Are you a passionate master’s student, a PhD candidate, or a recent postdoctoral researcher dreaming of gaining world-class research experience in Japan? The RIKEN IMS Internship Program for 2026 is your opportunity. This fully funded program invites talented international students and young researchers to spend 1 to 3 months at the prestigious RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) in Yokohama.
In this article we will provide all the essential details about the internship, its generous benefits, eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step application process.
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What is the RIKEN IMS Internship 2026 in Japan?
The RIKEN IMS Internship is a short-term research program designed to immerse participants in a cutting-edge scientific environment. Located in the vibrant city of Yokohama, interns work directly under the guidance of a supervisor in a specific RIKEN IMS laboratory. The core purpose is to contribute to ongoing research while gaining invaluable hands-on experience in integrative medical sciences. It’s a unique chance to build your network, learn new techniques, and experience life as a researcher in one of Japan’s top institutes.
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Host Country: Japan
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Location: RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), Yokohama
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Internship Duration: 1 to 3 months
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Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
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Application Deadline: Applications are typically accepted until September 2026, but you must apply at least four months before your desired start date.
Scholarship Value / Inclusions for RIKEN IMS Internship 2026 in Japan
The program covers your major expenses so you can focus entirely on your research. The comprehensive financial package includes:
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Round-Trip Airfare: Your international flight tickets to and from Japan are covered.
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Free Accommodation: The program provides a place for you to stay during your internship, removing the stress of finding housing in a new country.
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Daily Stipend: You will receive 3,000 Yen per day to cover your living expenses, such as food and local transportation.
Focus Areas of the Internship
RIKEN IMS is at the forefront of integrative medical sciences. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in research areas like:
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Genome-wide Medical Science
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Immunology and Physiology
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Bioinformatics
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Molecular, Biochemical, and Quantitative Sciences
This is your chance to work on projects that combine these fields to solve complex biological questions.
Eligibility Criteria
The RIKEN IMS Internship is open to candidates from all nationalities. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following criteria:
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Be currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program.
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Be a medical student.
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Be a young postdoctoral researcher within three years of obtaining your PhD.
Important Note: You must be enrolled in your home academic institution for the entire duration of the proposed internship.
Required Documents
Before you start the application process, prepare these documents in English:
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Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed overview of your academic and professional background.
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Statement of Purpose: A clear essay explaining your research interests, why you want to join RIKEN IMS, and what you hope to achieve.
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Research Background: A summary of your previous research experience and skills.
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Desired Internship Dates: Clearly state when you wish to start and end your internship (remember the 4-month advance rule).
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Recommendation Letter: One letter from an academic advisor or professor who knows your work well.
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GDPR Consent Form: This is only required for residents of the European Union and the United Kingdom.
How to Apply
The application process for this internship is unique. It is not a centralized online form but a direct process with the laboratories. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Find and Contact a Laboratory
Your first and most crucial step is to explore the research being done at RIKEN IMS.
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Visit the official list of RIKEN IMS laboratories
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Browse the different teams and find a lab whose research interests you.
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Directly contact the team leader of that specific laboratory using the email address provided on their page. Introduce yourself, express your interest in their work, and inquire about the possibility of joining as an intern. This initial contact is essential.
Step 2: Discuss Your Research Proposal
If a laboratory agrees to host you, you will then work with the team leader to develop a concrete research proposal. This topic must align with the lab’s current projects and goals. This collaborative discussion ensures your project is feasible and mutually beneficial.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once your research topic is finalized and the lab has confirmed its willingness to host you, you will submit your complete application documents (listed above) via email to the team leader of the host laboratory.
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Critical Timing: Your full application, including all documents, must be received no later than four months before your desired start date. Plan your timeline accordingly.
