Self-introduction: Kenji Okubo

I have been using evolutionary simulations of gene regulatory networks to explore how the rules of inheritance change over time. My work has addressed fundamental questions in biology, including the evolutionary meaning of sexual reproduction and why genetic rules such as dominance emerged.

More recently, I have been investigating how organisms with additional sets of chromosomes (polyploids) evolved, as well as the evolutionary mechanisms underlying aging. I am also applying mathematical models beyond biology—to language change, statistical patterns in ancient Japanese tombs, and the spread of stone tools. Through this work, I aim to uncover shared mathematical structures that cut across very different fields.

Currently, I am incorporating ideas from statistical physics into genetics, seeking new ways to understand gene sequences and evolutionary processes. Moving forward, I hope to use network science and mathematical modeling to reveal the hidden structures and principles that shape complex systems across disciplines.