Organization

Our lab focuses on the development and application of new mathematical and statistical techniques to reveal the evolutionary forces that have shaped our DNA, from key events in a nation’s recent past to the earliest days of our species. Our methods reconstruct past migrations and mixtures, introgression with Neanderthals and other extinct hominids, changes in the molecular machinery generating DNA differences, or map the genetic adaptation that enabled survival against changing environmental exposure. We achieve this by reconstructing “genetic family trees” using genetic data sequenced from thousands of modern-day people as well as genomes sequenced from ancient human bone.

This team promotes “AI for Science,” an initiative to accelerate research in natural and social sciences through cutting-edge AI research grounded in mathematical sciences, in collaboration with researchers both within and outside iTHEMS.

Our laboratory integrates artificial intelligence, systems biology, and data science to understand and predict complex human diseases. We analyze multimodal data—including molecular profiles, clinical records, imaging, and wearable sensors—to build interpretable models for precision medicine. Our research spans areas including cancer, metabolic disorders, orthopedics. By combining data-driven discovery with biomedical insight, we aim to uncover hidden mechanisms of health and disease. Collaborating across disciplines, we strive to create practical tools that support early diagnosis, patient stratification, and personalized intervention. Ultimately, we aim to develop digital twin technologies that seamlessly connect the physical and cyber realms of human health.

Our laboratory conducts research on establishing the fundamental theories necessary for applying deep learning to the field of medical science. Specifically, our main research themes include constructing deep learning frameworks that perform predictions using time series data as input, reinforcement learning as a society in which numerous deep learning agents interact, and applying these fields to quantum computing.

Our team values interdisciplinary exchange by making use of our connections with Kyushu University and the Institute of Mathematics for Industry (IMI). We are holding seminars and coding sessions to foster unexpected discoveries and opportunities for dialogue. We also engage in activities that emphasize the interface between theory and real-world applications, while maintaining a focus on deepening academic understanding.

The RIKEN Berkeley Center, located at the University of California, Berkeley, operates as part of the Center for iTHEMS. The RIKEN Berkeley Center advances integrative research in fundamental physics, including quantum gravity, particle physics, nuclear physics, and the extreme universe. It plays a key role in promoting international collaboration and facilitating researcher exchange between Japan and the U.S., contributing to the global circulation of knowledge. In addition, its members regularly visit RIKEN’s sites in Japan to deepen engagement and foster vibrant interaction with researchers based in Japan.