If you would like to gain psychology work experience within an international research setting, consider applying to the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) Summer Program 2026. This program will bring together students and young researchers worldwide to study, conduct research, and make connections with leading neuroscientists.
If you are looking to find Psychology internships for Undergraduates (PSY), Behavioral Science Internship programs (BEHSCI), or Social Science International Internships (SSI), the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) Summer Program will provide you with practical experience that can help develop your academic career as well as contribute to your professional development.
What is the RIKEN Center for Brain Science's Summer Program?
RIKEN's CBS (Center for Brain Science) is one of the foremost research institutions in Japan dedicated to studying the brain and its functions. Based in Wako, Saitama (which is close to Tokyo), CBS is recognized as a premier center for innovative research related to brain science, cognition, behavior, and brain-related disorders.
CBS runs an annual, international summer program for students and early-career researchers who wish to gain first-hand experience of neuroscience via research and the academic discourse around it. This program operates in English, ensuring that individuals from around the world can participate in this program.
Students of psychology and neuroscience, as well as all related disciplines, will have the ability to learn from internationally-renowned scientific researchers.
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Participation can happen in two ways.
The RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) Summer Program will provide students with two options to participate;
Plan A - Full-time Laboratory Intern~~This will be a two-month internship from the period beginning June 9 through August 7. Participants will work full-time at one laboratory under the supervision of a scientist who is experienced with all laboratory procedures. Participants will contribute towards existing research projects, they will participate in laboratory meetings, and have hands-on experiences with new technologies related to neuroscience.
Plan B: 5 day lecturing session from July 22-July 28, 2026.
The students are given lectures by leading neuroscientists from all over the world. Poster sessions, lab visits, networking sessions and researcher discussions are also part of the program.
- The lecture course occurs between July 22 and July 28, 2026. Students will listen to lectures from top neuroscientists worldwide during the lecture component of the program.
- In addition to lectures, the program incorporates poster sessions, laboratory tours, networking opportunities, and the opportunity to meet with neuroscientists.
- Applicants may apply for both Plan A and Plan B, or just one, on the same application form. A lot of summer programs concentrate solely on academics.
Why This Program Stands Out?
The RIKEN Center for Brain Science is comprised of research, education, and international collaboration.
- Attendees of the program will:Engage in neuroscience research through hands-on participation.
- Listen to Lectures given by a number of extraordinary, world renowned Scientists.
- Present their own research in a poster format. take tours of some of the most cutting edge laboratories in the world.
- Meet and develop relationships with individuals from around the globe who are likewise interested in a career in neuroscience.
- Learn about the research culture of Japan. Students pursuing graduate level degree programs in the neuroscience field, or those that are or will become research scientists will greatly benefit from participation in this program.
Research Areas and Theme
The lectures and research projects include:
- Brain development, Genomics, Psychiatric and neurodevelopmental diseases, Neural Networks, Synapse mechanisms and configurations, Cognitive Science, Developmental Psychology, Translational neuroscience.
- There are many academic routes of investigation available for those who are interested in any of the following disciplines: psychology; neuroscience; cognitive science; behavioral research.
Laboratory Internships
An applicant to the laboratory internship will be able to collaborate with multiple research teams based within the RIKEN Center for Brain Science. The laboratory internship research fields are as follows:
Neurodiversity, Motor Circuit Plasticity, Human Cognition, Learning and Memory, Sensory Perception, Cognitive Sleep Research, Neural Computing, Brain Dynamics, Systems Neurophysiology, Protein Conformation Diseases, Brain Intelligence theory
Through laboratory work, students get a very real taste of what scientific research is like and benefit from learning from some of the top international scientists.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme welcomes:
- Masters' students Doctoral (PhD) students Graduate students and Early-career (recent) post-doctoral researchers
- Undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional performance and interest in research will also be considered for admission.
All applicants must be:
- Promoted by an academic institution or corporation for the duration of the programme
- Demonstrate proficiency in English Commit to attending the full duration of the programme in Japan Possess a valid passport and obtain a visa for travel to Japan, if required If you are exploring internship opportunities as a psychology undergraduate,
- I would recommend you to consider this program, especially if you have some prior research exposure or a strong academic background.
Financial Support:
The RIKEN Center for Brain Science Summer Program provides significant financial support to its Participants. Selected students may have all of the following costs paid:
Accommodation, Round-Trip Airfare, and Shinkansen Travel for students currently residing in Japan. Travel costs are only reimbursed after students submit the required paperwork according to RIKEN's travel policy. Interns in RIKEN I-House will be provided with housing, while the lecture courses will be held at nearby hotels for all students who participate in those courses. This financial aid made it easier for students from other countries who are talented, to attend the program.
What You Need to Apply
Lab-based Interns:
• A resume
• A motivation letter
• An explanation of what you want to do during your internship
• One letter of recommendation
All documents must be submitted in English.
Students interested in applying for a laboratory internship and lecture course must submit single application.
Admission to the program is extremely competitive, and therefore, applicants are encouraged to submit thoughtfully prepared materials that outline their research interests and future goals.
A valuable international opportunity.
The program is designed primarily for neuroscience students; however, most of the research topics are closely related modern psychology. Neuroscience and psychology both focus on fundamental things like how we learn, remember, think, and behave, as well as sleep, or if we have mental disorders.
It can be difficult for psychology majors to find great internship opportunities that will allow them to gain laboratory research experience and get international academic exposure. With the RIKEN Center for Brain Science Summer Program you will have the opportunity to do both.
This program provides psychology students with an invaluable experience to put on their graduate school applications to show to the admission committees that they have performed research, worked with students outside of the US, and have good scientific communication skills.
Final Thoughts
Securing a worthwhile paid internship or a global research initiative is not an easy task. Financial aid is awarded on a competitive basis (not a guarantee) and while this particular funding might not be available to all students, the RIKEN Center for Brain Science Summer Program offers probably one of the best international opportunities for students of Psychology, Neuroscience, and/or Behavioral Science.
For those students who are looking to obtain some type of psychology work program or internship within the field of psychology, or have an interest in doing behavioral sciences in conjunction with research and education combined with a chance for expanding one's global network, then this summer's RIKEN Center for Brain Science program 2026 should be given some serious consideration. Although the 2026 application deadline has passed, students who are interested in applying to future editions can get a head-start by gaining experience doing research, strengthening their academic credentials, and preparing the application materials that will be required.
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