Member
University Professor
TOKO Kiyoshi
University Professor of Institute for Advanced Study, Kyushu University
Specialized Fields
Development of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Development of Taste Sensor (E-tongue) and E-nose
Message
Japan – the place where the fifth basic taste “Umami” was discovered, where “Washoku” (a traditional dietary culture of Japan) was registered as a UNESCO intangible world heritage, and where attentive hospitality is well known. This is also where a taste sensor has been developed. Because of this invention, now we can “see” the tastes. Japan is also taking the lead in developing a device to detect smell and odor. Globalization has expanded through the development of international transportation and the widespread use of the internet. This has also influenced the food world. In order to have a global strategy, it is important to have in mind regional cultures, traditions and preferences. So these sensors and devices are expected to greatly contribute to a globalized society.It goes without saying that the mission of a University is to educate and train young stars to be successful on a global scale. The mission of the Institute for Advanced Study is, especially, to train young researchers who will support the next generation. Life has been passed on from generation to generation through genetic information during a history of 3.8 billion years. Education is meant to polish genetic information, to deepen and evolve, to enrich our lives and to make us happier. I’m not sure how much my experience in studying the sense of taste and smell with a cross-cutting approach will be useful, but I am determined to make every effort to train young researchers, and to share the outstanding results both inside and outside the University.
Academic Background
- March 1975
- Department of Electronics of School of Engineering, Kyushu University
- March 1977
- Master’s Program in Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University
- January 1983
- PhD in Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University
Occupation Background
- April 1980
- Assistant Professor of Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University
- July 1990
- Associate Professor of Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University
- May 1996
- Associate Professor of Faculty of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, Kyushu University
- April 1997
- Professor of Faculty of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, Kyushu University (Promotion)
- April 2000
- Dean of Department of Electrical Engineering, Kyushu University
- April 2003
- Teaching staff of Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University
- April 2005
- Dean of Kyushu University Department of Electrical Engineering, Kyushu University
- April 2008
- Kyushu University Faculty of Information Science and Electrical Engineering Vice Dean
- October 2008
- Dean of Faculty of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, Kyushu University
- April 2009
- Member of Management Council, Kyushu University
- May 2009
- Distinguished Professor of Kyushu University
- November 2013
- Director of Research and Development Center for Taste and Odor Sensing, Kyushu University
- April 2018
- University Professor of Institute for Advanced Study, Kyushu University
- April 2024
- Research Professor of Graduate School of Nutritional Sciences, Nakamura Gakuen University
Academic Awards・Awards
- F.Y.2006
- Education Minister’s award and the Science and Technology award
- F.Y.2010
- The Tateishi Award
- F.Y.2013
- The Medal with Purple Ribbon
- F.Y.2017
- JSAP Outstanding Achievement Award
Publication List
- Editor, Toko, K. Biochemical Sensors: Mimicking Gustatory and Olfactory Senses”. Pan Stanford Publishing (2013).
- More twenty publications.