Research Opportunities for Students

At the RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics (RAP), undergraduate and graduate students participate in research activities through a variety of programs. By engaging in advanced research within RAP’s research teams, students can acquire specialized knowledge and technical skills while gaining valuable experience that contributes to their future career development.

• For Undergraduate Students
• For Graduate Students
  (Master’s and Doctoral Programs)

For Undergraduate Students

Student Trainees (Undergraduate Research and Technical Training)

Undergraduate students can conduct research at RIKEN as Student Trainees under the guidance of RIKEN researchers, while maintaining enrollment at their home universities.
Students can engage in research for their undergraduate theses, explore specialized research topics, and acquire practical research skills and techniques.
Students may also have the opportunity to continue their research at RIKEN after entering graduate school, building on their undergraduate research experience.

Three Steps to Starting Research at RAP

1. Step 1 — Contact Your Preferred Research Team
   Explore RAP’s research areas and contact the Team Director of the research team you are interested in joining.
   Note: Please refer to the list of research teams currently accepting students.
2. Step 2 — Discuss Research Plans and Acceptance Procedures
   Discuss your research plans and acceptance procedures with the Team Director.
   If you plan to conduct your undergraduate thesis research at RIKEN, consult your university supervisor regarding the necessary procedures.
   You may also discuss opportunities to continue your research at RIKEN after entering graduate school.
   Recommendation: If you wish to conduct your undergraduate thesis research at RIKEN, we recommend consulting both your university supervisor and RIKEN researchers early in the academic year.
3. Step 3 — Start Your Research at RIKEN
   After completing the necessary procedures, you can begin your undergraduate thesis research or technical training under the supervision of RIKEN researchers.

For Graduate Students (Master’s and Doctoral Programs)

Student Trainees (Master’s and Doctoral Thesis Research)

Graduate students can conduct research at RIKEN under the supervision of RIKEN researchers while remaining enrolled at their home universities.
Students can work on research for their master’s or doctoral theses, explore specialized research topics, and acquire advanced research skills and techniques.

Three Steps to Starting Research at RAP

1. Step 1 — Contact Your Preferred Research Team
   Explore RAP’s research areas and contact the Team Director of the research team you are interested in joining.
   Note: Please refer to the list of research teams currently accepting students.
2. Step 2 — Discuss Research Plans and Acceptance Procedures
   Discuss your research plans and acceptance procedures with the Team Director. You may also discuss coordination with your home university and the possibility of participating in programs such as the Cooperative Graduate School Program, if applicable.
   Recommendation: If you wish to conduct research for your master’s or doctoral thesis at RIKEN, we recommend consulting both your university supervisor and RIKEN researchers early in the academic year.
3. Step 3 — Start Your Research at RIKEN
   After completing the required procedures, you can begin your thesis research or technical training under the supervision of RIKEN researchers.

Research Programs and Opportunities for Graduate Students

In addition to conducting research as Student Trainees, graduate students can access various programs at RIKEN that support their research activities and career development. Eligibility depends on their home university, academic program, and research activities.