Professor Masashi Okubo at Waseda University's School of Advanced Science and Engineering specializes in electrochemistry and energy materials development. With cross-appointments at Kyoto University and the Advanced Collaborative Research Organization for SmartSociety, his work focuses on sustainable battery systems including aqueous proton batteries, MXene-based electrodes, and oxygen-redox chemistry. His research bridges fundamental materials science with practical energy storage applications through combined experimental-theoretical approaches. Education : Ph.D. in Basic Science (2005) and M.Sc./B.Sc. in Basic Science from The University of Tokyo Research Strengths : Solid-state ionics and intercalation chemistry MXene electrode engineering Oxygen-redox reaction mechanisms High-rate energy storage systems Hydrate-melt electrolyte optimization Scientific Contributions include: Discovering near-zero-volume-phase battery materials Developing distortion-relieving voids in host structures Elucidating multiorbital bond formation in oxygen-redox reactions Advancing aqueous redox-flow battery catholyte design Prominent Awards : Waseda Research Award (2021) ACS Reviewer Excellence Award (2018) Ministry of Education Young Scientist Award (2017) Multiple Young Investigator Awards (2016)
Takao Nakagaki is a Professor at the School of Creative Science and Engineering , Waseda University, with a focus on Catalyst and resource chemical processes , Energy chemistry , and Thermal engineering . Holding a Dr.Eng. from Waseda University, he contributes to academic societies as a member of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (JSME) and the Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan (SCEJ). Research interests center on carbon capture and utilization (CCU) , chemical looping processes , exergy analysis , and thermal energy systems . His work explores innovative methods for CO2 mineralization using industrial byproducts, high-temperature CO2 separation with lithium silicate, and integration of nuclear and chemical processes for ironmaking. Scientific awards include the Gas Turbine Society of Japan Technology Award (2008) JSME Encouragement Award (1999) Key projects involve numerical modeling of CO2 absorption in porous sorbents, development of chemically recuperated gas turbines for DME fuel, and Aspen Plus simulations for active carbon recycling systems. His collaborations span institutions like Osaka University and Toshiba Corporation, with a focus on energy system design and industrial ecology .
Yutaka Sakakibara is a Professor at Waseda University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Creative Science and Engineering. With over 30 years of academic experience, he previously served as Associate Professor and Lecturer at Gunma University before joining Waseda University in 2001. His extensive research portfolio demonstrates leadership in innovative water treatment technologies and environmental remediation. Dr. Sakakibara holds a Doctor of Engineering degree from Nagoya University and completed his graduate studies at Gunma University Graduate School, Division of Engineering. His educational background has positioned him as a leading researcher in environmental engineering with a focus on practical solutions for water pollution challenges. Dr. Sakakibara's primary research focuses on innovative water and wastewater treatment technologies, with particular emphasis on electrochemical processes and phytoremediation. His groundbreaking work on the Bio-Fenton process, which utilizes aquatic plants and iron compounds to decompose persistent pollutants, has gained international recognition. He has pioneered research in electrochemical advanced oxidation processes for removing endocrine disrupting chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds from water sources, with energy consumption as low as 1-10 Wh/m³. His research bridges fundamental scientific understanding with practical applications for environmental protection. Analysis of Dr. Sakakibara's publication record reveals a strong trend toward developing sustainable, low-energy water treatment solutions. His work increasingly focuses on combining biological and electrochemical approaches, with significant contributions to phytoremediation techniques and the application of advanced oxidation processes to emerging contaminants. The interdisciplinary nature of his research spans environmental engineering, chemistry, and ecological systems, with particular emphasis on practical implementation. Environmental Engineering Research Forum Encouragement Award (1996) Dr. Sakakibara has successfully led multiple significant research projects, including "R & D on advanced Phyto-remediation process" (2015-2018) and "R & D on a novel electrochemical AOP with simple operation" (2012-2015). His research has been supported by prestigious funding sources including Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. Through his mentorship, he has guided numerous graduate students who have become active researchers in environmental engineering fields, with frequent collaborators including Yoshihiko Inagaki, Vo Huu Cong, and Andre Rodrigues dos Reis appearing as co-authors on multiple publications. Dr. Sakakibara's laboratory focuses on developing practical solutions for water pollution challenges, with particular attention to sustainable and energy-efficient treatment methods. His research team combines experimental approaches with mathematical modeling to optimize treatment processes for real-world applications, particularly in the areas of endocrine disrupting chemicals removal and persistent organic pollutants remediation.
