Nakase Laboratory

Hi, my name is Masahiko Nakase. I belong to the Laboratory for Zero-Carbon Energy, Institute of Innovative Research, Science Tokyo. I also work for the Fukushima Recovery and Revitalization Research Unit.
As of April 1, 2023, Nakase lab was started. We look forward to working with you in my Lab. In Nakase Lab, we are working on many research topics mainly related to nuclear chemical engineering. We do chemical experiments, numerical simulations, and some AI-related technology. We want to innovate in nuclear energy by combining Science, chemistry, and IT.

Nakase Lab. is working on nuclear chemical engineering, and we have many collaborations with several external researchers. Our study themes can be roughly classified into four key categories.
1. Study on new nuclear energy systems
- Innovative nuclear reactors, systems in cooperation with renewable energy
2. Nuclear fuel cycle
- Cycle integration and back-end technology (reprocessing, waste fabrication, and disposal)
3. Fukushima reconstruction and revitalization research
- waste treatment and disposal
4. Actinide chemistry
- Minor Actinide (MA), Actinium for medical purpose
We apply various approaches based on chemistry, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering through experiments, calculations, and IT. For experiments, new extractants and adsorbents for the separation of various elements are synthesized, and their physical properties, performance evaluation, and application research are conducted. We are also working with DFT and MD calculations to understand the chemistry further.

We also conduct experiments using external facilities and radioisotopes. One of the main features of our laboratory is the active use of off-campus experimental facilities (Please check the ”Links” at the top of the homepage).

Nuclear energy is a complex engineering system consisting of multiple fields, and its system research requires a diverse set of perspectives in particular. Although focusing on one part is critical, studying only one part of the cycle does not result in total optimization. However, communication with “researchers in many fields” is not always easy. I realized that communication abilities as a researcher are essential to collaborating with researchers in many areas for NFC integration study. We think collaboration with many research institutes, universities, and business persons is indispensable to contribute to society as a researcher. Therefore, we would like to provide an opportunity to connect with professional researchers for students.

In addition to nuclear engineering research, we are also interested in other scientific topics. For example, reprocessing research is related to recovering rare metals from urban mines and removing contaminants from the environment. We also engage in research related to analytical chemistry.
Aside from research, I've recently concluded that improving our quality of life and work-life balance is critical. Research is only one part of your life, and how you make your life happier is essential. To realize that, we also work on digital transformation to make dairy tasks more efficient; we hope it could help all the members be creative and comfortable. We shall continue to engage in research and teaching activities to fulfill our social obligation as members of Tokyo Tech.

April 1, 2023 Masahiko Nakase