relatively simple central nervous circuits of invertebrates to study phase-dependent sensory information processing in synchronized neural activity, as well as dynamic interactions between nonlinear oscillators and periodic sensory inputs.
• We conduct education and research on applications such as cell sensors and cell separation, in the interdisciplinary field combining cellular engineering and electrical engineering.

Energy material basic science

We conduct broad education and research on topics such as: what fundamental substances are, what kinds of forces act between them, how the universe was created and has evolved, and what mathematical expressions are suitable for a unified theory of matter, time, and space.

Molecular energy basic science

We conduct education and research to clarify the spectra and precise molecular structures of molecules important in physical chemistry, astronomy, and environmental science using laser and radio spectroscopy techniques. At the same time, we develop more sensitive and accurate spectroscopic methods. We also work on cooling the translational motion and internal degrees of freedom of atoms and molecules to precisely measure transition frequencies, addressing issues such as the temporal invariance of fundamental physical constants. Additionally, we are involved in the development of the gravitational wave telescope KAGRA (located in Kamioka, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture), particularly in areas related to lasers and mirrors.

Organic optoelectronic devices engineering

We conduct education and research on the evaluation of optical and electronic properties of organic semiconductors, thin-film fabrication techniques, orientation control of organic molecules, and applications of organic semiconductors in optical and electronic devices.

Material design

We conduct education and research on the correlation between the electronic and atomic structures of materials and their mechanical and physical properties. Our work involves the development of new functionalities in metals, ceramics, magnetic, and superconducting materials through micro- and nano-structure control, surface modification, phase transformation, and recrystallization. We also introduce methods such as electron microscopy, computational analysis, and measurements of physical transport phenomena.

Materials chemistry

We conduct education and research in the field of materials chemistry, focusing primarily on the fundamentals and applications of smelting and refining processes for metallic and functional inorganic materials, as well as surface modification and surface functionality of inorganic materials.

Plasma Science

We conduct education and research on nonlinear and non-equilibrium phenomena in plasmas, such as nonlinear waves, turbulence, and the generation processes of non-thermal components, as well as the application of related mathematical methods.

Photofunctional Material

We conduct education and research on the design and synthesis of novel photo-functional materials that integrate nanomaterials with organic and inorganic materials, as well as their application in the development of artificial photosynthesis systems and in the field of nanomedicine.

Biomaterials Processing and Engineering

We conduct education and research on the physicochemical properties required for biomaterials used in the artificial reconstruction of biological tissues, as well as on nanoscopic and microscopic processing techniques for these biomaterials.

Nanomaterials chemistry

We conduct education and research on the synthesis and fabrication methods of nanoparticles and nanostructures with unique optical properties, as well as their application in optical energy conversion and the development of novel functionalities.

photofunctional molecular science

We conduct education and research on photo-functional systems that convert light energy into chemical or electrical energy, or chemical energy into light emission. In particular, we focus on the photo-functional properties of molecular systems containing heavy metals, such as metal complexes, and work on elucidating the molecular structures and reaction dynamics in photoexcited states, as well as developing observation and analysis techniques.

Synthetic coordination chemistry

Metal complexes are compounds in which various ligands are coordinated to a metal ion. The choice of central metal element and the combination of ligands—such as organic molecules and inorganic ions—are virtually limitless, allowing for the creation of compounds with diverse structures and properties. Currently, we are conducting research on the synthesis of luminescent complexes and complexes containing nitrido ligands, as well as on the synthesis of complexes that enable the transformation of ubiquitous small molecules using light energy, and the mechanisms behind these transformations.

Synthetic organic chemistry

We conduct education and research on the construction of novel extended conjugated π-electron systems and their application to supramolecular functional materials, as well as the development of new organic chemical reactions and synthetic routes for bioactive natural products.

Environmental and analytical chemistry

We conduct educational and research activities on the development of novel separation materials and methods for efficiently separating and concentrating trace elements in solutions. These efforts are applied to analytical and environmental chemistry, including the quantification of trace and ultra-trace elements in environmental and biological samples, the recovery of valuable elements from waste, and the removal of hazardous elements from waste.

Computational Biomolecular Science We

We construct models of biomolecular interactions based on quantum chemical principles and analyze their molecular structures and dynamics through computer simulations. By calculating static and dynamic physical quantities from molecular trajectories obtained via simulations, using statistical mechanics theory, we aim to elucidate biological phenomena at the molecular level.

Nano-biomaterial design

Our research focuses on the comprehensive development of materials, from the design and synthesis of base molecules for biomedical engineering materials to the construction of devices utilizing synthetic and biological polymers. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments aimed at understanding the interactions between materials and cells or biological tissues, we provide research-based education to cultivate researchers capable of developing materials with practical applications.

Synthetic inorganic chemistry

We conduct educational and research activities on the design and synthesis of molecular solid-state systems based on organic compounds, transition metal complexes, and organometallic compounds that exhibit novel properties such as conductivity and magnetism, as well as the measurement and analysis of their physical properties.

Energy environment science

We conduct fundamental and applied research on the energy utilization of hydrogen isotopes (protium, deuterium, and tritium). For example, protium (H₂) reacts with oxygen to release energy (heat and electricity) and produce water. Through the reverse reaction, hydrogen can be extracted from water, enabling the development of a sustainable energy system based on the resource cycle of hydrogen and water. Meanwhile, deuterium (D) and tritium (T) are used as fuels in nuclear fusion reactors, which are gaining attention as high-density energy sources for the 21st century.

Noritatsu Tsubaki

We apply knowledge from catalytic chemistry, reaction engineering, and molecular dynamics to address energy and environmental challenges, aiming to build a foundation for future society. Our research focuses on the advanced utilization of resources such as biomass and light, the development of environmentally friendly and efficient chemical reactions and industrial processes, and the exploration of novel functional nanomaterials.