The RIKEN IMS Internship 2026 is a fully funded research internship hosted at the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences in Yokohama, Japan, open to master’s, PhD, medical, and young postdoctoral researchers from all nationalities. Running for a flexible duration of one to three months, the programme covers round-trip airfare, on-site accommodation, and a daily stipend of 3,000 JPY. No application fee is required, and IELTS is not mandatory. Applications must be submitted at least four months before the desired start date, with an overall programme deadline of September 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded Research Internship |
| Organising Body | RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), Japan |
| Mode | On-Site (Offline) |
| Duration | 1 to 3 Months |
| Location | RIKEN IMS, Yokohama, Japan |
| Last Date to Apply | September 2026 |
About the Program
The RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences is a flagship research institute within RIKEN — Japan’s largest and most distinguished natural sciences research organisation — dedicated to establishing a new frontier in integrative medical sciences. IMS brings together expertise in genome-wide medical science, immunology, physiology, bioinformatics, and molecular, biochemical, and quantitative sciences to advance understanding of human health at a systemic level.
The RIKEN IMS Internship 2026 places participants directly within this world-class scientific environment, where they conduct supervised research under the guidance of a designated laboratory team leader. Consequently, interns gain hands-on exposure to frontier research methodologies and collaborative practices that are rarely accessible through standard academic programmes. The flexible one-to-three-month duration further allows applicants to structure their participation around existing academic or research commitments.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- The internship is open to nationals of all countries without restriction.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in a master’s, PhD, or medical degree programme at an accredited academic institution.
- Young postdoctoral researchers within three years of obtaining their PhD are also eligible to apply.
- Applicants must remain enrolled at their home institution for the entire duration of the proposed internship period.
Experience & Other Conditions
- Applicants must identify and directly contact a suitable RIKEN IMS laboratory prior to submitting a formal application.
- A proposed research topic must be discussed with and agreed upon by the host laboratory’s team leader before application submission.
- The final research proposal must align with the ongoing research activities of the chosen host laboratory.
- EU and UK residents must additionally submit a GDPR Consent Form as part of their application package.
- Applications must be received by the host laboratory no later than four months before the applicant’s desired internship start date.
Stipend, Salary & Benefits
The RIKEN IMS Internship 2026 provides full financial coverage across travel, accommodation, and daily living costs for the internship duration.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Daily Stipend | 3,000 JPY per day |
| International Airfare | Round-trip air tickets covered |
| Accommodation | Provided for the duration of the internship |
| Application Fee | None — no application fee required |
| English Proficiency Test | IELTS not required |
Selection Process
- Initial contact with and approval from the chosen RIKEN IMS laboratory team leader
- Discussion and alignment of proposed research topic with host laboratory’s ongoing research
- Review of submitted application materials — CV, Statement of Purpose, research background, and recommendation letter
- Assessment of academic enrolment status and eligibility category
- Final confirmation and internship arrangement by the host laboratory team leader
How to Apply
- Visit the RIKEN IMS laboratories directory at the official RIKEN IMS website and review available laboratories to identify one whose research aligns with your academic background and interests.
- Contact your chosen laboratory directly using the contact information provided on their individual webpage to express your interest in an internship placement.
- Once the laboratory agrees to host you, discuss your proposed research topic with the team leader and ensure your proposal aligns with the laboratory’s current research activities.
- Prepare all required documents: Curriculum Vitae (CV), Statement of Purpose, research background summary, desired internship dates, a recommendation letter, and a GDPR Consent Form (EU and UK residents only).
- Submit all application materials in English via email to the host laboratory’s team leader.
- Ensure the complete application reaches the host laboratory no later than four months before your desired internship start date, and no later than the overall programme deadline of September 2026.
Important Dates & Links
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Overall Programme Deadline | September 2026 |
| Individual Application Deadline | At least 4 months before desired start date |
Official Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the RIKEN IMS Internship 2026? The internship is open to applicants of all nationalities currently enrolled in a master’s, PhD, or medical degree programme at an accredited institution. Young postdoctoral researchers who obtained their PhD within the past three years are also eligible. Applicants must remain enrolled at their home institution throughout the internship period.
What financial benefits does the RIKEN IMS Internship 2026 provide? The programme is fully funded, covering round-trip international airfare, on-site accommodation in Yokohama, and a daily living stipend of 3,000 JPY. No application fee is charged at any stage, and IELTS or equivalent English proficiency test scores are not required.
How does the application process for the RIKEN IMS Internship 2026 work? Unlike conventional centralised applications, the RIKEN IMS Internship 2026 requires applicants to first independently identify a suitable host laboratory, contact the team leader directly, and agree on a research topic before submitting application materials via email. This laboratory-first approach means early outreach is essential to securing a placement.
What research areas does the RIKEN IMS Internship 2026 cover? The programme focuses on integrative medical sciences, encompassing genome-wide medical science, immunology, physiology, bioinformatics, and molecular, biochemical, and quantitative sciences. The specific project undertaken depends on the host laboratory selected and the agreed research proposal.
When is the deadline to apply for the RIKEN IMS Internship 2026? The overall programme deadline is September 2026. Notably, each individual application must reach the host laboratory team leader at least four months before the applicant’s preferred internship start date. Applicants are therefore strongly advised to initiate laboratory contact and begin the application process well in advance to meet this rolling submission requirement.