MEMBER
IGARASHI Kiyohiko
Director,
Research Institute for Planetary Health, The University of Tokyo
Professor,
Department of Biomaterial Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Professor Igarashi’s research focuses on the ability of microorganisms—including fungi, molds, and bacteria—to decompose and utilize biomass resources such as wood and grasses. His work spans from fundamental studies to practical applications, contributing to the development of biofuels, bioplastics, novel materials, dietary supplements derived from biomass-based nutrients, and alternative meat products.
TABATA Kazuhito
Deputy Director,
Research Institute for Planetary Health, The University of Tokyo
Associate Professor,
Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
Professor Tabata specializes in single-molecule biophysics and bioengineering. His research includes developing ultra-sensitive virus detection methods using microchambers fabricated by photolithography and applying these technologies to advanced diagnostics. He is also engaged in research and development that contributes to the emerging bioeconomy, through genome synthesis and reconstruction technologies.
TAKAHASHI Shin-ichiro
Project Professor,
Research Institute for Planetary Health, The University of Tokyo
Professor Takahashi is interested in how insulin-like activity is regulated throughout the lifespan of animals and how it contributes to sustaining life. His research aims to develop new methods for modulating this activity and to explore their potential applications. In parallel, he is also promoting the One Earth Guardians training program together with his colleagues.
TOKUYASU Ken
Project Professor,
Research Institute for Planetary Health, The University of Tokyo
Professor Tokuyasu is working to expand the role of agriculture into a sustainable bioresource industry. His research focuses on developing bioprocessing technologies to upcycle herbaceous stem and leaf resources. He is also developing novel polysaccharide and oligosaccharide materials that take advantage of the unique properties of edible carbohydrate-based resources.
UEDA Hiroki
Professor,
Department of Systems Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
Professor Ueda’s research aims to establish a human systems biology framework using the sleep – wake cycle — a fundamental phenomenon observed in nearly all animals with a central nervous system— as a model system. His work has advanced our understanding of the mechanisms and functions of sleep and has recently expanded to explore the neural basis of wakefulness and consciousness. He has also pioneered next-generation genetics, which enable the creation of genetically modified animals without the need for multigenerational breeding, as well as tissue-clearing and whole-cell analysis techniques.
USHIO Hideki
Professor,
Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Professor Ushio investigates the diverse biological strategies that aquatic organisms have acquired through evolution, employing biochemical, molecular biological, physiological, physicochemical, and bioinformatics approaches. By applying these insights to fields such as food science, energy, and environmental science, his research aims to promote human health and improve quality of life.
URANO Yasuteru
Professor,
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Professor,
Department of Medical Biophysics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
Professor Urano’s research focuses on the development and practical application of “fluorescent probes”—reagents that become fluorescent in response to specific proteases whose activity is elevated in cancer cells. By advancing live-imaging technologies, his work aims to create innovative new medical approaches that seamlessly integrate diagnosis and therapy.
GOTOH Yukiko
Professor,
Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Professor Gotoh’s research explores how neural stem cells appropriately regulate proliferation and differentiation to build the brain’s highly elaborate and complex neural circuits. Using the mammalian nervous system as a model, she investigates the molecular mechanisms that define stem cell properties and thereby seeks to uncover the fundamental principles of brain construction. This work also holds promise for applications in regenerative medicine and the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
SUGIYAMA Masashi
Professor,
Department of Complexity Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Advances in information and communication technology are enabling computers to perform intelligent information processing that was once possible only for humans. Professor Sugiyama is interested in fundamental problems in machine learning, including transfer learning, weakly supervised learning, and noise-robust learning. His work focuses on building theories that are not overly complex while also developing practical algorithms.
TAKEUCHI Shoji
Professor,
Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo
With the rising global demand for meat driven by population growth and increasingly diverse dietary habits, expectations for cultured meat are rapidly increasing. Cultured meat is a novel type of meat produced by cultivating animal cells and forming tissues. Building on his expertise in creating three-dimensional muscle tissues from human and rat cells, Professor Takeuchi is developing cultured meat with a realistic texture.
NOJI Hiroyuki
Professor,
Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
Professor Noji is conducting research on “artificial cell reactors,” devices that generate artificial cells serving as hardware to carry newly designed genomes and DNA. His work also explores the development of super-enzymes capable of processing biomass to create new energy sources, as well as environmentally friendly polymer materials producible through self-replication. Through these advances, he aims to bring innovation to the bioindustry.
COSTANTINI Hiroko
Associate Professor,
Laboratory of International Agricultural Development,
Department of Global Agricultural Sciences, The University of Tokyo
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SUZUKI Ken
Project Researcher,
Department of General Systems Studies,
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
TOYODA Keisuke
Project Professor,
Department of Human and Social Systems,
Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo
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NAKANISHI Momo
Associate Professor,
One Earth Guardians Program,
Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
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NISHINARI Katsuhiro
Professor, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
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HOSHINO Ayuko
Professor, Laboratory of Medical Genomics and Cell-Cell Communication, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo
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KAYA Motoshi
Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo
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SUPPORTER
KUNII Osamu
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director, Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund)
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KUROO Makoto
Project Professor, Division Anti-aging Medicine,
Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University
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SASAKI Atsuo
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Associate Professor
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HIGASHI Yusuke
The Tulane University Heart and Vascular Institute
Associate Professor
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François Leulier
Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon (IGFL)
Professor
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Marc Tatar
Brown University, Ecology and Evol. Biology
Professor
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Stephen Simpson
Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney
Professor
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Ünal Coskun
Center of Membrane Biochemistry, TU Dresden School of Medicine
Professor
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