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.

Important knowledge for studying astrophysics at university includes fundamental subjects such as mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and special relativity. Additionally, understanding general relativity, fluid mechanics, advanced electromagnetism including radiation processes, statistics for data analysis, and computational physics will greatly enhance your comprehension of astrophysics.

The University of Tsukuba offers three opportunities for graduate school entrance examinations: a recommendation examination usually held in July, and general entrance examinations in August and February. Many students from other universities also take these exams. It is advisable to contact the faculty members of your preferred research lab in advance to ensure their research aligns with your interests.

Our research team actively supports those who wish to enter a postgraduate doctoral course to acquire advanced specialist knowledge and skills. This support prepares students for careers in private companies or academic positions. For instance, the University of Tsukuba Dual Degree Programme, the University of Tsukuba Doctoral Student Support Project, and the JSPS Research Fellowship Scheme are available to support research activities and strengthen career paths.

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

• "Novel Individual Timestep Integrator with Symplectic Property using Hamiltonian Splitting for SPH", Yuasa, Takuhiro; Mori, Masao; Miki, Yohei, submitted to Astrophysical Journal


• "Accelerated Hermite integrator for orbital integration with OpenACC", Otaki, Koki; Mori, Masao; Miki, Yohei; Takahashi, Daisuke, submitted to Computer Physics Communications.


• "Cosmological evolution of dark matter subhaloes under tidal stripping by growing Milky Way-like galaxies", Kazuno, Yudai; Mori, Masao; Kaneda, Yuka; Otaki, Koki, accepted for publication in PASJ. [arXiv:2410.22185]


• "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., accepted for publication in MNRAS. [arXiv:2401.00668]


• "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]


• "Frequency of the dark matter subhalo collisions and bifurcation sequence arising formation of dwarf galaxies", Otaki, Koki; Mori, Masao, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society,525,2535-2552 (2023) [MNRAS / arXiv:2308.03737]

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