News
- A new paper has been published in British Journal of Nutrition
- Ryoko Tajima has been appointed as a Project Assistant Professor of Nutrition Epidemiology and Behavioural Nutrition.
- Graduate Student Recruitment
- A new paper has been published in BMC Nutrition
- A new paper has been published in Journal of the American Heart Association
About
The Department of Social and Preventive Epidemiology was established when the School of Public Health was newly founded in the Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo. Our research is primarily centred on the field of nutritional epidemiology. The first professor was Professor Emeritus Satoshi Sasaki (2007–2022), and Kentaro Murakami was appointed as a professor in 2023.
What is social preventive epidemiology?
Epidemiology is the study of quantitatively understanding health status and disease occurrence in a population, as well as statistically analyzing the relationship between factors related to the risk of disease and disease incidence. In addition to classical elements such as alcohol consumption, smoking, nutrition, and physical activity, epidemiological research on genes, factors controlling their expression, and socioeconomic factors has recently gained momentum. Epidemiological data on disease incidence and other factors are also essential for evaluating drugs and other treatments.
Furthermore, epidemiology is a central field in health science, serving as a practical science that provides research methodology and supports preventive healthcare. Unfortunately, the educational and research systems in Japan have been inadequate in this regard.
Social preventive epidemiology employs epidemiological methods to elucidate the relationship between various phenomena occurring in human society, including individual lifestyle habits, and diseases. It aims to identify specific measures that can leverage these phenomena for disease prevention and control.
Course in charge
Our department oversees the elective courses "Epidemiology Research and Practice" (summer semester) and " Practice and Assessment in Public Health" (summer intensive course) in the School of Public Health (professional degree program), Graduate School of Medicine. These courses are open to students from other graduate schools and departments as well.
Research topics
Nutritional epidemiology
Nutritional epidemiology is the overarching term for epidemiological research focusing primarily on nutrition and dietary factors. In simpler terms, it can be described as "the scientific discipline that employs epidemiological methods to elucidate the connection between our dietary choices, eating habits, and their impact on our health."
In our department, we research the theory and methodology of dietary assessment methods, develop survey methods such as the Meal-based Diet History Questionnaire (MDHQ), and conduct basic research on these methods.
In our department, we delve into the theory and methodology of dietary assessment methods, work on the development of survey techniques like the Meal-based Diet History Questionnaire (MDHQ), and engage in fundamental research concerning these methods.
Nutritional epidemiology is a crucial scientific discipline that establishes the scientific foundation for disease prevention and treatment through dietary practices. In this context, our department plays a vital role in not only disseminating the findings of nutritional epidemiology research from Japan to the global community but also in aggregating and distributing the outcomes of nutritional epidemiology research worldwide to Japan.
Member
Kentaro Murakami
Professor, Department of Social and Preventive Epidemiology, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo
[ Academic degree ]
・Doctor of Philosophy in Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka
・Master of Science in Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka
・Bachelor in the field of Education, Hokkaido University
Assistant Professor, Department of Social and Preventive Epidemiology, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo
Nana Shinozaki（篠崎 奈々）
Professor Emeritus, Department of Social and Preventive Epidemiology, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo
Satoshi Sasaki（佐々木 敏）
| Student | M2 Mizuki Suga Professional Degree Program in the School of Public Health |
| Student | M1 Riko Chigasaki Professional Degree Program in the School of Public Health |
Related Course
- Department of Nutritional Epidemiology and Behavioural Nutrition, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
Project Professor, Department of Nutritional Epidemiology and Behavioural Nutrition, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
Hitomi Okubo（大久保 公美）
Project Assistant Professor, Department of Nutritional Epidemiology and Behavioural Nutrition, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
Ryoko Tajima（田島 諒子）
Access
- Address
The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine Bldg.2, Room N201
7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku,
Tokyo, 113-0033,
Japan - Train Access
・Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line or Ooedo Line,
Hongo sanchome Sta. [6min]
・Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line,
Yushima Sta. [10min]
・Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line,
Todaimae Sta. [15min]
Contact
For all inquiries regarding our members and research, kindly contact us at the email address provided below with your specific requirements. Please be aware that our ability to respond may vary depending on the nature of your inquiry.
If you need further assistance or have any additional questions, please feel free to ask.
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【 Graduate Student Recruitment 】
The Department of Social and Preventive Epidemiology is actively seeking graduate students with a keen interest in nutritional epidemiology and behavioural nutrition. We are open to applications from students not only at the University of Tokyo but also from other universities and graduate schools both in Japan and internationally.
【Recruitment Requirements】
Academic requirements: Our department only accepts master's and doctoral students. Undergraduate students are required to pass an entrance examination to join the Department of Public Health Medicine (a 2-year program) at the Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo. Additionally, individuals with master's or doctoral degrees in other fields are encouraged to pursue a Master of Public Health in our department, which will further enhance their knowledge and skills in public health. For more information, please visit the Department of Public Health Medicine website (https://www.m.u-tokyo.ac.jp/sph/) and the Graduate School of Medicine website ( https://www.m.u-tokyo.ac.jp/english/daigakuin/apply/appguidemain.html). Please note that we generally do not accept research students.
Passion for Research: We are searching for candidates who demonstrate a profound interest and enthusiasm for research in nutritional epidemiology and behavioral nutrition. We welcome those who are driven to make significant contributions to the field of public health.
Submission of a Research Plan: Candidates are required to submit a comprehensive research plan outlining their research objectives and methodologies, to evaluate their dedication and expertise in the field.
Language Skills: Proficiency in reading and writing academic papers in English is mandatory. English language proficiency for international academic communication is highly desirable.
For any inquiries or further information, please contact.
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