Greetings
From the Professor
Why "Creative Learning"?
With the rise of AI and increasing societal complexity, there is a demand for creating new value that transcends specialized fields. In the medical and drug discovery fields, it is now essential not only to apply existing knowledge but also to proactively identify challenges and collaborate with diverse individuals to find solutions—this is **"creativity."**
Our lab name, **"Creative Learning Lab,"** embodies the belief that "creativity is fostered within the learning process itself." Creativity is not an epiphany of a select few geniuses, but an acquired ability that anyone can gain through the right environment and process. We believe that a proactive "learning" cycle—starting with intellectual curiosity, engaging in dialogue, and repeatedly experimenting and refining—is the most effective training ground for cultivating creativity.
Our Research Approach
Based on this philosophy, each faculty member in our lab leverages their expertise to promote research through multifaceted approaches.
Professor Otsuka
- Discovery of Drug Efflux Transporter "MATE" and Contribution to Drug Discovery: We were the first in the world to discover the MATE transporter, which serves as the "final exit" for drug excretion from the body. This discovery has significantly contributed to global drug discovery research and pharmaceutical safety improvement, serving as a standard where drug regulatory authorities in Japan, the US, and Europe mandate evaluation of interactions with MATE during new drug development.
- Research on Proactive Learning through Teambuilding: We design "psychologically safe spaces" where students can confidently take on challenges, and scientifically verify how collaborative learning draws out "the ability to learn independently." We are exploring methods for nurturing human resources who will lead future medical care.
Associate Professor Iwasaki
- Educational Research to Foster Future Healthcare Teams: We investigate and analyze differences in awareness among students aiming for professional careers, contributing to the development of interprofessional education (IPE) essential for future team-based medical care.
- Research on Drug-Food Interactions: We scientifically verify the effects of daily supplements on drug efficacy, aiming to achieve safe drug therapy.
Lecturer Yamazawa
- Elucidating the Self-Regulation Mechanism of Life: We explore the intricate mechanisms by which proteins self-mature at the molecular level, delving into the fundamental phenomena of life.
- Research on Educational Media to Enhance Learning Motivation: We analyze how video teaching materials change learners' motivation and develop new educational methods.
Looking to the Future
Through these multifaceted research activities, spanning from drug discovery and clinical pharmacology to education, we aim to explore the fundamental question of "what it means for people to learn and grow," and to contribute to people's health.
We hope that the insights gained from activities in this laboratory will contribute to the development of future pharmaceutical education and, by extension, human resource development in society. We sincerely look forward to hearing from you regarding collaborative research or guidance proposals.
Professor, Setsunan University Faculty of Pharmacy
Masato Otsuka