Kintake Sonoike

Kintake Sonoike is a Professor at Waseda University's Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, specializing in plant physiology with a focus on photosynthesis. He has held this position since September 2009. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (1999-2009) and as a Research Associate at the University of Tokyo's Department of Science (1990-1999). He has maintained a dual career path, serving as Temporary Staff in the Imperial Household Agency's Ceremony Department since 1983, where he has been the reading director for the Utakai Hajime no Gi ceremony for approximately 40 years.

• Doctor of Science, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science (1985-1988)
• Master of Science, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science (1983-1985)
• Bachelor of Science, University of Tokyo College of Arts and Sciences (1979-1983)

Sonoike specializes in plant physiology, particularly photosynthesis research. His work focuses on understanding the mechanisms of photosynthetic electron transport, photoinhibition of photosystems, and the regulation of photosynthesis in response to environmental stresses. He investigates how plants and cyanobacteria acclimate to different light conditions, with particular interest in chlorophyll fluorescence as a tool to measure photosynthetic activity. His research spans from molecular mechanisms to physiological responses, with applications in understanding plant stress tolerance and developing methods for photosynthetic efficiency assessment. He has also contributed to public education about photosynthesis through his "Forest of Photosynthesis" website.

Sonoike's extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on photosynthesis research, particularly in cyanobacteria and plant systems. His work explores multiple aspects of photosynthetic regulation, including photoinhibition protection mechanisms, chlorophyll fluorescence measurement techniques, and the interaction between photosynthesis and respiration. A significant portion of his research investigates Photosystem I and II functionality under stress conditions, with applications in understanding plant adaptation to environmental changes. His interdisciplinary approach connects molecular biology, biochemistry, and plant physiology to address fundamental questions in photosynthetic research.

• Special Research Fellows Review Committee Expert Committee Award (2019, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science)
• Peer Review Award 2018 (Publons Top 1% pre-publication peer reviewer in Plant & Animal Science)
• Peer Review Award 2017 (Publons Top 1% pre-publication peer reviewer in Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology)
• Excellent Reviewer (2013, Journal of Photochemistry & Photobiology)
• Special Award for Photosynthesis Education Activities (2013, Botanical Society of Japan)
• Botanical Society Award for Young Scientist (1996)

While specific student names aren't listed in the provided text, Sonoike has served in numerous leadership roles indicating significant mentoring activities. He was the Representative of the Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists (2014-2025), Secretary General of the Japanese Society of Photosynthesis (2016-2023), and Director of the Botanical Society of Japan (2019-2021). His extensive committee memberships on grant review panels, including the Shimonaka Scientific Research Grant Review Committee and the Sasakawa Scientific Research Grant Biology Selection Committee, demonstrate his involvement in funding decisions for plant science research. His research appears to be conducted within the Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences at Waseda University, with collaboration across multiple institutions as evidenced by his co-authorship on international projects like the Tanpopo Mission conducted on the International Space Station.