NAKAYAMA Masanobu serves as Professor in the Department of Life and Applied Chemistry at Tokyo Institute of Technology, leading research in solid-state battery materials. His work integrates computational modeling, machine learning, and experimental electrochemistry to develop advanced energy storage solutions, with particular focus on ionic conduction mechanisms and interface engineering in next-generation batteries. His academic foundation includes: Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering (Tokyo Institute of Technology, 1997) Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (Tokyo Institute of Technology, 1999) Doctor of Engineering in Applied Chemistry (Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2004) Professor Nakayama's research spans solid-state ionics, electrochemistry, and materials informatics, emphasizing the application of neural network potentials for molecular dynamics simulations. His group pioneers AI-driven approaches to predict ionic conductivity, optimize electrode materials, and understand degradation mechanisms in lithium/sodium-ion batteries. Current projects address critical challenges in sustainable battery development, including cobalt-free cathodes and chloride-based solid electrolytes. Analysis of his 2024 publications reveals a strong trend toward integrating deep learning with experimental validation to accelerate materials discovery. Key themes include atomic-scale simulation of battery interfaces, machine learning prediction of ionic conductivity, and development of sustainable electrode architectures with enhanced energy density. His significant contributions have been recognized through: Japan Ceramic Society Academic Award (2021) MEXT Young Scientist Award (2014) Nagai Science and Technology Foundation Academic Award (2013) Takagawa Memorial Solid-State Chemistry Award (2009) Tokyo Institute of Technology Engineering Young Researcher Award (2008) Tedashima Memorial Research Award Doctoral Thesis Award (2005) Professor Nakayama actively mentors graduate researchers in interdisciplinary projects combining computation and experiment. His group secures competitive funding from Japanese research agencies including JSPS and NEDO, supporting collaborations with industry partners on solid-state battery commercialization. Current grants focus on AI-accelerated materials discovery and interface engineering for all-solid-state batteries. Based in the Environmental Ceramics Field at Tokyo Tech, his laboratory employs advanced characterization techniques including in situ XPS alongside neural network potential simulations. The team maintains strong industry partnerships for translating fundamental research into practical battery technologies, with recent work emphasizing sustainable materials design and manufacturing scalability.
Masayuki Ikeda serves as Professor at Waseda University with dual appointments in the Faculty of Commerce and Graduate School of Business and Finance. His academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to financial economics and quantitative finance methodologies. His educational foundation includes a Doctor of Philosophy from Tokyo Institute of Technology, establishing his expertise in advanced financial modeling and econometric techniques. Professor Ikeda's research centers on Financial Economics with specialized focus on derivatives pricing under non-normal distributions , asset pricing theory , and disaster risk modeling . His pioneering work on transformed beta distributions for earthquake derivatives and curved-boundary option pricing demonstrates rigorous mathematical innovation applied to real-world financial challenges. He has developed preference-free pricing frameworks that accommodate complex distributional characteristics while maintaining practical applicability in Japanese and global markets. Analysis of his publication timeline reveals an evolution from foundational work on option pricing (1980s-1990s) toward contemporary applications in disaster risk and long-term investment strategies (2010s). His research consistently bridges theoretical finance with empirical market analysis, showing particular attention to Japan's unique financial landscape and regulatory environment. He actively leads major research initiatives including the 2019-2022 project on AI technology and big data disclosure systems , which integrates accounting, finance, and information science to develop next-generation capital market frameworks. His earlier 2015-2018 study on disaster impacts on capital markets documented disclosure practices during the Fukushima nuclear crisis and analyzed market reactions to the Great East Japan Earthquake. As an educator, Professor Ikeda directs multiple graduate seminars in Financial Economics while teaching specialized courses in Asset Pricing and Equity Investments. His 2025 syllabus demonstrates continued commitment to mentoring advanced finance students through research guidance and specialized instruction in both Japanese and English-language programs.
