Atsushi Nakajima, Professor, Faculty of Science and Technology

2 teachers, 10 graduate students and 5 fourth level students work together to create a new world of nano-science, using original equipments to design substances at the atomic level.

In our laboratory, we conduct experimental research on the nanocluster, which is an aggregation of molecules and atoms from a few to thousands. We have found nanoclusters in the shape of soccer balls and sandwiches, never been found before. Our lab is filled with laser equipments and stainless steel vacuum chambers. Our lab aims at finding new nanoclusters to pull out a new material, and give a physical and chemical explanation to it that should lead to the next life of material science. For this objective, it is important for us to create a unique equipment, in addition to enhancing the ability to think. Using equipments designed by ourselves, we continue research on designing new nanoclusters at the atomic level. The "soft landing equipment" in the background of the photograph is the only one in the world, providing new scientific knowledge one after another. This equipment enabled us to isolate the world's smallest nanocluster magnet with a sandwich structure.

The university's mission is not only to proceed with leading-edge research, but also to produce researchers that can act as leader of the society. Especially, it is important to foster a researcher who will surpass myself. Meeting really good teachers at junior high school and high school and realizing the importance and value of teaching led me to teach in university. Many years have passed, and I have chosen chemistry, a category in natural science characterized by diversity. I am really happy with my research and education. The scheme of things, life phenomenon, astration, environmental issues, medical care and energy issues all require knowledge of chemistry. The periodic table, which many people are familiar with, explains the diversity of chemistry.

If you look at the periodic table, you can see that each element has a character, and with combination of elements, various substances are created infinitely.

I find the basis of education in my research of chemistry. Every student has a unique character, and when they stumble onto a certain combination, they can "alchemize" themselves. Through research with a lot of thinking, I look forward to seeing students with high potentials to "alchemize" themselves with chemistry.

Faculty's Profile

Prof. Atsushi Nakajima, Faculty of Science and Technology


Born in 1960 at Keio University Hospital. In 1989, finished Graduate School of Science of the University of Tokyo with a PhD. In 1989, he was appointed Instructor of Keio University. After experiencing Assistant Professor and Associate Professor, he was appointed Professor in 2001.
Specializes in physical chemistry and nanochemistry. Director of Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (JST-CREST) since 2002, member of the Science Council in Japan from 2006, director of the Society of Nano Science and Technolog and vice president of the Japan Society of Molecular Science.

Student's Voice

Shuhei Nagaoka, Second-year of Doctoral Program,
Graduate School of Science and Technology

Presenting Papers on the World Stage


"I read your paper." An American researcher suddenly talked to me at an international academic conference in Germany. This was the moment I realized our studies were connected to the world. It is a great pleasure for us to present our research progress globally through presentations and papers.

In Prof. Nakajima's lab, international exchanges are given a high priority. Students are given opportunities to participate in international conferences, and a few times a year, we invite international researchers to hold seminars. Therefore, even at in-house presentations, we try to give our presentations in English to improve our presentation skills in English.

To present research developments, a result of daily efforts, on the world stage--such an experience encourages us, and is a precious asset for each one of us.