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- Science Crosspoint Award
Science Crosspoint Award
- Home
- Support for obtaining research funding
- Science Crosspoint Award
Science Crosspoint Award
Overview
The Science Crosspoint Award aims to promote interdisciplinary research projects that leverage the Institute’s diverse fields by providing financial support via the Science Tokyo Fund to selected interdisciplinary research teams.
Previously known as the “Interdisciplinary Research Support for Scientists Program,” which was limited to science and engineering teams until fiscal 2022, the program was revised and expanded to include doctoral students after the integration of Tokyo Tech and TMDU.
Application Guidelines for FY2025
Click here for details about application.
※Screening for FY2025 has been completed
List of Past Grant Recipients （~FY2022, ”Interdisciplinary Research Support”.）
FY2025 Science Crosspoint Award Winners
6 teams won the FY2025 Science Crosspoint Award.
| Affiliation | Title | Name | Research topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering,School of Materials and Chemical Technology | Assistant professor | Hayato Mizuno |
Development of an mRNA therapeutics-loaded light-responsive balloon catheter for the innovative treatment of coronary artery stenosis |
| Medical Research Laboratory,Institute of Integrated Research | Assistant professor | Jumpei Norimatsu |
|
| Materials and Structures Laboratory,Institute of Integrated Research | Assistant professor | Naoki Nohira |
Integrated Bulk and Surface Function Design of Zr-Based Biomaterials Combining Superelasticity and Antibacterial Properties |
| Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering,Institute of Integrated Research | Assistant professor | Masaya Shimabukuro |
|
| Dept. of Infectious Diseases,Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences | Junior Assistant professor | Yasuaki Tagashira |
Basic Research on the Clinical Implementation of Medical Large Language Models (LLMs) for Infectious Disease Management and Antimicro bial Stewardship Support |
| Dept. of Computer Science,School of Computing | D１ | Shigeki Ishida |
|
| Dept. of Orthopaedic and Trauma Research,Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences | Junior Associate Professor | Satoru Egawa |
The Role of Osteoclasts in the Bone Formation Mechanism of Calcium Phosphate |
| Dept. of Chemical Science and Engineering,School of Materials and Chemical Technology | Assistant professor | Shogo Saito |
|
| Dept. of Biochemistry,Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences | Assistant professor | Kazuki Takahashi |
Development of nanomedicines targeting TGF-β based on fine-tuning synthetic polymers |
| Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science,Institute of Integrated Research | Assistant professor | Yuto Honda |
|
| Dept.Department of Pulp Biology and Endodontics,Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences | Dental Resident | Keiko Hirano |
Establishment of a non-destructive diagnostic technology using MHz-range ultrasonic imaging system for detecting microstructural defects in dentistry |
| Laboratory for Future Interdisciplinary Ressearch of Science and Technology,Institute of Integrated Research | Assistant professor | Yuji Wada |
Research Overview of the Winning Team
Research topic：
Development of an mRNAtherapeutics- loaded light-responsive balloon catheter for the innovative treatment of coronary artery stenosis
Principal Investigator (PI)：Hayato Mizuno
Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)：Jumpei Norimatsu
This project aims to establish an innovative therapeutic strategy for coronary artery stenosis, characterized by vascular narrowing due to plaque accumulation, through the efficient and localized delivery of mRNA therapeutics. We will integrate the principal investigator’s light-responsive balloon catheter technology, enabling on-demand drug release upon irradiation, with the co-investigator’s expertise in formulating lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for stable nucleic acid delivery. By precisely tuning LNP mechanical properties (“stiffness”), we seek to develop a system that withstands hemodynamic shear stress while enabling site-specific, light-triggered release. This strategy is expected to enable gene therapy in coronary arteries and to establish a broadly applicable platform for vascular-targeted therapies in other organs, including the brain and kidneys.
Research topic：
Integrated Bulk and Surface Function Design of Zr-Based Biomaterials Combining Superelasticity and Antibacterial Properties
Principal Investigator (PI)：Naoki Nohira
Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)：Masaya Shimabukuro
This study aims to develop biomedical shape memory alloys that simultaneously exhibit antibacterial properties and superelasticity. Conventionally, mechanical functionalities such as shape memory behavior have been discussed primarily in terms of bulk properties, while antibacterial performance has been treated as a surface-related function, and these two aspects have been investigated independently. In this research, knowledge on bulk property control of shape memory alloys is integrated with insights into antibacterial activity induced by Cu surface segregation. By designing both bulk and surface functions within a single alloy system, this study seeks to achieve unified control of mechanical and surface functionalities. Specifically, the combined use of precipitation reactions for tuning shape memory characteristics and surface segregation for imparting antibacterial properties is expected to provide a new materials design strategy. Through this integrated approach, this study aims to establish a novel design guideline for functional shape memory alloys suitable for biomedical device applications.
