iBLab

Interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory

異分野融合生物学研究室

Keywords :

BiologyInterdisciplinary

Building a history of interdisciplinary research in real time

iBLab (Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Biology) is Japan's first interdisciplinary biology research center, which utilizes mathematical models, computer simulations, and artificial intelligence technologies to promote interdisciplinary biological research.

Research Content

Our laboratory conducts life science research from an interdisciplinary perspective, leveraging both model-driven and data-driven approaches. We develop analyses that maximize the strengths of each method and integrated approaches to address their weaknesses. For example, we aim to accurately predict disease progression and treatment effects by integrating multimodal real-world data. Additionally, we focus on feeding knowledge from the digital world back into reality by generating large-scale simulation data with statistical properties similar to real data, enabling scenario evaluation through simulation. We are establishing a flexible approach that seamlessly links the real and digital worlds, pioneering a new era of interdisciplinary research.

We aim to integrate a model-driven approach suitable for time-series data analysis, which is the "unexplored territory" of data science, with a data-driven approach suitable for single-point data analysis. In addition, by linking the real world and the digital world through simulation, we are accelerating the creation of digital twins in life sciences, establishing a completely new style of research.

Research Topic

COVID-19 Research
Research into virus dynamics
Drug discovery and treatment optimization research
Research on immunity and cell differentiation
Research into metabolic diseases such as osteoporosis
Digital Transformation in Biomedical Sciences

Our Startup

By stimulating intellectual curiosity and fostering a deep understanding of science, we aim to cultivate the next generation of talent and contribute to building a brighter future.

We strive to develop and implement innovative educational products that stand apart from other ICT tools currently used in Japan. Our approach involves recreating scientific models as explained in textbooks through software while incorporating gamification. Our products are not merely games for entertainment or visually-oriented art; their logic is academically substantiated. For example, one of our products, Virtual ECOSYSTEM, is a tool that allows users to learn about the workings of ecosystems through a simulation game.

In addition to developing and operating educational tools, we also engage in joint research with universities and other research institutions, and support the implementation of these tools in society through software.

Educational Software

We develop educational software. For example, our VIRTUAL ECOSYSTEM is a simulator designed to teach scientific concepts. With our product, students can manipulate virtual forests to observe ecosystem changes and contemplate environmental issues.

Workshop

We offer experiential workshop using our products, available both online and offline. For educational institutions, we provide lecture content that can be utilized as comprehensive learning opportunities, incorporating the latest university research topics with a focus on biology. Additionally, we offer these tools to companies for use in sustainable education.

Collaborative Research and Development

We focus on implementing university-based fundamental research through software applications and conducting joint research. Our goal is to bridge academic discoveries with practical applications, driving innovation and societal advancement.

→ Report of Research Achievements

→ COVIVIS