Researchers from Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, University of Cambridge, University of Houston, and Seoul National University visit Science Tokyo

In July and August 2025, through the support of the World Research Hub (WRH) Program, four researchers from leading universities around the world visited Science Tokyo to engage in collaborative research.

Illa Tea

Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University

Michiel Sprik

University of Cambridge

Randall Lee

University of Houston

Eung Soo Kim

Seoul National University

Professor, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
Visiting Professor, Institute of Science Tokyo

Host: Keita Yamada, Associate Professor, School of Materials and Chemical Technology

Project title: Using stable isotopes at natural abundance to improve our understanding and prediction of cancer metabolism

Professor Illa Tea from Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University in France and Associate Professor Keita Yamada from the School of Materials and Chemical Technology are exploring a novel method for understanding cancer cell metabolism. Their research utilizes position-specific isotope analysis (PSIA), a technique for looking at the ratio of isotopes within a molecule. As an example, given a molecule of alanine, which has 3 carbon atoms, PSIA can be used to determine its ratio of carbon-13 to carbon-12 atoms. Tea and Yamada's goal is to analyze specific molecules from both healthy and cancerous cells to detect differences in their isotope ratios. By measuring these differences, they aim to uncover new insights into how cancer cells survive and grow. Their research will lead to a better understanding of cancer and potentially even new methods for cancer prediction. This project leverages Yamada's expertise in PSIA methods and Tea's specialization in applying isotope analysis to human health.

• Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
• Keita Yamada Laboratory, Institute of Science Tokyo

Emeritus Professor, University of Cambridge
Specially Appointed Professor, Institute of Science Tokyo

Host: Ryoma Sasaki, Assistant Professor, Institute of Integrated Research
Joint Host: Yoshitaka Tateyama, Professor, Institute of Integrated Research

Project title: Theoretical and computational studies on the battery-related interfacial electrochemistry

Assistant Professor Ryoma Sasaki and Professor Yoshitaka Tateyama from the Institute of Integrated Research are collaborating with Emeritus Professor Michiel Sprik from the University of Cambridge. Their goal is to develop a new, general theory explaining transport of ions and electrons around the interfaces in batteries. The research combines Sprik's knowledge in theoretical electrochemistry with Sasaki's and Tateyama's expertise in computational methods. In developing their new theory, they aim to contribute to the creation of materials that will improve the performance and efficiency of batteries, advances that will be crucial to realizing a carbon-neutral society. Sasaki and other lab members also plan to visit Cambridge in the near future to continue work on the project.

• Emeritus Professor Michiel Sprik, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge
• Tateyama-Ando Group, Institute of Science Tokyo

Professor, University of Houston
Specially Appointed Professor, Institute of Science Tokyo

Host: Tso Fu Mark Chang, Associate Professor, Institute of Integrated Research

Project title: Development of Magnetic Catalysts toward Degradation of Toxic Organic Compounds

Professor Randall Lee of the University of Houston is collaborating with Associate Professor Mark Chang of the Institute of Integrated Research. Their joint project focuses on creating magnetic catalytic materials to address a critical environmental issue: the removal of toxic chemicals from wastewater. The research aims to develop materials that are not only highly effective at breaking down pollutants but also possess strong magnetic properties. This magnetic feature is key, as it will allow for efficient recovery and reuse of the catalysts from the treated water, preventing secondary pollution. Lee and Chang's collaboration has also led to the signing of an Articulation Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Integrated Research and University of Houston's College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

• Lee Group, University of Houston
• Sone and Chang Group, Institute of Science Tokyo
• Establishment of MOU to promote academic exchange between IIR of Science Tokyo and NSM of the University of Houston

Professor, Seoul National University

Host: Hiroshi Sagara, Professor, Institute of Integrated Research

Project title: AI-Driven and High-Performance Computing (HPC)-Enabled Simulation for Multi-Hazard Disaster Propagation and Emergency Response Optimization

Professor Eung Soo Kim from Seoul National University is collaborating with Professor Hiroshi Sagara from the Institute of Integrated Research to develop advanced simulation tools to optimize responses to large-scale disasters. The researchers aim to combine physics-based modeling with artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. The tools they develop will provide a better understanding of how disasters like floods, nuclear accidents, and pandemics spread. By integrating complex data and using AI to enhance predictions, the research will provide national and local authorities with a powerful resource to improve risk assessment and emergency response.

• Nuclear Energy System Laboratory, Seoul National University
• Sagara Laboratory, Institute of Science Tokyo

The WRH Program – Overseas Researcher Invitation provides funding and administrative assistance for inviting world-class researchers to Institute of Science Tokyo. The program is offered to encourage new international collaborations or deepening and expansion of existing collaborations, as well as to provide opportunities for early-career researchers and students to interact with prominent overseas researchers.

• WRH Program – FY2025-FY2026 Overseas Researcher Invitation | Research Support News