I am an ice enthusiast. To date, 20 ice polymorphs have been reported, but I believe there should be more. My research aims to discover unknown ices as many as possible.

Why new phases? Because new-phase discoveries are the keys to cultivating new fields related to water. Even a single new phase can contribute to improving theoretical water models, push experimental techniques up to new levels, gain insight into the behaviour of hydrogen bonds, and more and more. Exploring new phases is one of the most important and powerful motivations for ice researchers. And, needless to say, it's always fun and interesting!

I mainly rely on crystallographic techniques: in-situ x-ray and neutron diffraction. Additionally, I am establishing quench-recovery systems in our lab to analyse high-pressure ice samples at ambient pressure, and use calorimetric (DSC), spectroscopic (Raman, dielectric), and other techniques if necessary as complementary methods for better understanding. I am also interested in developing new experimental techniques, especially in "importing" methods that can readily performed at ambient conditions but are at present difficult to conduct under high-pressure and/or cryogenic conditions.