Research topic：
Basic Research on the Clinical Implementation of Medical Large Language Models (LLMs) for Infectious Disease Management and Antimicrobial Stewardship Support
Principal Investigator (PI)：Yasuaki Tagashira
Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)：Shigeki Ishida
This research aims to develop a clinical support system for infectious disease treatment and the appropriate use of antimicrobials using medical generative AI. While “antimicrobial resistance,” where conventional medicines lose their effectiveness, is a global threat, the shortage of specialists and the increasing workload in medical settings remain critical issues. To address this, we are developing and evaluating a system that introduces AI into a secure hospital network to organize diagnostic points and suggest optimal treatment plans based on medical records. By assisting with information gathering and clinical decision-making, AI will bridge the gap in specialized expertise, allowing doctors to provide high-quality care with greater confidence. Our ultimate goal is to realize an “Infectious Disease AI” trained on specialist knowledge, ensuring everyone can receive the best medical care regardless of their location.
Research topic：
The Role of Osteoclasts in the Bone Formation Mechanism of Calcium Phosphate
Principal Investigator (PI)：Satoru Egawa
Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)：Shogo Saito
In orthopaedic surgery, many treatments—such as fracture management and spinal fusion—require successful bone union. However, because bone healing still largely depends on natural repair, patients are often forced to bear a substantial burden, including revision surgery due to nonunion. The Egawa laboratory has identified a novel inorganic compound that induces marked bone formation when locally administered, and we found that its metabolism by macrophages/osteoclasts initiates bone formation through the secretion of osteogenic factors. In this study, to facilitate clinical translation, we aim to elucidate the detailed underlying mechanism. The Egawa laboratory, responsible for compound synthesis and verification of bone formation, will collaborate with the Saito (Okochi) laboratory, which has expertise in osteoclast function and extracellular vesicle analysis, to (1) analyze secreted proteins/vesicles using monocytic lineage cells and (2) enhance bone-forming efficiency by optimizing compound metabolism.
Research topic：
Development of nanomedicines targeting TGF-β based on fine-tuning synthetic polymers
Principal Investigator (PI)：Kazuki Takahashi
Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)：Yuto Honda
In Japan, cancer affects one in two individuals and is the leading cause of death. Among these cancers, oral cancer arising in the maxillofacial and oral region is classified as a rare cancer. However, because no effective therapeutic drugs for oral cancer have been established, surgical treatment remains the primary modality. As a result, patients often experience a decline in quality of life (QOL) after surgery, including impairments in mastication and swallowing. Therefore, the development of effective therapeutic agents for oral cancer is an urgent unmet medical need.
Tumors consist not only of cancer cells but also of various other cell types, such as vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts, which together form the tumor microenvironment. Within the tumor microenvironment, cancer cells and other surrounding cells secrete transforming growth factor β (TGF β), forming complex cellular networks that contribute to cancer progression and malignancy.
We have successfully developed a novel TGF β inhibitor that suppresses the spatiotemporal regulation of the tumor microenvironment; however, challenges remain regarding its efficient delivery to tumor tissues.
Therefore, in this study, we aim to achieve tumor specific delivery and reduced adverse effects by incorporating our newly developed TGF β inhibitor into a precision polymer complex. Furthermore, by disrupting the TGF β–mediated tumor microenvironmental network, we seek to establish a curative therapeutic strategy for cancer.
Research topic：
Establishment of a non-destructive diagnostic technology using MHz-range ultrasonic imaging system for detecting microstructural defects in dentistry
Principal Investigator (PI)：Keiko Hirano
Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)：Yuji Wada
Microscopic defects within dental structures, such as cracked teeth and vertical root fractures, are serious conditions that strongly influence the prognosis and preservability of teeth. In addition, unexpected instrument fracture during root canal treatment represents a major issue that directly affects treatment safety. However, conventional diagnostic technologies have limited ability to non-destructively and sensitively detect and evaluate early-stage structural defects within dental tissues and metallic instruments. In this study, MHz-range high-frequency ultrasonic imaging technology, which has been developed in the field of materials science, is applied to dentistry to develop a novel diagnostic technique capable of sensitively capturing internal microstructural defects. As an interdisciplinary research initiative integrating dentistry, medicine, and engineering, this work is expected to establish a new research foundation that contributes to improved diagnostic accuracy and enhanced treatment safety.
Award Ceremony
The awards ceremony was held on March 2, 2026,at the Ookayama Campus.
