Quantum Nano Medicine Research Center

Welcome to Quantum Nano Medicine Research Center

Quantum Nano Medicine Research Center has been approved by Kyoto University as one of its “on-site laboratories” and was opened in October 2019 in the Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Institute for Advanced Study. The Center aims to open up a new academic field integrating quantum beams and nanomaterials. As BNCT research subsequently became one of the key pillars of our activities, the Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, was appointed as a joint implementation partner in 2025.

Various types of quantum beams such as X-rays, charged particles, and neutrons, have been generated. Nanomaterials that carry multiple elements that can respond to quantum beams have also been generated. We believe that the integration of these two research areas may lead to medical innovation. The Center also intends to provide a platform for discussion on these points.

Interaction with UCLA

The idea of QNM Center was formulated after the Kyoto University-UCLA symposium, titled "Harnessing physical forces for medical applications - The Convergence of Physics, Nanomaterials, Cell Biology and Cancer Research", held at California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) of UCLA.

We plan to hold symposiums and seminar series at both Kyoto University and UCLA to promote academic exchange, exchange of researchers, and student exchange between the two universities.

By interacting with UCLA, we will also function as an exchange hub between Kyoto University and UCLA, contributing to the two universities' research collaboration.

Interaction with Ohio State University (OSU)

In April 2026, a joint research project was launched between Assistant Professor Matsumoto of the Quantum Nano Medicine Research Center (QNM Center) and a team from Ohio State University (OSU).

This project aims to create next-generation Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) for malignant brain tumors (glioblastoma: GBM) by fusing the nanotechnology (mesoporous silica nanoparticles: MSN) with OSU’s advanced expertise in boron compound synthesis. We are strengthening our collaboration with OSU, which has a distinguished history in boron reagent development and GBM research dating back to 1986.

Through this project, we promote the mutual exchange and training of young researchers, fostering a strong Japan-U.S. partnership to pave the way for curing intractable cancers. The QNM Center aspires to serve as an international hub for the global advancement of "Quantum Nano Medicine".