معرفی
Motoko Kotani is a Professor at the Department of Mathematics, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, and serves as Principal Investigator at the Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR). She leads the Mathematical Application Research Team at RIKEN Center for iTHEMS and has held positions such as Director of WPI-AIMR (2012–2020) and Executive Vice President for Research at Tohoku University since 2021.
Her research focuses on geometric and topological analysis of materials, particularly graphene and amorphous structures, bridging mathematics with materials science. Recent work includes topological classification of weaves, heat conduction in germanium, and mathematical modeling for battery technologies.
The 15 most recent publications highlight her work in applied mathematics and materials science, with sub-fields spanning topological data analysis, graphene geometry, jammed matter, and SDG-related science policy. She has contributed to the UN 10-Member Group (2024–2025), advising on science and technology for sustainable development.
- Asia’s 50 top women scientists (AASSA, 2019)
- Appointed to UN 10-Member Group (2024)
As a science advisor to Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs (2022) and President-Elect of the International Science Council (2021), she emphasizes international collaboration. Her lab (M. Kotani Laboratory) hosts regular seminars on mathematical applications in materials science.
