Director of the Research and Development
Center for Five-Sense Devices,
Kyushu University
The Research and Development Center for Five-Sense Applied Devices at Kyushu University is the world’s first interdisciplinary research hub dedicated to advancing science and technology related to the human five senses. The Center originated in 2013 as the Research and Development Center for Taste and Odor Sensing and was reorganized in 2018 to expand its research mission. In 2020, while retaining its name, the Center undertook a major restructuring to establish its current four-division system.
The human five senses are often regarded as the ultimate biological sensing system. Reproducing and integrating these sensory mechanisms through technology remains a formidable scientific challenge. Leveraging Kyushu University’s internationally recognized research in taste and odor, and integrating leading expertise in auditory–visual perception and brain sciences, our Center aims to develop next-generation multisensory devices through interdisciplinary collaboration. Our members are affiliated with seven faculties, seven graduate schools, and Kyushu University Hospital, representing diverse academic backgrounds including psychology, molecular biology, physiology, electrical engineering, food functional sciences, and information science. With strong support from the University and collaboration with industry partners, we have established a comprehensive research framework spanning basic science to application.
The mission of our Center is to develop the Salvitas Device—a novel platform that seamlessly integrates sensory information from peripheral organs to the central nervous system—to contribute to a healthy, long-lived, safe, and secure society.
Research activities are organized under four divisions:
- Division of Taste Sensor / Odor Sensor
- Division of Sensory Physiology・Medical Application Sensing
- Division of Auditory and Visual Perception Research
- Division of Integrated Research for Five-Sense Devices
In addition to advancing the fundamental science of multisensory research, the Center promotes social implementation in fields such as healthcare, welfare, food industries, and entertainment. Through collaboration with domestic and international research institutions and industry partners, we aim to pioneer new interdisciplinary research domains and cultivate the next generation of researchers. Through these efforts, we will continue to translate our research outcomes to society and deliver new value.
We greatly appreciate your continued understanding and support.