• Nuclear power plants, chemical plants, ironworks and smelters, aircrafts and others that involve large-scale and complex systems yield many benefits to society and daily life, but a serious accident in such systems may result in dire consequences and significant damage. As long as there is human intervention of any kind, it is difficult to completely avoid human error. In light of this, it is crucial to have the mindset of "to err is human, (to forgive divine)." Takahashi Laboratory advocates the improvement of safety based on the harmonization of humans, machines and the environment. The object of our research is the human. Incorporating neuroscience approach and knowledge, we probe into human cognitive and behavioral traits and reflect our findings back into our research with the cooperation of this university's Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer as well as practicing specialists and technical experts. Through our broad vision, flexible mindset and creativity, we pioneer interfaces between humans and systems where safety is ingrained.

The core of our research is the examination and understanding of the human factor to be taken into account for the safe and efficient operation of large scale, complex systems, and we are involved in the research of a wide array of subjects not limited to nuclear energy systems but air traffic control operations, man-machine interfaces, cyber security, standardization of rules among others.

• In Japan, the percentage of elderly people aged 65 years or over was 23.1% in 2010. It is no doubt that Japan is the world's first super-aging society. In such a super-aging environment, it is necessary to form a society in which each individual can play an active role even as one becomes older in order to maintain and improve the quality of life of all people and to maintain a healthy society. In advanced brain science, research from the fields of brain function imaging, cognitive science, and psychology has been utilized with the aim of realizing a healthy aging society. Up to date information on various new technologies and related discoveries has been disseminated so that individuals can live a healthy life with peace of mind at every stage of aging, while maintaining and improving the health of their brain and mind in a diverse and complex society.

We believe to overcome super-aging environments is not only an object of public concern but also big business chances to create new industries.