Koichi Tanaka

　Mass spectrometry (MS) is a method for measuring the weight of molecules and analyzing their contents. MS is widely used in various fields of science and technology, as it is an extremely effective method to measure the base quantity of compounds, both natural and artificial, and to identify them. Recently, the focus is on its application in the fields of medicine and pharmaceutics.

　We need to uncover the mysteries of physiological mechanisms of a human body if we wish to stay healthy and readily cure any sickness that strikes us. Thanks to the efforts of researchers and engineers around the world, a great deal is already known about our bodies. Yet, it must also be said that we still know only a small fraction of what there is to know. This is because hundreds of thousands of different compounds are intricately intertwined in our bodies, but many substances that play a very important role despite existing in minute quantities are yet to be identified.

　Through the development of the next-generation ultra-high-sensitivity mass spectrometry system, we aim to contribute not only to the medical and pharmaceutical fields, but also to a wide range of other science and technologies.

CURRICULUM VITAE