The JST-ASPIRE project “Carbon-based material-biology interface science (CoMBiS)” was launched in December 2025.

The aim of CoMBiS is to pioneer a new scientific field by controlling the interfaces formed between “biomolecules” or “materials” such as metals, carbon, and inorganic substances, and carbon-based molecules (“carbon molecules”) through interactions unique to carbon molecules. By achieving a molecular-level understanding of each interface, we will design carbon molecules that bridge the otherwise incompatible worlds of biomolecules and materials, ultimately creating a new class of unconventional substances with transformative potential in both materials science and the life sciences. This research seeks to seamlessly “connect” the interfaces of materials science—from biology-related fields to materials engineering—through carbon molecules, delivering major breakthroughs in both fundamental and applied research. CoMBiS aims to open an unprecedented new research domain by promoting international collaborative research led by world-class experts in molecular nanocarbon science, supramolecular chemistry, structural biology, and gold–carbene interface chemistry. Through this effort, we will build a global research network and foster the next generation of leading researchers.

For the press release regarding this project, please see here.
In addition, we are seeking a researcher to contribute to the CoMBiS project. During the employment period, the successful candidate will spend approximately one year conducting collaborative research at either the University of Münster (Germany) or Queen’s University (Canada). Please see here.