NEWS

  • Dr. Miku Oi has joined the Yanai lab as a new Assistant Professor. She is an expert in chemical biology. Welcome, Miku! Let’s explore new interdesciplinary quantum-bio-chem research together!

  • We are excited to announce a fully funded PhD opportunity as part of a joint doctoral programme between The University of Tokyo and The University of Manchester, starting in April 2027. This project will focus on the development of thermally-responsive hybrid materials that enable morphology-switched photon upconversion in thin film devices. Details can be found in this link.

Harnessing the transformative power of molecules and light, we strive to realize novel materials and functionalities that drive innovation across energy, environment, medicine, and quantum information science.

Driven by our motto, “Creating functionalities that only we can deliver,” we pursue cutting-edge research through novel interdisciplinary fusion. Our vision is to captivate the global scientific community with highly original fundamental research, while remaining committed to translating these discoveries into practical applications that benefit society.

We warmly welcome students and researchers from other universities to join our journey. Furthermore, we are actively engaged in industry-academia collaborations focused on real-world implementation. If you are interested in our work, please feel free to contact Professor Nobuhiro Yanai.

Building the Best Lab with the Best Team!

The Yanai Lab Vision and Recruitment
We aim to explore research that truly excites us alongside colleagues who share this vision. At the same time, we are actively engaged in initiatives to bridge the gap between discovery and social implementation.

The Yanai Lab warmly welcomes students from other universities. If you are interested, please feel free to reach out to Professor Nobuhiro Yanai. We welcome laboratory visits both in person and online.

Technical Expertise and Interdisciplinary Growth
In our lab, you will develop the expertise to synthesize novel molecules and molecular assemblies, and master the techniques to evaluate their photophysical and spin properties. Furthermore, through our extensive network of domestic and international collaborations, you will have the opportunity to engage in ultrafast spectroscopy, theoretical and computational science (including machine learning), and biology involving cells and mice. This environment allows you to acquire a exceptionally broad range of skills and knowledge.

Developing Researchers Who Pioneer New Fields
Our ultimate goal is to develop researchers capable of “pioneering new fields.” After graduation, few people remain in the exact same research area; most are expected to excel in different arenas or carve out entirely new domains. We believe this adaptability is not a sudden gift but a skill that requires rigorous training. To this end, the Yanai Lab provides dedicated support to help you master the following three core competencies:

Fundamental
Research Excellence

The ability to synthesize novel molecules and evaluate their photophysical and spin properties. Students will master both advanced experimental techniques and the underlying fundamental knowledge.

Interdisciplinary
Exploration

The capacity to learn fields outside one’s expertise, engage in deep discussions with collaborators from diverse backgrounds, and pioneer new interdisciplinary frontiers. This is exactly the skill set demanded in the coming era.

Innovative Idea

The ability to envision and propose one’s own research themes. Achieving a “world-first” or “world-best” through your own ideas is the true essence of research. Our goal is to build a vibrant, open-minded laboratory where we understand and respect one another while enjoying the pursuit of science. We also host various social events to strengthen our bonds and foster a close-knit team!