Yuji Iwamoto is a Professor at the Department of Life and Applied Chemistry, Environmental Ceramics Field, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology. His research spans nanotechnology, inorganic materials, and advanced ceramic applications for energy and environmental challenges. He maintains active international collaborations, particularly with French research institutions through CNRS projects. Education: Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Nagoya City University (1985) Master of Organic Chemistry, Nagoya City University Graduate School (1987) Ph.D. in Science, University of Tokyo (2004) Iwamoto's research focuses on polymer-derived ceramics, hydrogen separation membranes, and phosphor materials. His work bridges fundamental material science with industrial applications, particularly in energy conversion and environmental protection. Recent breakthroughs include nickel-iron nanoparticle encapsulation for OER catalysis and superhydrophobic ceramic membranes for seawater desalination. His group specializes in controlling microstructure-property relationships in advanced ceramics through novel synthesis routes. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals strong emphasis on hydrogen-related materials (membranes, catalysts) and nitride-based ceramics (silicon nitride, anti-perovskites). Key trends include in situ nanoparticle confinement within amorphous matrices, oxygen impurity effects on phase transformations, and multi-functional membrane design for energy applications. Scientific Awards: ACerS Global Ambassador (2024) Society Fellow, The American Ceramic Society (2022) Society Fellow, Ceramic Society of Japan (2022) Richard M. Fulrath Award (2006) Japanese Ceramic Society Academic Award (2006) Iwamoto has secured substantial competitive funding including JSPS KAKENHI grants totaling over ¥40 million and major NEDO/CHEST projects exceeding ¥150 million. His research group collaborates with industrial partners like Fuji Electric and TAIYO YUDEN on membrane technologies and ceramic components. He leads the FRESH international research project with CNRS focusing on functional ceramics for societal challenges. His laboratory specializes in polymer-derived ceramic synthesis, advanced membrane characterization, and high-temperature material testing. The group maintains strong ties with Japanese ceramic industry consortia and participates in standardization committees for ceramic materials.
Professor Akihiko Hirata is a distinguished faculty member at Waseda University's School of Fundamental Science and Engineering, specializing in Materials Science and Engineering. With a Doctor of Engineering degree from Waseda University, he has established himself as a leading researcher in the field of materials characterization, particularly focusing on metallic glasses, amorphous materials, and electron microscopy techniques. His research interests span a wide range of topics in materials science, with particular emphasis on electron microscopy , metallic materials , amorphous structures , and nanoporous materials . Professor Hirata's work combines advanced experimental techniques with computational modeling to unravel the complex structures of disordered materials. His research group has made significant contributions to understanding the topological features of silica glasses, metallic glasses, and other amorphous systems, revealing connections between atomic-scale structures and macroscopic properties. Analysis of his recent publications shows a strong focus on topological analysis of glass structures , local atomic environment characterization , and advanced electron diffraction techniques . His work frequently employs persistent homology methods, angstrom-beam electron diffraction, and molecular dynamics simulations to extract structural information from disordered materials. The research spans fundamental understanding of glass formation to practical applications in energy storage and conversion. Best Poster Young Researcher Presentation Award in BMGV (2006) Professor Hirata's research has significant implications for the development of advanced materials with tailored properties. His work on nanoporous materials, metallic glasses, and solid-state electrolytes contributes to advancements in energy storage technologies, catalysis, and functional materials design. Through his extensive publication record and innovative methodologies, he has established important connections between atomic-scale structures and macroscopic material properties, providing valuable insights for materials design and engineering.
