In this project, I will investigate, at the molecular level, "interplay between the interacting schemes of bio-molecules in solution and their specific functions" and "a self-organization mechanism of proteins into higher-order structures". These subjects are crucial because they are closely related not only to solution chemical physics, soft-matter/colloid physics, and biophysics, but to a wide range of interdisciplinary fields, e.g., life science and medical applications.
For instance, to clarify the diversity of hydrophobic interaction, which is known to be a major driving force of self-organization phenomena of all amphiphilic molecules, stabilization of higher-order structures of proteins, and so forth, we need to seek microscopic aspects of liquid water, such as degree of freedom for its translational motions and microscopic frictional forces acting on the cooperative rearrangement hydrogen-bond network. On the one hand, if jumping to the hierarchy of colloid, protein-protein interactions in vivo is considered not to be independent of the concentration of other coexisting molecules; a remarkable influence of "depletion interaction", i.e., an apparent attractive interaction between large particles under coexistence of large and small colloidal particles, is expected to emerge.
Using novel experimental and analytical approaches, mainly based on small-angle scattering, dynamic and static light scattering, and dielectric spectroscopy, I will try to establish the system that enables us to pursuit a variety of phenomena occurring on extremely wide time- and length-scale. This way, I cultivate the frontiers of solution chemical physics, soft-material/colloid physics, and biological physics. I believe that there is possibility that in the future, we are able to understand, with certain universality, such diverse phenomena from a universal standpoint where each hierarchy is transcended.
At the same time, I am hoping to contribute, from the viewpoint of physics, to the development of bio-inspired materials aiming at medical applications, like artificial oxygen carriers.

I intend to greatly develop the research plans mentioned in the research introduction under an interdisciplinary and international research environment. I think that "Boldness", "Aggressiveness", and "Modesty" are not necessarily incompatible although it might sound conflicting. I will make best efforts to equip indispensable attainments as soon as possible, not only as a researcher but also an educator. In such an approach, it would be my great pleasure if I were able to bring a new trend or direction of nano-science to Shinshu University in the near future.