To graduate students who are interested in our laboratory:

Our laboratory conducts research on biological phenomena that are regulated by complex molecular networks, as well as research aimed at developing new composite materials. The study of complex molecular networks requires interdisciplinary efforts. We are currently recruiting graduate students with a demonstrable interest in a wide range of disciplines who are eager to pioneer a new scientific arena. If you wish visit our laboratory, please feel free to contact us at your convenience to arrange an appointment.

Principles for Supervision

Individual students will have full responsibility for their own research projects. Knowledge of chemistry, physics, biophysics, protein science, and other relevant disciplines will boost the research potential of the students of our laboratory. As they engage in research, students will cultivate their academic talents and develop new practical and useful knowledge and skills. At first, many of our experiments may be unfamiliar to prospective students. After joining our laboratory, students will have practical training sessions to familiarize themselves with our routine experimental procedures, including genetic engineering, protein preparation, spectrometry, and structural validation techniques. During the training period, students will engage in discussions with laboratory staff members to help them decide on their research topics.
　While pursuing their research projects, students will probably encounter obstacles. In such cases, they will discuss their problems with staff members in order to obtain advice and new ideas, and learn how to overcome barriers to success. Students will have opportunities to experience many stages of academic research, including presentations at informal laboratory meetings and scholarly conferences, preparation of manuscripts for journal publication, and compilation of their dissertations or theses. These activities will help students learn how to gather, interpret, summarize, discuss, and communicate results. Please remember, we will always stand by your side.

Requirements for the Master’s Degree

Students must demonstrate that they are capable of logical reasoning and independent judgment, and are ready to be professionals. Specifically, they must demonstrate that they can:

• Carry out their research projects.
• Perform general experimental procedures.
• Understand and explain the significance of their research themes.
• Explain and communicate their problems to colleagues.
• Find ways to solve their problems.
• Summarize and present their results. Students are required to make at least one academic presentation during the Master’s program.

　　

Requirements for Doctoral Degree

In addition to meeting the requirements for the Master’s degree, doctoral students must demonstrate that they are independent researchers. Specifically, they must:

• Completely understand the experimental techniques they employ and be capable of teaching them to beginners, starting from the fundamentals.
• Understand the academic and social significance of their research themes and be capable of proposing new research agendas.
• Have the ability to learn and master the experimental techniques needed to pursue new research projects.
• Have the expertise to create new results or materials of scientific or social significance, or a new measurement or analytical method.
• Have made presentations at domestic academic conferences at least once a year, and at an international conference at least once during their doctoral program. In addition, they must have published an article in English-language peer-reviewed academic journal.

　　

Reference Textbooks

Beginners

• 化学・生命科学系のための物理化学（東京化学同人）
• タンパク質の構造と機構（原著者 Alan Fersht）
• Essential細胞生物学（原著者 Alberts. B. et al.）他

Intermediate Learners

• 物理化学 分子論的アプローチ （原著者D. A. McQuarrie, J. D. Simon）
• Biophysics -SEARCHING FOR PRINCIPLES- (William Bialek)　他