Are you a graduate student, postdoc, or early-career researcher passionate about neuroscience? The RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) in Tokyo offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in cutting-edge brain research this summer.
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What is the RIKEN CBS Summer Program?
The program offers two exciting tracks:
- Plan A – Internship Course (2 months)
- Dates: June 9 – August 7, 2026
- Hands-on lab research with world-class neuroscientists.
- Includes a mandatory poster presentation during the lecture week.
- Plan B – Lecture Course (5 days)
- Dates: July 22 – 28, 2026 (excluding weekends)
- Intensive lectures by internationally recognized faculty.
- Offers workshops, discussions, and a poster session.
Internship participants can also enroll in the lecture course for maximum exposure.
Also Check: DESY Summer Student Programme 2026 in Germany
Why You Should Apply
- Hands-on research experience in a leading neuroscience lab.
- Learn from global experts through lectures and workshops.
- Network with international peers and build lifelong connections.
- Present your research and get valuable feedback.
Also Check: Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP) at MIT and Harvard
Eligibility & Requirements
- Open to graduate students, postdocs, and research professionals.
- Must be enrolled in an academic institute or company during the program.
- High school students are not eligible.
- Foreign participants need a valid passport and possibly a VISA.
Documents Required:
- CV with education, research experience, publications
- Motivation letter (500 words)
- Internship project description (for Plan A)
- Letter of recommendation
- Optional: financial support request
Also Check: HZDR Summer Student Program 2026 in Germany
Financial Support & Accommodation
- No registration fee.
- Financial support may cover airfare and accommodation for eligible participants.
- Accommodation:
- Internship: RIKEN I-House
- Lecture: Hotel Toyoko Inn (near Wako-Shi Station)
How to Apply
- Deadline: January 7, 2026, 9:00 AM JST
- Submit your application online along with your supervisor’s recommendation.
- Selection results announced mid-February 2026.
Pro Tip: Contact your potential lab supervisor before applying to craft a strong project proposal.
Top Labs to Join
Some of the RIKEN CBS host labs include:
- Neurodiversity Lab – Adrian Moore
- Motor Circuit Plasticity – Aya Takeoka
- Cognition and Behavior – Dai Yanagihara
- Circuit Mechanisms of Sensory Perception – Hokto Kazama
- Human Cognition & Learning – Kazuhisa Shibata
Why RIKEN CBS Stands Out
- Located just outside Tokyo, combining advanced research with cultural exploration.
- Encourages poster sessions and interactive learning to share knowledge globally.
- Offers financial support to talented candidates without external funding.
Don’t miss this chance to advance your neuroscience career in Japan!
Apply for the RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026 and be part of an international community pushing the boundaries of brain science.
