To all international students, do you want to have an immersive research experience this summer at one of Japan’s leading research centers? If so, here is an exciting opportunity. Riken Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, a top research facility in Yokohama, Japan, dedicated to advancing human health, has announced its flagship “Riken IMS Internship Program 2026”. This is a fully funded internship for talented Master’s, PhD candidates, and early-career postdoctoral fellows from around the world. The program offers a chance to engage in innovative research under the guidance of renowned scientists in state-of-the-art laboratories. The internship was first launched in April 2018, suspended due to COVID-19, but resumed in April 2024 after the pandemic subsided.
The internship lasts between 1 and 3 months and has two categories: Category 1 for students and Category 2 for early-career postdocs. The host organization covers all expenses, including travel, lodging, internship allowance, and accommodation. No application fee is required at any stage. This is your chance to experience Riken’s research environment while immersing yourself in Japan’s vibrant culture. The application process is now open and will close in September 2026. Learn more details about the IMS internship below.
RIKEN IMS Internship 2026 in Japan: Overview
- Host Country: Japan
- Hosted by: Riken Center for Integrative Medical Sciences
- Location: Yokohama
- Duration: 1-3 Months
- No of Openings: 8
- Application Deadline: In September 2026
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Internship Coverage
The internship is offering two categories for participation, the financial benefits for both categories varies check them below:
Category 1 for students
- An internship allowance of 3,000 yen per day
- Round-trip airfare support to/from Japan
- Lodging costs
Category 2 for Postdocs
- Round-trip airfare coverage
- Lodging support
- No daily allowance is offered
Eligiblity Criteria
- RIKEN IMS internship is open to all nationals
- Students currently enrolled in the Master’s or Phd degree program
- All students must be enrolled in an institution at the time of the internship period
- Medical students are also encouraged to apply
- Young postdoctoral researchers who have completed their Phd in the last 3 years
- Your research topic must align with the lab’s focus areas
- Preference is given to the need-based students
- Demonstrate a strong interest in research
Internship Benefits
- Gain first-hand research experience in state-of-the-art labs
- Exposure to IMS research activities
- The internship highly contributes to your career development
- Broaden your professional networks
- Gain valubale skills and knowledge in your desired fields
- Explore Yokohama, one of the dynamic cities of Japan
Required Documents
- Current CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose: include proposed research topic
- Research Background
- Recommendation letter from your academic supervisor
- GDPR consent form for UK and EU residents
Note that the recommendation letter needs to be sent from your supervisor to the host team leader
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How to Apply?
The application process for the RIKEN IMS internship consists of the following three steps:
- Step 1: Find the Riken host laboratory where you would like to work
- Check out the list of participating laboratories here
- Step 2: Once you have confirmed your host lab, you need to explain the research topic that you will carry out at the Riken research lab. Your research topic must align with the selected host lab.
- Step 3: Submit the above-mentioned application materials via email to the host team leader.
Result notification will be made within one month
To know more details and to apply, visit the offical link below
APPLY FOR FY2026 RIKEN IMS INTERNSHIP
