Rikkyo University

Study the broad field of modern physics
Specific fields of research include theories, experiments, and observation of micro-particles and the universe, nuclear physics, atomic and molecular physics, astrophysics and solar physics, physics of cosmic rays and cosmic space, upper atmosphere and space physics, and planetary physics.

Partnership with other universities and external research institutes
We have partnerships with other universities and external research institutes, such as the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), and the National Cancer Center, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), with the objective to enhance academic and research activity in a wide range of fields, from fundamental to applied physics.

Research and education through research laboratories
In the Graduate Program in Physics, graduate students belong to individual research laboratories, allowing them to perform research and study within an environment where they can communicate with faculty and graduate students in adjacent fields of study. A summary of the research conducted in each laboratory is outlined below.

Theoretical Physics Research Laboratory
The Theoretical Physics Research Laboratory engages in theoretical research of micro-particle theory and astrophysics. The field of micro-particle theory pursues the micro-structure of matter, and astrophysics deals with the phenomena of the universe. These may seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum. However, modern physics seeks the origin of matter in the creation of the universe and the birth and death of stars, and teaches us that the structure of the universe cannot be understood without knowledge of the composition of matter. That is to say, both these areas of study serve an essential role in understanding the structure and composition of the natural world.

Nuclear/Radiation Physics Laboratory
The Nuclear/Radiation Physics Laboratory engages in experiment-based study of the micro-worlds of physics, from nuclei to atoms, clusters, and crystals. Its research areas straddle fields such as atomic and molecular physics, radiation physics, radiation measurement, and surface physics, and the energy of the phenomena it treats runs the gamut from 1 MeV to 100 GeV. Although its research is broad, the individual methodologies for measurement and ways of performing research have much in common. The different groups cooperate with each other while maintaining their distinctive research themes. The laboratory also actively takes advantage of major research facilities outside of the university and engages in joint experiments with researchers both within and outside of Japan.

Astrophysics and Earth Physics Research Laboratory
The Astrophysics and Earth Physics Research Laboratory engages in research of auroras, objects of the solar system such as the sun, planets, moons, and planetoids, exoplanets, stars and galaxies, black holes and neutron stars, and high-energy phenomena such as supernova remnants. The laboratory also works on developing and testing cutting edge devices to employ various methods of observation from the ground and from spacecraft including balloons and satellites. Most of the laboratory’s work in observation and development/testing of devices is conducted in joint research projects with JAXA and other institutes and universities both within and outside of Japan.

Research undertaken by students and faculty working as one
Students engage in research of unfamiliar problems together with faculty, under the guidance of each faculty member. Additionally, the master’s program admits approximately 20 students each year, meaning that students can take part in detailed education with small class sizes.

Active utilization of research grants
To present their research findings, students make active use of the academic conference presentation support fund system, as well as the Graduate School’s exclusive grant for making presentations at overseas conferences (Rikkyo University College of Science 50th Anniversary Graduate Students Overseas Activities Grant).

Numerous lessons by external lecturers
In addition to lectures by the University faculty, we also provide numerous sessions led by lecturers invited from other universities, companies, and research institutions to discuss topics that address the needs of the contemporary era.

Aiming for the chemistry of free molecule control based on design

The Rikkyo University Graduate School of Science, Graduate Program in Chemistry research project “Chemistry of free molecule control based on design” has been selected in the MEXT-Supported Program for the Strategic Research Foundation at Private Universities (2013-2017). This research aims to form a unique center for research in the field of molecular techniques, which carries out development of functional molecules through closely linking together experimental small molecule synthesis and computational chemistry. Traditionally, development of functional molecules began with focusing on the functions of natural objects, and then working in a format that imitated those functions. However, that methodology limits attempts to create truly innovative functional molecules that do not exist in nature. This project aims to develop innovative functional molecules by repeating a cycle of theoretical analysis of the target function, design of a functional molecule based on this analysis, experimental synthesis of molecules from the design, and construction systems to feed the results of analyzing those molecule’s functions back into the theory. The Graduate Program in Chemistry uses the University’s Research Center for Smart Molecules as a base for this and other similar research, and continues to produce results with great expectations from the world of industry, such as development of molecules that change shape or light-generation function in response to light, synthesis catalysts for artificial light, and molecules with pharmacological effects.

Original research and high-level education
Our faculty engages in high-level research and education, from pure mathematics and applied mathematics.

Experience the depth and beauty of mathematics
While working on interesting research problems, students can experience the depth and beauty of mathematical research.

Developing insight into top-level research mathematics
While completing a research paper under the individual guidance of their advisor, students can develop an insight into research mathematics.

Publication of our mathematical journal
The mathematical periodal "Commentarii Mathematici Universitatis Sancti Pauli" has been published by the Graduate Program in Mathematics for over 60 years.

Research Center for Mathematical Physics
The Graduate Program in Mathematics started the Research Center for Mathematical Physics in cooperation with the Graduate Program in Physics at Rikkyo University's Graduate Schools. Monthly seminars as well as annual international workshops are held at this center.

Specially appointed Professor Michio Jimbo.
Professor Michio Jimbo received the Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics in 2013 (joint with Proessor Tetsuji Miwa of Kyoto University). The Dannie Heineman Prize] is an award given each year jointly by the American Physical Society and American Institute of Physics in recognition of outstanding publications in the field of mathematical physics.

Experimental demonstration at the molecular level
The program seeks to pursue the question “What is Life?” by experimentally demonstrating the similarities and differences between living organisms and non-living things at the molecular level.

Three disciplines: Molecular biology, biochemistry, and molecular cell biology
Graduate students study a wide range of advanced molecular biology, biochemistry, and molecular cell biology through lectures, instructed by faculty members and outside experts, and their own research project.

Close supervision in a small-sized research group
Graduate students will concentrate on cutting-edge research with a small number of peers, supervised by a faculty member.

Excellent Research Environment

Collaborations with and seminars by researchers from outside institutions, such as other universities and research institutes, provide students with opportunities to learn the latest advances in various fields of study. Students can make full use of an array of equipment including confocal microscopes, DNA sequencers, real-time PCRs, a flow cytometer, and a mass spectrometer for their research. Most graduate students present their results actively in academic society meetings with the university’s support fund for society presentation, which gives them a good opportunity to exchange information and ideas with outside researchers and to improve their presentation skills.