OIST Visiting Scholars Program

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is now accepting applications for its Visiting Scholars Program 2026. This program offers a unique opportunity for researchers to conduct independent research, collaborate with OIST research units, and engage in academic and outreach activities.

📚 About OIST Visiting Scholars Program

The OIST Visiting Scholars Program (TSVP) was launched in June 2021 to bring leading researchers to OIST for extended visits. The program spans all fields, including but not limited to:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Computational Sciences
• Chemistry
• Engineering
• Life Sciences

Note: Only researchers requiring access to a lab should apply as "Experimental Visiting Scholars." For other options, refer to the overview of OIST's Visiting Programs.

Key Details:

• Date Published: September 1, 2025
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
• Category: Postgraduate, PhD, Fully Funded, Postdoctoral
• Location: Japan
• Institution: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST)

🎁 Benefits of the Program

Selected scholars will receive the following benefits:

• Round-trip airfare between the home institution and Okinawa
• On-campus housing at OIST
• Daily living allowance (per diem)
• Office space and administrative support
• Access to OIST research facilities, library, and computing resources
• Opportunities to collaborate with OIST research units
• In exceptional cases, partial salary support may be available if the applicant lacks institutional funding

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field
• Be independent researchers, with an academic standing equivalent to:
  • Senior postdoc
  • Junior group leader
  • Faculty member at a research-intensive institution

📝 Application Process

Applicants should submit the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a list of publications.
2. A proposal (1-2 pages) containing:
   • A brief description of their research to date.
   • Proposed research during the visit to OIST.
   • The research units the applicant is interested in interacting with.
3. A title and abstract for a general-audience talk.
   • Proposals for additional outreach activities, research seminars, short courses for graduate students, or career talks are highly encouraged.

Important Notes:

• Visits are typically 3 to 12 months.
• Visits must start between April 2026 and March 2027.
• Applications received by September 15, 2025, are guaranteed full consideration.

📅 Application Deadline

• September 15, 2025

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the program: OIST Visiting Scholars Program
• Apply here: OIST Visiting Scholars Application

Additional Information

Visiting Scholars are expected to:

• Conduct independent research at OIST.
• Interact with one or more OIST Research Units.
• Deliver a general-audience lecture about their field of research within the first month of their visit.
• Optionally, conduct research seminars, lectures for graduate students, or other outreach activities.

For inquiries about special circumstances (e.g., visits shorter than 3 months), please contact OIST directly.

This is an exceptional opportunity to advance your research and collaborate with a world-class institution in Japan. Don't miss the chance to apply!

• Round-trip airfare between the home institution and Okinawa
• On-campus housing at OIST
• Daily living allowance (per diem)
• Office space and administrative support
• Access to OIST research facilities, library, and computing resources
• Opportunities to collaborate with OIST research units
• In exceptional cases, partial salary support may be available if the applicant lacks institutional funding