Join Us

Laboratory Overview

The Takagi Laboratory, established in 2025, pursues interdisciplinary research that bridges machine learning and systems neuroscience.

By dissecting state-of-the-art foundation models, we aim to understand and extend human intellectual activities, while simultaneously contributing to the advancement of computational models through the analysis of brain activity and physiological signals. Working in collaboration with researchers from diverse backgrounds in Japan and abroad, we strive to disseminate our research outcomes at top-tier international conferences and journals.

Research Style

  • In addition to a weekly lab meeting, we regularly hold reading groups, study sessions, and one-on-one meetings.
  • We do not impose fixed core hours or strict working times. Members are encouraged to balance coursework, internships, extracurricular activities, and job hunting alongside their research.
  • Research inherently involves exploring uncharted territory. Even when initial attempts do not succeed, we value a mindset that enjoys trial and error and continuous improvement.
  • We actively encourage international study programs and industry internships, providing opportunities to broaden perspectives and motivation.

Affiliation, Internships, and Part-Time Positions

Undergraduate and Graduate Students

  • We welcome students assigned from the Department of Computer Science at Nagoya Institute of Technology, as well as those entering the master’s or doctoral programs from other laboratories or institutions.
  • Research topics are proposed through individual meetings, and we provide systematic guidance to help students learn the research process.
  • Applicants wishing to join from other laboratories are encouraged to contact us by email in advance.

Research Internships and Part-Time Positions (Paid)

  • We accept research interns and part-time research assistants, including undergraduate and technical college students, on an ongoing basis.
  • Applicants who are already affiliated with a laboratory should contact Takagi through their academic advisor. Those without a current affiliation should contact Takagi directly, attaching materials that demonstrate their research or development skills (e.g., reports, code).

Postdoctoral Researchers and Related Positions

  • Employment as a project-based researcher is possible.
  • Applicants with independent funding (e.g., JSPS PD fellowships) are also welcome.
  • While we respect each researcher’s individual research interests, we provide extensive access to facilities, mentorship, and collaborative research networks to help maximize research potential.

Growth Milestones

(The following are example guidelines.)

  • Undergraduate Thesis
    • Acquisition of fundamental research skills
    • Reproduction and validation of related studies
    • Presentation of results at domestic conferences
  • Master’s Program
    • Proposal of original methodologies
    • Writing academic papers in English
    • Presentation at international conferences or publication in journals

Through research activities, members are expected to experience the full cycle of problem identification, solution development, and dissemination, cultivating transferable communication skills and strong expertise applicable in any environment.

FAQ

Is there a fixed core time? No. We emphasize self-management, and both in-person and online meetings are scheduled flexibly among participants.
What programming languages are mainly used? Python is the primary language, with MATLAB and other languages used depending on the research topic.
Which is the main focus: machine learning or systems neuroscience? As a laboratory, we pursue a dual focus on both fields. While individual projects may emphasize one area more than the other, mutual understanding across disciplines is considered ideal.
Is there any specific preparation required to join the lab? No. A curious mindset and a positive attitude toward learning are sufficient.
Are research projects conducted individually? Both individual projects and collaborative research with students and researchers inside and outside the laboratory are common. Given the interdisciplinary nature of our work, many projects involve consultation and collaboration with researchers at other institutions.
What regular activities are held each week? We conduct seminars (progress reports), study groups, reading groups, and individual meetings.
What facilities are available? Each member is provided with a desk, a laptop, and a monitor. Shared facilities include a refrigerator, microwave oven, and whiteboards.
What computational resources are available? We maintain GPU computing servers and large-scale file servers. For large-scale experiments, members can also access the ABCI supercomputing infrastructure.

Contact

If you are interested in exploring the frontiers of machine learning and systems neuroscience, please feel free to contact us with your CV or a brief self-introduction.