Description

The RIKEN IMS Internship Program 2026: Funded Research Internship in Japan is an internship opportunity organized by the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences. The RIKEN IMS Internship Program welcomes young international researchers to the laboratories of the Center for Integrative Medical Sciences in Yokohama. This SkillReFlex fact sheet summarizes the information you need to make a quick and informed decision: target audience, available support, timeline, required documents, application process, official links, and key considerations before applying. Program Objective : The internship allows you to develop your research skills in a new scientific environment, in collaboration with a host laboratory and on a relevant research topic. Proposed Experience - Internships last from 1 to 3 months. Applicants must identify a RIKEN IMS laboratory, propose a research topic, and follow the procedure outlined on the official page. Before submitting your application, review the official page to confirm the exact format, attendance requirements, working languages, expenses not covered, visa or mobility restrictions, and the rules specific to your category. Funding and Benefits - The support provided is as follows: Student category: housing, travel expenses, and a stipend of 3,000 yen per working day; early-career postdoc category: housing and travel expenses, with no daily stipend. Key points to remember: Accommodation covered within the limits specified by RIKEN IMS; Travel expenses covered according to category; A stipend of 3,000 yen per working day for students; Experience at a Japanese center for integrative medical research; Approximately eight positions announced. When a program combines support, training, awards, travel, visibility, or funding, always distinguish between what is guaranteed, competitive, or contingent on a subsequent stage. Eligibility Requirements : This opportunity is open to master’s or Ph.D. students, medical students at the master’s level in Japan, and early-career postdocs within three years of completing their Ph.D. The main criteria to verify are: Being a master’s student, Ph.D. student, medical student at the master’s level, or early-career postdoc; Remaining enrolled at an academic institution during the internship; Finding a relevant RIKEN IMS host laboratory; Proposing a research topic suited to the laboratory; Adhering to the FY2026 timeline and the laboratory’s guidelines. Timeline - The date set for public announcement is: submissions accepted through September 2026, according to the official timeline. Official milestones: RIKEN IMS is accepting FY2026 applications; Latest submission date indicated: September 2026; Latest management meeting date: October 2026; Latest start date indicated: January 2027; Internship duration: 1 to 3 months. If the source mentions multiple rounds, categories, countries, or time zones, always confirm the date that applies to your situation before finalizing your application. Application : Recommended Procedure: Read the official RIKEN IMS Internship Program page; Identify a participating laboratory; Prepare a suitable research topic; Follow the application instructions provided by RIKEN IMS; Confirm the dates with the host laboratory. Documents or information you’ll need to prepare include: academic resume, research topic or proposal, information about your preferred lab, proof of student or postdoctoral status, and any additional documents requested by RIKEN IMS. Contact or target a lab whose research areas align precisely with your topic. Explain why you would not be able to carry out this research without the program. Verify the timeline with the lab, as the official call for applications provides a monthly schedule. Keep a copy of every document you submit, use a permanent email address, and make sure you receive a confirmation when the portal provides one. Important note: This post does not replace the official source. Verified points: official RIKEN IMS page accessed on June 13, 2026; FY2026 call currently open confirmed; official timeline indicating submissions accepted through September 2026, exact date not published. Use only ims.riken.jp and official RIKEN IMS contacts. Do not confuse this program with other RIKEN summer programs that have already closed. The date shown is for reference only, as the official call specifies the month of September without an exact day. Apply only through the official channels listed and refuse any promises of selection in exchange for payment, any requests for unlisted fees, or any contacts that direct you away from official channels.

Official source and verification

Eligibility criteria

• Be a master's student, doctoral student, medical student at the master's level, or early-career postdoc
• Remain enrolled at an academic institution during the internship
• Find a suitable RIKEN IMS host laboratory
• Propose a research topic suitable for the lab
• Adhere to the FY2026 timeline and the laboratory's guidelines

Application procedure