Nobuko Hanada is an Associate Professor at Waseda University's School of Advanced Science and Engineering. Her research focuses on hydrogen storage systems , chemical reaction engineering , and catalytic material development , particularly for sustainable energy applications. She has held positions at multiple institutions, including University of Tsukuba and Hiroshima University. PhD in Advanced Sciences of Matter (Hiroshima University, 2005) Graduate studies in Biosphere Science (Hiroshima University, 2003) Undergraduate in Integrated Arts and Sciences (Hiroshima University, 2001) Her work spans hydrogen storage kinetics , catalyst design , and environmentally friendly synthesis methods , with a notable emphasis on magnesium hydride and high-entropy alloy catalysts . Recent publications highlight ammonia electrolysis and thermal management in hydrogen systems. Scientific Awards: 19th Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Award (2022) Dr. Hanada has led research projects on hydrogen purification systems , metal hydride degradation , and catalyst optimization . Her collaborations include institutions like Karlsruhe Institute and Sophia University, with over 4,400 Google Scholar citations and an h-index of 30.
Motomu Sakai is an Assistant Professor (non-tenure-track) in the Department of Applied Chemistry at Waseda University's School of Advanced Science and Engineering. He holds a Doctor of Engineering degree from Waseda University (awarded February 2022). His research focuses on developing advanced separation technologies, particularly zeolite membranes for applications in energy-efficient processes and environmental solutions. Research interests span inorganic materials chemistry with emphasis on: Membrane separation processes (forward osmosis, vapor permeation) Synthesis and modification of microporous materials (zeolites, MOFs) Adsorption mechanisms and separation of hydrocarbons Defect engineering and performance optimization of ceramic membranes Membrane reactor design for chemical reactions (e.g., esterification, RWGS) His publications demonstrate strong focus on: Zeolite membrane performance for water treatment and gas separation Innovations in membrane synthesis (e.g., OSDA-free methods, defect-healing techniques) Structure-property relationships in nanoporous materials Applications in carbon neutrality and resource recovery Major scientific recognitions include: Nano Technology Forum Award (2024) for microporous membrane development Young Scientist Award from The Membrane Society of Japan (2023) Satomi Award (2023) for zeolite nanosheet research Multiple conference awards for membrane separation innovations Leads research projects funded by JSPS and foundations focusing on: Water vapor separation membranes for CO 2 recycling reactors (2024-2027) Zeolite pore connectivity quantification (2025-2026) Food dehydration membranes (2024) Supervises laboratory courses in Fundamental Science and Engineering at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Gota Asano is a Associate Professor at the Research Institute for Science and Engineering at Waseda University , where he has been affiliated since July 2025. His research focuses on inorganic materials for energy storage, biomedical applications, and battery technology. Ph.D., Materials and Applied Chemistry, Nihon University (2022–2025) Master's Degree, Industrial Chemistry, Nihon University Graduate School of Science and Engineering (1991–1993) Bachelor's Degree, Industrial Chemistry, Nihon University Faculty of Science and Engineering (1987–1991) His research explores inorganic compounds for zinc secondary batteries , including cathode/anode material modifications (e.g., Fe-doped calcium manganese oxides, phosphorus-substituted zinc silicates), interlayer spacing dynamics, and CO₂ adsorption in layered materials. Recent work highlights enhanced battery capacity via structural water incorporation and ion exchange mechanisms. Notable trends in his publications include advancements in aqueous battery systems , layered oxide cathodes (NMC111), and sustainable material synthesis. His 2025 studies on cement-encapsulated zinc batteries and lithium-ion-extracted cathodes demonstrate innovative approaches to safety and longevity in energy storage. Scientific Awards: 80th Anniversary Commemorative Award, Japan Society of Inorganic Materials (2025) As a former General Manager at Konica Minolta and Panasonic, he contributed to industrial property rights , including patents for secondary batteries, charging systems, and electrode manufacturing methods. A 2023–2027 research project with the National Cancer Center explores genomic/epigenomic analysis for malignant tumor research, indicating interdisciplinary applications of his expertise.
