Students and young researchers interested in neuroscience can explore an international research opportunity in Japan through the RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2027.
Organized by the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS), the program offers participants a chance to learn from experienced researchers and explore current developments in brain science.
The program will take place at the RIKEN Wako Campus in Saitama, near Tokyo. It welcomes international applicants from different academic backgrounds who want to expand their research knowledge and build global connections.
For 2027, RIKEN CBS offers two participation options: a two-month laboratory internship and a five-day lecture course.
Two Program Options for Applicants
The RIKEN CBS Summer Program provides two different learning experiences. You can choose the option that best matches your academic interests and availability.
- Plan A: Two-Month Research Internship.
Plan A runs from June 8 to August 5, 2027. Participants will join a research laboratory at RIKEN CBS and take part in its ongoing research activities.
During the internship, you will work alongside researchers and gain practical experience in a neuroscience research environment. You must also prepare a research poster and present your internship findings at the end of the program. Interns may also attend the five-day lecture course if their laboratory schedule allows.
- Plan B: Five-Day Lecture Course
Plan B takes place from July 5 to July 9, 2027. This option focuses on lectures, discussions, and academic activities led by international researchers.
Participants can explore neuroscience topics, visit laboratories, and join poster sessions. The course also provides opportunities to connect with researchers and students from different countries.
You can apply for Plan A, Plan B, or both options through the application form.
What Benefits Can Participants Receive?
The RIKEN CBS Summer Program offers financial support to applicants who request it and receive approval.
Selected participants may receive assistance with:
- Round-trip airfare or Shinkansen transportation within Japan.
- Accommodation expenses during the program.
- Access to research laboratories and academic activities.
- Guidance from experienced researchers.
- Opportunities to present research posters and findings.
- Networking opportunities with international participants.
However, financial support is not automatically available to everyone. You must submit a financial support request during the application process.
RIKEN sets regional reimbursement limits for travel expenses. For applicants from Asia, the maximum airfare and transportation reimbursement is JPY 100,000.
Participants must purchase their tickets in advance and submit the required documents after returning home. The program does not cover meals or other daily living expenses.
Applicants who do not receive financial support must arrange and pay for their own travel and accommodation.
Who Can Apply?
Before applying, make sure you meet these general requirements:
- Have completed high school education.
- Must be enrolled at an academic institution or company when applying.
- Must maintain your institutional affiliation throughout the program.
- Must be available for the entire duration of your selected course.
- Must attend all activities in person at the designated venue.
- International applicants must have a valid passport.
High school students cannot apply. Applicants who are taking a gap year must provide proof of enrollment at the institution or company they will join during the program.
The program requires full on-site participation. You cannot request a shorter internship or attend only part of the lecture course.
International applicants should also check Japan’s visa requirements. Each participant is responsible for obtaining a visa if necessary.
Required Documents
Prepare your application documents in English before accessing the online application form.
For Plan A, applicants must submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter.
- Internship project description.
- Letter of recommendation.
- Financial support request letter, if needed.
For Plan B, applicants must submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter.
- Letter of recommendation.
- Financial support request letter, if needed.
NOTES:
Your motivation letter should explain why you want to join the program, your research background, and how the experience supports your academic goals.
Plan A applicants must also prepare a specific research project description. RIKEN encourages applicants to contact their preferred laboratory head before applying.
Your academic supervisor must submit the recommendation letter directly through the designated application process. Make sure your recommender completes this step before the deadline.
Application Deadline and How to Apply
Applications for the RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2027 opened on November 9, 2026.
The final deadline is January 8, 2027, at 9:00 AM Japan Standard Time (JST). Late applications will not be accepted.
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the official RIKEN CBS Summer Program website: https://cbs.riken.jp/en/summer/
- Review the available participation options and research laboratories.
- Prepare all required documents in English.
- Contact your academic supervisor about the recommendation letter.
- Complete the online application form.
- Select Plan A, Plan B, or both options.
- Submit your application and ensure your recommender uploads the required letter.
Please note that there is no registration fee to apply for the program.
Applicants who need financial assistance must include a financial support request when submitting their application.
RIKEN expects to announce the selection results by email around mid-February 2027.
Conclusion
The RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2027 offers an opportunity to explore neuroscience research in an international academic environment.
With a laboratory internship and a lecture course available, you can choose an experience that fits your academic interests. Selected participants may also receive travel and accommodation assistance.
If you are interested in brain science and want to develop your research experience in Japan, this program is worth considering. Start preparing your documents early and review the official requirements before submitting your application.
Apply before January 8, 2027, and take the next step toward your international research experience.
