RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026 offers a remarkable opportunity for ambitious students and young researchers to explore the mysteries of the human brain under world-class mentorship. Hosted by the prestigious RIKEN Center for Brain Science (RIKEN CBS) in Tokyo, Japan, this fully immersive program allows participants to choose between two distinct learning experiences, a 2-month research internship (Plan A) within a RIKEN CBS laboratory or an intensive 5-day lecture course (Plan B) featuring globally renowned neuroscientists. Students opting for the internship can also attend the lecture series, gaining a perfect blend of theoretical and practical exposure to modern neuroscience.
Through hands-on research, interactive lectures, and engaging poster sessions, the RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026 equips participants with the tools to expand their scientific knowledge, sharpen analytical skills, and collaborate with leading experts in the field. The program attracts graduate and postdoctoral students from around the world, fostering a rich, multicultural academic environment. All selected participants are required to travel to Tokyo, where they will have the chance to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of brain science in one of the world’s top research institutes.
Benefits
The RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026 covers:
- Return Airfare
- Accommodation
- Monthly Stipend
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates from all countries are eligible.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in an academic institute or employed by a company at the time of application and throughout the program period.
- You must submit a certificate of enrollment or equivalent proof of affiliation for the duration of the program.
- High school students are not eligible to participate.
- Foreign participants must possess a valid passport.
Required Documents
- Internship Project Description
- CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- Motivation Letter
- A Letter of Recommendation
- A Letter Requesting Financial Support (only for those who need it).
Internship Dates
- 2 Months: June 9–August 7, 2026
- Task: Summer interns will conduct research within a CBS Lab for two months. They will actively participate in the host laboratory’s research activities and conclude their term by presenting their findings.
Lecture Dates
- 5 Days: July 22-28, 2026
- Task: This lecture course is designed to provide a complete understanding of the chosen theme, covering essential basic concepts alongside the latest, cutting-edge research. This intensive platform will reveal a wide variety of important new research and techniques.
How to Apply?
- Choose your plan: Decide whether you want to apply for Plan A (2-month laboratory internship), Plan B (5-day lecture course), or both options.
- Prepare your documents: All documents must be written in English. You will need a CV, a motivation letter (about 500 words) explaining your research background and goals, and — if applying for Plan A — a short project description outlining what you plan to achieve during the internship.
- Request financial support (if needed): If you require travel or accommodation funding, include a brief letter requesting financial assistance with your application.
- Secure a recommendation letter: Ask your supervisor to write a recommendation letter. Once you register their contact details, they will receive an automated email with an upload link. Make sure they submit it before the deadline.
- Submit your application: Complete the online application form and upload all required files. You may submit multiple times, but only the latest version will be considered.
- Check the deadline: The final deadline for all applications and recommendation letters is Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM (JST).
- Wait for results: Selection results will be announced via email around mid-February 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026 offers hands-on laboratory internships, intensive lecture courses, poster presentations, and networking with top neuroscientists. Its main theme is advancing understanding of brain science through research, collaboration, and exposure to cutting-edge neuroscience.
What is the eligibility for the RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026?
Applicants must be enrolled in a university, graduate school or company for the entire program period. High school students are not eligible. Foreign participants must have a valid passport and secure a visa if required.
Does the RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026 charge a registration fee?
No registration fees are required to apply or participate in the program. You can submit your application without paying any fee to the institute.
What are the participation requirements for Plan A (Internship) in the RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026?
For Plan A you must engage in all laboratory activities, present a poster at your home institution during the lecture week, attend the neuroethics workshop, give a final presentation, and submit the course survey.
What are the participation requirements for Plan B (Lecture) in the RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026?
For Plan B you must participate in all scheduled lecture activities, present a poster representing your research at your current institution, and submit the course survey at the end of the lecture course.
What kind of financial support does the RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026 offer?
Financial support may include reimbursement for round‑trip airfare or bullet train fare and accommodation. No salary or food expenses are offered. Travel must follow the programme regulations.
What is the application deadline for the RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026?
The deadline for submitting your application is Friday, January 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM (JST). Make sure your application and any supporting documents are complete by then.
When must letters of recommendation be submitted for the RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026?
Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by the same deadline as the application—January 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM (JST). Ensure your referrer uploads on time.
When will the results for the RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026 be announced?
Results are scheduled to be emailed to applicants around mid‑February 2026 following the application review. Keep an eye on your inbox.
Can I submit multiple applications to the RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026?
Yes, you may submit more than one application. However, only your latest submission will be considered valid. Choose “Both” if you apply to Plan A and Plan B simultaneously.
Does acceptance guarantee participation in the RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2026?
Acceptance does not guarantee your attendance if you cannot secure a visa, fail to meet the requirements, or change your affiliation during the programme period. Ensure all conditions are met.
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