Yasumasa Nishiura is a Specially Appointed Professor at the Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR) at Tohoku University and serves as Research Advisor of the AIST-Tohoku University Mathematics for Advanced Materials – Open Innovation Laboratory (MathAM-OIL). His academic career spans several decades with a focus on interdisciplinary research connecting mathematics with materials science, physics, and biology. Professor Nishiura's research interests center around pattern formation theory, mathematical modeling of complex systems, and multi-scale materials science. His work particularly focuses on reaction-diffusion systems, phase-field modeling, and computational homology applications to materials science. He has made significant contributions to understanding traveling pulses, spot dynamics, and pattern formation in heterogeneous media. His research bridges theoretical mathematics with practical applications in polymer science, neuroscience, and materials characterization. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on reaction-diffusion systems, with increasing integration of computational methods and interdisciplinary applications. His work shows a progression from fundamental mathematical analysis to practical applications in materials science, particularly in polymer physics and amorphous materials. The research demonstrates strong collaboration between mathematicians, materials scientists, and experimentalists. Among his notable achievements is the MIMS Mimura Award, recognizing his contributions to mathematical sciences. His publications span top journals across mathematics, physics, materials science, and computational neuroscience, demonstrating the breadth of his interdisciplinary impact. Professor Nishiura has mentored numerous researchers who have gone on to become independent investigators, including Shuangquan Xie (now Assistant Professor) and Edgar Avalos (Researcher). His work has been supported by multiple grants including JSPS KAKENHI (Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research) A and B, A3 Foresight Program, and SIP (Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program). He leads research activities at the Advanced Institute for Materials Research at Tohoku University and collaborates extensively through the MathAM-OIL initiative. His team combines mathematical theorists with experimental materials scientists to tackle complex problems in pattern formation and materials design. The research environment fosters strong collaboration between mathematicians and domain scientists across multiple institutions in Japan and internationally.
Yasuhito Miyamoto is a Professor at the Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences , The University of Tokyo since April 2022. Previously, he served as Associate Professor (2013–2022), Lecturer at Keio University (2012–2013), and Assistant Professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology (2007–2012). His research focuses on nonlinear partial differential equations, particularly the structure and properties of solutions to elliptic and parabolic PDEs. Education: PhD (2004) from Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, The University of Tokyo Master's (2001) from Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, The University of Tokyo Bachelor's (1999) from Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences, The University of Tokyo Research Interests: His work centers on nonlinear PDEs , exploring phenomena described by elliptic and parabolic equations. Key areas include: Bifurcation Theory: Analyzing solution structures and their changes under parameter variations. Reaction-Diffusion Systems: Investigating pattern formation and stability in models like Gierer-Meinhardt. Morse Index Studies: Examining solution stability through spectral analysis. Recent Publications: His 2024–2025 articles delve into exact solutions , asymptotic formulas , and bifurcation diagrams for critical/supercritical PDEs, spanning topics from Allen-Cahn equations to Gross-Pitaevskii systems. Awards: JSIAM Best Author Prize (2010) MSJ Takebe Katahiro Prize (2010) Young Scientists' Prize, MEXT (2012) Professional Roles: He serves as an editorial board member for journals like Lithuanian Mathematical Journal and has held leadership roles in the Mathematical Society of Japan.
