Outline

Introduction to the Departments

Division of Transdisciplinary Sciences

We will create new subjects beyond established fields of science and technology,
and contribute to the welfare and happiness of humankind

Department of Advanced Materials Science

Fostering world-class materials science researchers

We are striving to bring out the deep-seated, untapped potential within "matter". We aim to create fundamental science and technology for the 21st century by elucidating the mechanisms behind various phenomena, formulating theories, creating new devices, and establishing innovative methods for measuring material properties. We pursue our role as a world center for comprehensive and systematic education and research on materials.

A slide-ring polymer material with freely movable cross-links. Applications in various fields, such as coatings and anti-vibration materials are in progress.

Molecular model of a chaperone that prevents protein denaturation.

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Department of Advanced Energy

Pioneering the Future of Energy and Advanced Energy Use

We are conducting comprehensive education and research with "energy" as the keyword. In collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI), and the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), we are working in the fields of aerospace engineering, deep space exploration, advanced electromagnetic energy utilization, fusion energy, and plasma science and engineering, making full use of our large-scale experimental facilities.

Electric vehicle driving experiment

Plasma confinement experimental device

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Department of Complexity Science and Engineering

Aiming to establish multi-scale complexity science and technology

Based on the four modules "Brain-bio", "Astrobiology", "Extreme Matter", and "Complexity Platform", we study "complexity" from the nanoscale to the cosmic scale. The department fosters researchers and engineers who can create innovative paradigms of understanding through a new approach that integrates science and engineering.

Visualization of neural activity

Three-dimensional images with haptics

Division of Biosciences

To anticipate revolution of the biosciences and develop human resources who can lead that change.

Department of Integrated Biosciences

Integrating advanced fields of biosciences to open up new frontiers

We analyze the elementary processes and coordination mechanisms of life as a basis, on which we study the commonalities and diversity of life, cooperation and competition among life forms, and the origin and evolution of life from both structural and functional perspectives. With the fundamental philosophy of "leading and cross-disciplinary education and research," we strive to develop human resources who can contribute to solving problems in the biosciences and to create next-generation biosciences that encompass everything from basic to applied research.

UV-sensitive photoreceptor cells in zebrafish retina visualized with green fluorescent protein (GFP).

Materials and organisms studied (clockwise from left): spider monkey, mouse, Drosophila melanogaster, Arabidopsis thaliana, budding yeast, silkworm moth

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Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences

Leading the field of biomedical science by integrating bioscience and information science

The Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences aims to elucidate and understand various biological phenomena, ranging from mechanisms that regulate gene expression in cells, functions of proteins and nucleic acids, to life-sustaining mechanisms. We also aim to quantify the vast reserves of knowledge on these biological phenomena and analyze them with computer science tools, in a holistic and integrated manner, to understand life-supporting biosystems. In addition, the Medical Innovation Course conducts research to effectively induct the outcomes of basic research into society from ethical, legal, and social perspectives (ELSI). Through integrating these diverse research fields, we aim to foster human resources who can lead research in leading-edge biomedical sciences fields.

Division of Environmental Studies

To systemize the various elements involved in multifaceted environmental issues and build new academia to provide pathways to solutions for society as a whole

Department of Natural Environmental Studies

Exploring the relationship between the natural environment and human activities, aiming to foster a better environment

Our department consists of two major courses: Terrestrial Environmental Studies and Marine Environmental Studies. The land, where people live, and the oceans, which cover 70% of the earth's surface, are highly interrelated. In addition to scientific approaches, our research covers the fields of natural epistemology and information processing. With field science as the centerpiece, and comprehensive research and education on the natural and marine environments, the department aims to develop human resources who can understand the global environment in an integrated manner and on a global scale.

Observation of the landscape from the Hokkaido Experimental Forest "Ketsusa Crane"

Collection of deep-sea organisms on the academic research vessel "Shinsei Maru"

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Department of Ocean Technology, Policy, and Environment

To foster human resources who will contribute to the utilization of the oceans and the creation of industries, and to conservation of the oceans and shaping of the environment.

The department conducts education and research to contribute to the development of technology and technology policy studies related to ocean utilization and conservation, creation of new ocean industries, and shaping the ocean environment. The department has established courses in ocean utilization systems, marine environment creation, marine sensing, and marine research and development systems, and fosters human resources who can contribute to the formulation of ocean-related policies, industrial promotion, and environmental conservation with a high level of expertise and international perspective.

Participation in the Antarctic Research Expedition

The digital twin of the marine transportation system

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Department of Environment Systems

Promoting the development of environmental system models and the formation of a society in harmony with the environment.

Human activities always have significant impact on the natural world. In our department, we understand the interactions and interrelations among elements that make up the environmental system as a human-nature system, and build an environmental system model based on the subsystems of human society and nature. We conduct education and research to clarify the key problems and explore the possibility to solve and control them, aiming to design and realize a society in harmony with the environment .

Reaction experiments using supercritical water

Marine environment survey

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Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies

Developing innovative technologies that are close to humans

Our department conducts research activities to realize a society in which all people can enjoy rich and fulfilling lives by understanding human behavior, sensitivity, and thinking, and by being close to and supporting people. We propose technological innovations and system designs that fundamentally solve problems in modern society, and evaluate them through social demonstration experiments.

Advanced use of information technology

Miniature Mobility Technology for the Elderly

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Department of Socio-Cultural Environmental Studies

Designing for people, buildings, and communities

The department consists of four groups: the three core programs: "Society and Humanity", "Spatial Planning and Design", and "Design, Water, and Material Cycle", plus the "Spatial Information Science" course. The department promotes research and education in analysis, evaluation, prediction, formation, and management of physical and human-social environments at various scales (architectural, urban, regional, and global) using a multifaceted approach, and fosters human resources who can accurately deal with various problems in environmental studies.

The Salmon's Quest for a Society that Lives with the Environment

Hagoromo Structure" created in the design studio

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Department of International Studies

Achieving global sustainable coexistence and co-prosperity through "optimal management of global commons"

The department focuses on the three clusters: "development cooperation," "resource and environment" and "institutional building", fostering aspirations and analytical skills backed by theoretical knowledge to boldly take on challenges faced by international society in specialized and interdisciplinary manners. We conduct education and research with the aim of fostering new mission leaders and researchers in the field of international cooperation with ability to conceptualize policies and put them into practice.

Interview survey in rural areas

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Program

Graduate Program in Sustainability Science

Cultivating human resources with the international perspective and ability to realize sustainable society

The Graduate Program in Sustainability Science is committed to fostering human resources who have both the necessary international perspective and ability realize sustainable society for the next generation and beyond. All lectures, exercises and seminars are conducted in English, and students can earn master's degrees and doctoral degrees in sustainability studies. More than half of the students are international students, making it a very international program.

Overseas Exercise (Republic of South Africa)

Practical training at Kashiwa-no-ha

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*The contents of this page were developed based on a machine translation.