Our research group at the University of Tsukuba conducts a wide range of research in astrophysics and computational science. In astrophysics, our studies cover galaxy formation and evolution, structure formation influenced by dark matter, galaxy collisions, supermassive black hole activity, and the physical properties of galactic winds. Recently, we have also been exploring habitable zones within galaxies. While many of our research topics employ numerical simulations, we also engage in analytical research using theoretical models and observational data analysis.

Furthermore, we frequently collaborate with observational researchers, actively promoting integrated studies that combine theory and observation. In the field of computational science, our research includes the development of high-precision hydrodynamic schemes, the creation of massively parallel computation algorithms, and the development of computation acceleration algorithms utilizing GPUs. More recently, we have also applied machine learning techniques to astrophysical research.

Our research team actively welcomes undergraduate students for graduation research projects. Moreover, we offer early-stage research guidance to highly motivated students with a strong interest in astrophysics, regardless of their academic year. If you are eager to engage in research, we encourage you to get in touch with us.

At the University of Tsukuba, graduate school entrance examinations are held three times a year: a recommendation-based exam in July, and general entrance exams in August and February. We attract many applicants from other universities. In the Master's Programme, students develop foundational expertise and technical skills essential for research. In the Doctoral Programme, they cultivate the ability to conduct independent, high-level research. We also provide extensive support for students to present at international conferences and participate in short-term research stays at leading overseas institutions.

For doctoral students, we are particularly committed to fostering research excellence and expanding career opportunities through initiatives such as the University of Tsukuba Dual Degree Programme, student support projects, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Research Fellowship. To date, six students have earned their Ph.D. degrees from our group. Among them, three have secured faculty positions at universities in Japan and abroad, two continue their research as postdoctoral fellows, and one has pursued a career in industry, applying their expertise at the forefront of technological innovation.

If you are interested in our research and activities, we warmly invite you to visit our laboratory. Online meetings can also be arranged. Please feel free to contact us via email, we look forward to hearing from you!

Masao Mori, University of Tsukuba

Masao Mori

Associate Professor, Ph.D.

• Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba
• Master's/Doctor's Program in Physics, University of Tsukuba
• Degree Programs in Education, The College of Education, University of Tsukuba

• Visiting Associate Professor at University of California,Los Angeles (Feb. 2005 - Mar. 2006)
• Visiting Researcher at Max-Planck Institute for Astronomy (Aug. 1998 - Aug. 1999)

Below is a list of my recent research papers, selected papers to date, and received research funding.

Recent publications

• "Splitting a Stellar Stream, Bridging Luminous and Dark Domains", Kaneda, Yuka; Mori, Masao; Miki, Yohei; Kirihara, Takanobu; Burkert, Andreas, submitted.


• "Simultaneous Formation of the Andromeda Giant Southern Stream and the Substructures in the Andromeda Halo", Yamaguchi, Misa; Mori, Masaoi; Kirihara, Takanobu; Miki, Yohei; Ogami, itsuki; Chiba, Masashi; Komiyama, Yutaka; Tanaka, Mikito, accepted for publication in Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan [arXiv:2503.21217]


• "The structure of the stellar halo of the Andromeda galaxy explored with the NB515 for Subaru/HSC. I.: New Insights on the stellar halo up to 120 kpc", Ogami, Itsuki, et al., Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 536, 530 (2025) [MNRAS / arXiv:2401.00668]


• "Cosmological evolution of dark matter subhaloes under tidal stripping by growing Milky Way-like galaxies", Kazuno, Yudai; Mori, Masao; Kaneda, Yuka; Otaki, Koki, Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan, 76, L39 (2024) [PASJ / arXiv:2410.22185]


• "A universal scaling relation incorporating the cusp-to-core transition of dark matter haloes", Kaneda, Yuka; Mori, Masao; Otaki, Koki., Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan, 76, 1026 (2024) [PASJ / arXiv:2407.03614]


• "Novel hydrodynamic schemes capturing shocks and contact discontinuities and comparison study with existing methods", Yuasa, Takuhiro; Mori, Masao, New Astronomy,109,102208 (2024). [New Astronomy / arXiv:2312.03224v3]

FY2024

• Undergraduate Programs
• Introduction to modern physics: Spring AB, Mon. (Interdisciplinary Lecture Series: 6/10)
• General concept of astrophysics: Fall AB, Fri. 4
• Diploma thesis research advice
• Postgraduate Programmes
• Fundamental Physics 2: Fall AB, Mon. 3
• Special Research in Astrophysics
• Astrophycs Seminar
• Master thesis advice
• Doctor thesis advice
• Seminar
• Galaxy Seminar
• Mori's group Seminar