FUKUDA Koichiro is a Professor at the Department of Life and Applied Chemistry , The University of Tokyo. Holding both a Master's and Doctorate in Science from the same institution, his career spans decades of contributions to materials science, particularly focusing on inorganic materials , oxyapatite structures , and solid-state ionics . Education: Master (Science) and Doctor (Science) from The University of Tokyo (completed 1984-1986) Professional Memberships: American Ceramic Society, Ceramic Society of Japan, Chemical Society of Japan, Japan Crystallographic Association His research centers on novel inorganic compounds with applications in energy and electronics. Recent work explores lanthanum silicate oxyapatite , calcium ion conduction anisotropy , and iron-doped cementitious materials , using advanced diffraction and microscopy techniques. Key trends in his publications include: Development of textured ceramic structures via reactive diffusion Investigation of one-dimensional ion conduction in cuspidine-type compounds Crystallographic analysis of complex oxides like Gd8Ba5Co4O21 and TmFe2O4 Scientific Recognition: 2017: Ceramic Society of Japan Fellow Award 2014: 69th Ceramic Society of Japan Academic Award 1997: Ceramic Society of Japan Progress Award 1989: Japan Mineralogical Society Encouragement Award
Kousuke Kuto is a Professor at Waseda University's School of Fundamental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering. He previously held positions at The University of Electro-Communications as Professor (2016-2019) and Associate Professor (2010-2016), and at Fukuoka Institute of Technology as Associate Professor (2007-2010) and Lecturer (2005-2007). He earned both his Master's and Ph.D. in Science from Waseda University. His educational background includes: 2000.04-2003.07: Graduate School, Division of Science and Engineering, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Waseda University Kousuke Kuto specializes in mathematical analysis, particularly in partial differential equations and their applications to biological systems. His research focuses on reaction-diffusion systems, bifurcation theory, pattern formation, cross-diffusion models, and mathematical biology. He has made significant contributions to understanding the global structure of steady-state solutions for Lotka-Volterra competition models with nonlinear diffusion, the bifurcation structure of stationary solutions for chemotaxis systems, and the analysis of reaction-diffusion-advection models in mathematical epidemiology. His work often involves studying the limiting behavior of solutions as certain parameters approach extreme values, revealing intricate patterns and bifurcation structures. His research has resulted in a substantial publication record with 35 papers and 790 citations, yielding an h-index of 14 according to Scopus data as of September 2025. His work shows a consistent focus on understanding the mathematical structures underlying biological pattern formation and population dynamics. His scientific contributions have been recognized through multiple research grants from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, including: 2025.04-2030.03: "Global bifurcation structure and spatiotemporal dynamics of steady states for mathematical biology models with nonlinear diffusion" 2022.04-2025.03: "Analytical foundation for near-equilibrium systems of mathematical biology models with cross-diffusion" 2019.04-2023.03: "Elucidation of multi-layer structure of steady states derived from cross-diffusion limit in Lotka-Volterra system" 2015.04-2019.03: "Global bifurcation structure of stationary patterns for nonlinear diffusion SKT model" Professor Kuto is actively involved in teaching a variety of mathematics courses including Perspectives in Mathematical Sciences, Seminar in Applied Mathematics, Survey of Applied Mathematics, Differential Equations and Mathematical Models, and Topics in Nonlinear PDE. His teaching spans both undergraduate and graduate levels, reflecting his commitment to education in mathematical sciences.
Yoshifumi Nishimura is an Assistant Professor at Waseda University’s Research Institute for Science and Engineering and concurrently serves in Tokyo University of Science’s Faculty of Science, Division of Applied Chemistry. He completed both his bachelor’s (2008) and doctoral degrees (2013) in chemistry at Nagoya University, followed by post-doctoral research at National Chiao Tung University, Taiwan, and a project-researcher position at the Institute for Molecular Science. Education: Doctor of Science, Nagoya University, 2013 Bachelor of Science, Nagoya University, 2008 Research Interests: Nishimura develops linear-scaling quantum chemical methodologies, especially the divide-and-conquer density-functional tight-binding (DC-DFTB) approach, enabling million-atom simulations on supercomputers. His work spans proton-transfer dynamics in water, ice and proteins, CO₂ absorption chemistry, battery electrolytes, photochemical events in retinal proteins, and growth mechanisms of carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoribbons. Awards: CSJ Presentation Award, Chemical Society of Japan, 2017 President’s Award, Nagoya University, 2008 Software & Leadership: He is the lead developer of the open-source DCDFTBMD package, which has been optimised for the K-computer and Fugaku, and he serves on the editorial committee of the 分子シミュレーション学会 journal “アンサンブル” and on organising committees of domestic theoretical-chemistry conferences.
