About Toyo University The Reporting Session for Toyo University Top Priority Research Program Held
With the advent of a super-smart society, the Toyo University Top Priority Research Program was established in 2018 to promote cutting-edge research at Toyo University and develop it into a world-class university. As of AY 2022, seven projects are applicable for support under the program and are proceeding with research.
On February 1 and 7, 2023, the reporting session for the AY 2022 Toyo University Top Priority Research Program was held at the Hakusan Campus.
Research Projects
| Emergence of New Values and Construction of Support Systems in Welfare Society Principal Investigator: Professor Kenichi Shimura, Department of Social Welfare, Faculty of Sociology Research Period: April 2022 to March 2025 |
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| As a practical application of science and technology in the practice of social welfare and other settings, Professor Shimura reported on the current status and issues of the use of ICT in care work, a trial to have children undergoing medical care use the avatar robot OriHime to attend school classes, and a case study of online boccia. The research was also selected for Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Pioneering) in AY 2022. | |
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Safe Water for Future Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Kazuichi Isaka, |
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| Professor Isaka is developing a wastewater treatment technology using anammox bacteria and gave a presentation titled “Energy- and Space-Saving Nitrogen Wastewater Treatment Method” at the JST New Technology Presentation Meetings and Innovation Japan 2022. He also participated in an exhibition at the Sainokuni Business Arena 2023. | |
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Research on Development of Resilient Principal Investigator: Professor Ryo Matsumaru, |
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| While continuing his research into water quality and environmental improvement in Myanmar and international comparative research into co-parenting, Professor Matsumaru is also working on new research projects, including research regarding the circular impact of small-scale humanitarian aid and “MeW” which works on tacking mensuration problems related to poverty. | |
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A research on digital transformation (DX) to enrich our daily lives Principal Investigator: Professor Shugo Nakamura, |
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| Professor Nakamura is developing effective technologies for beneficial applications from the consumer perspective, looking towards realizing DX. He proposed developing a system for classifying the expressions of participants to video conferences, demonstrations of eating experiments in virtual spaces and VR-sickness, and architecture that is anticipated to be applied to machine learning, medical technology, and IoT devices. | |
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Development of multilevel research to harness support technologies Principal Investigator: Professor Kazunori Kato, Department of Biomedical Engineering, |
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| Professor Kato had a patent granted for his research that proved auraptene, found in the rind of hassaku and other fruits, prevents heat stroke. He is also jointly developing foods with functional claims in collaboration with corporations. In addition, Professor Kato is also working on athlete and health support, including developing and improving Japan-made canoes for competitive use. | |
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High-performance and Sustainable Manufacturing by utilizing biomimetics Principal Investigator: Professor Tatsuro Goda, |
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| Professor Goda is working on joint research with corporations and other universities, such as the development of paddles for Japan-made canoes for competitive use inspired by the structure and function of living organisms, the proposal of seismic reinforcement technology that emulates a swallow’s nest, the development of a biosensor that mimics the infection mechanism of COVID-19, and other projects. | |
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A study to implement advanced science on extremophiles in society to achieve the SDGs－ Principal Investigator: Professor Masahiro Ito, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences |
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| Professor Ito worked on the development and industrial application of an environmental purification method that uses extremophiles. He has held symposiums and events that introduce cutting-edge research into extremophiles to middle and high school students. Through the implementation of joint research, Professor Ito is aiming for social implementation that will also enhance the brand of Toyo University. | |
| Please check the below website for more information on the Toyo University Top Priority Research Program. （English unavailable） |