IRCMS, the center of excellence for world-class research in stem cell, development, aging and cancer, launched the IRCMS Research Internship Program in 2015. We have a strong interest with the highest priority in developing a global collaboration and focus on exchange of young scientists from partner institutions abroad. With opportunities for hands-on research experiences, we offer this program to undergraduate and/or graduate students who have interest and motivation in advanced medical research as "Research Interns". ※Applications are now closed. Thank you for many applications.

Please click here for the Application Guidelines for AY2025.

1. Eligibility is open to applicants of all nationalities, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral candidates at overseas universities in the field of medical sciences or related fields, as well as individual researchers affiliated with institutions outside Japan who have potential research projects that could lead to collaborative activities with IRCMS.
2. Recent graduates of undergraduate or graduate courses who are planning to enroll in a postgraduate program are also eligible. Preference will be given to those aiming to enroll in the Graduate School of Medical Sciences (GSMS) at Kumamoto University. Current students are expected to graduate within one to two years from the time of application. Preference will be given to applicants who are aiming to enroll in the Graduate School of Medical Sciences (GSMS), at Kumamoto University.
3. An applicant who selects one of the eligible laboratories below at the IRCMS.

2 to 8 weeks until early March 2026.

• The period of internship should be discussed with the prospective academic supervisor(s) ahead of time.
• The period from August 9th to the 14th, and December 27th to January 4th 2026 should be excluded and avoided from the program duration due to university's holidays when you plan to visit.

1. Application form and CV (please click here to download a form)
2. Letter(s) of recommendation written by academic supervisor(s) of the home institution, or the last university attended.
3. Additional supporting documents if any (e.g., awards, publications).

• All documents should be submitted to the IRCMS online regitsration system below, by email will not be accpepted.
  

  https://forms.office.com/r/jXwK6L6deF

• The documents must be written in either English or Japanese created in A4 size in PDF format. A document written in other than these languages must be accompanied with an English translation.
• Submitted documents will not be returned.
• An application passed the submission deadline is not acceptable.
• An applicant who makes false statements in the documents will be disqualified from taking the selection process, or will be disqualified and cancelled to receive the financial support even after selection.

From Tuesday July 22 through Friday August 22, 2025 at 5:00PM (JST)

If you are interested in participating the Research Internship Program as a self-financed student, please contact the IRCMS Admin Office at any time.

Administration Office
International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS)
Kumamoto University
Email: ircms@jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp
http://ircms.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/