The Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies (RIJS) provides opportunities for Harvard College students in life, physical/natural, engineering and applied sciences to conduct research in a leading science laboratory in Japan for at least 8 weeks. This is a non-credit, independent science research internship designed to prepare outstanding students for postgraduate fellowships, graduate/doctoral study, and post-baccalaureate research positions in the private sector. Applicants must be in good academic standing and return in the fall as full-time students. Graduating seniors are ineligible to apply.
Based on your research interests and skills, the program will try to find and match you to an appropriate laboratory in Japan. Prior to submitting your application, please review the principal investigators (PIs) and their projects at these institutions. Please do not contact the PIs directly yourself.
- Hiroshima University
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences
- Tsukuba University International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine
- University of Tokyo International Research Center for Neurointelligence
*Once applicants have identified the PIs whom they want to work with or research topics they are interested in, contact Professor Takao Hensch (hensch@mcb.harvard.edu and copy his assistant, Ms. Giselle Grenier, giselle_grenier@harvard.edu; for all science students) or Professor John Doyle (doyle@physics.harvard.edu; for students in physical science only) to express your interest in the Program. If applicants are unable to find a PI/project that interests them from this list, Professors Hensch and Doyle may be able to suggest a PI/project outside of this list.
Self-arranged Track: Due to the limited number of positions available, however, we encourage students to arrange an internship through other universities and institutes in Japan on their own and apply to the Program for funding support only. Self-arranged internships must meet the minimum 8-week requirement. It is highly recommended that students who are looking to self-arrange their internships start the search process as soon as possible. While students can seek advice from various entities at Harvard, students who have successfully self-arranged in their internship in the past have taken the initiative and contacted the PIs at various Japanese research universities themselves.
There is no separate application for funding. Applicants who are placed into the program will receive a grant package put together by the RIJS and the host institution, which includes round-trip discount airfare, housing accommodation, and a small subsidy for some meals.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET on CARAT