Hirai Kenji

Hirai Kenji is an Associate Professor at Hokkaido University's Research Institute for Electronic Science and Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, where he leads research in nanomaterials, photonics, and strong coupling phenomena. He also holds a Visiting Associate Professor position at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University's Department of Applied Chemistry in Taiwan. His interdisciplinary work bridges chemistry, materials science, and photonics to develop novel functional materials and devices.

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Kyoto University (2013)
• Master's in Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Kyoto University (2010)
• Bachelor's in Industrial Chemistry, Kyoto University (2008)

Professor Hirai's research focuses on vibrational strong coupling and polaritonic chemistry, exploring how molecules interact with optical cavities to alter chemical reactivity and material properties without external light sources. His work demonstrates that placing molecules in optical cavities creates hybrid light-matter states (polaritons) that can significantly modify chemical reactions, self-assembly processes, and crystal polymorphism. This innovative approach has opened new pathways for controlling molecular behavior at the quantum level, with applications ranging from selective chemical synthesis to advanced optical devices.

His recent publications show a clear evolution toward polaritonic chemistry, with increasing emphasis on cavity quantum electrodynamics applications. The research spans from fundamental studies on vibrational strong coupling effects to practical applications in plasmonics, photonic memory devices, and biomedical sensing. A notable trend is the integration of strong coupling phenomena with nanoscale materials engineering, particularly in graphene-based systems and metal-organic frameworks.

• Photonics Encouragement Award, Japan Society of Applied Physics (2022)
• New Chemical Technology Research Encouragement Award (2020)
• Reaxys Ph.D. Prize 2013 Finalist
• Multiple poster and presentation awards at coordination chemistry and colloid science symposia

Professor Hirai leads multiple significant research projects, including the JSPS Transformative Research Areas grant 'Strong Coupling at Meso-Hierarchy' (2023-2028) and the JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research 'Enhancement of ionic conductivity using quantum optical phenomena with optical resonators' (2021-2024). He serves on the Early Career Advisory Board for ChemPlusChem and as an editor for the Japan Society of Applied Physics' Organic Molecules and Bioelectronics Division. His international collaborations span institutions in Belgium, the United States, and Taiwan, reflecting the global impact of his research in cavity quantum electrodynamics and materials chemistry.

His laboratory at Hokkaido University focuses on developing experimental platforms for studying strong coupling phenomena at multiple length scales, from single molecules to mesoscale assemblies. The research group combines expertise in nanofabrication, optical spectroscopy, and materials synthesis to create novel photonic and electronic devices based on quantum optical effects.