Lecturer
Plankton Group
Department of Marine Ecosystem Science
Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo

Research topic: molecular ecology of marine zooplankton

Contact：hirai [at] aori.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Researchmap        GoogleScholar

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I study the molecular ecology of marine zooplankton. Zooplankton are indicators of marine ecosystem health and play a crucial role in the population dynamics of commercially important fish species. Yet much of their ecology and function remains shrouded in mystery. To uncover these mysteries, I study zooplankton across scales ranging from molecular to ecological. My main field is the open ocean, where I conduct wide-ranging surveys, mostly aboard research vessels. My research is centered on diversity, with keywords including species and genetic diversity, whole-genome analysis, population structure, predator-prey relationships, and symbiosis-parasitism. Recently, I have also broadened my interests to deep-sea diversity, connections with marine protected areas, and analysis of marine ecosystems as a whole. I have always had a broad interest in marine life, the environment, and fisheries, and I feel that zooplankton — a subject that connects basic research with applications — suits me well as a research focus.

I am looking for motivated students who would like to work together on research projects. Applications for positions such as JSPS Research Fellow (PD) are also welcome.

Please contact me (hirai@aori.u-tokyo.ac.jp) for details. 

You can also send an inquiry through the form.  

Feb, 2024 - Present：Lecturer, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo 

Nov, 2016 - Jan, 2024：Research Associate, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo 

Mar, 2018 - Feb, 2020：Visiting Researcher, University of British Columbia 

Apr, 2014 - Oct, 2016：JSPS posdoc, National Research Institute of Fisheries Science 

• Aquatic Biology (Ph.D.), Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo 

• MSc Oceanography (Master), University of Southampton 

• Aquatic Bioscience (Bachelor), Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Tokyo 

• Genomic ecology of marine zooplankton: I will investigate population structures, presence or absence of endogenous viruses, and adaptive evolution of pelagic zooplankton based on whole genome information.

• Interaction between virus and zooplankton: I try to reveal previously-overlooked diversity and ecological role of viruses infecting marine zooplankton.

• Species diversity and food web structures in marine ecosystems: Molecular techniques reveal the basin-scale patterns of biodiversity and prey-predator relationships.

• Taxonomic re-examination of zooplankton: Taxonomic uncertainty of zooplankton are investigated using morphological and molecular analysis.

Please contact me (hirai@aori.u-tokyo.ac.jp) for details of ongoing research projects.

Please see  Researchmap    GoogleScholar

• Exploring the Unknown Diversity of Zooplankton Beneath Sea Ice in the Okhotsk Sea
  The Asahi Glass Foundation, Environmental Field Research, Research Grant for a Sustainable Future (Advanced Research) April 2025 - March 2028

• Assessing Climate Change Risk to Copepods in the Genomic Era
  Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), PRESTO  October 2024 - March 2028

• Viral Characteristics and Function in Marine Copepods Distributed on a Global Scale
  Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B), April 2023 - March 2027

• Big Data and AI-Based Analysis of Marine Zooplankton Ecosystem Dynamics
  Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Strategic Program for Research and Development (SPReAD), July 2026 - January 2027

Research Grants (Co-Investigator)

• Arctic Challenge for Sustainability III (ArCS III)

• Suruga Bay Marine DX Project

Please contact me (hirai@aori.u-tokyo.ac.jp) for details. 

You can also send an inquiry through the form.