Summary
The KEK Summer Student Program 2026 provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate and early-stage Master’s students to engage in advanced research at one of the world’s leading accelerator science research laboratories in Japan. This fully funded program allows participants to work on cutting-edge projects and gain valuable experience in various fields of physics.
- Applications are now open for the KEK Summer Student Program 2026 in Japan, a fully funded research opportunity at one of the world’s leading accelerator science laboratories.
- 🔬 Hosted by SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies) and KEK (IINAS-NX program), students will conduct hands-on research at the Tsukuba Campus or Tokai Campus (J-PARC).
- 🌌 Research fields include Elementary Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, Material & Life Science, Accelerator Science, Advanced Detection Systems, and Theory (computational quantum field theory).
- 🧪 Tokai (J-PARC) projects explore the origin of the universe and hidden matter, while Tsukuba projects focus on the Belle II experiment and physics beyond the Standard Model.
- 👩🔬 Participants will work in research groups under experienced scientists, gaining valuable academic and career-building experience.
- ⏳ Program duration is up to 8 weeks (Mid-June to Mid-August 2026); theory groups may participate for up to 4 weeks.
- 💰 Benefits for international students include round-trip airfare, accommodation, daily allowance (1,500 yen/day), and domestic travel costs.
- 🏠 Japanese students receive accommodation, daily allowance (1,500 yen/day), and domestic travel support as per KEK rules.
- 🎓 Eligibility: Undergraduate students (latter half) or early-stage Master’s students as of March 1, 2026; PhD students are not eligible. Both Japanese and international students may apply.
- 📝 Application process includes online registration for an ID number, submission of documents via web form, and a separate recommendation letter submission by a supervisor.
- 📄 Required documents: CV, official transcript (with English translation if needed), completed KEK application form, and at least one recommendation letter.
- 📅 Deadline to apply: February 27 (Friday), 9:00 AM Japan Time.
Designation
Summer Student Researcher
Research Areas
- Elementary Particle Physics
- Nuclear Physics
- Material and Life Science
- Accelerator Science
- Advanced Detection Systems (Sensors, Electronics, and Computing)
- Theory (Computational methods in quantum field theory)
Location
- Host Country: Japan
- Host Organizations: SOKENDAI, KEK
- Program Locations:
- Tsukuba Campus, KEK
- Tokai Campus (J-PARC)
Eligibility/Qualification
- Students must be in the latter half of their undergraduate program or in the early stages of a Master’s program as of March 1, 2026.
- PhD students are not eligible to apply.
- Open to both Japanese and international students.
Description
The KEK Summer Student Program allows participants to conduct advanced research through hands-on work at either the KEK Tsukuba or J-PARC facilities. Students will stay for up to 8 weeks, collaborating in group settings under the supervision of experienced researchers. Research at Tokai focuses on exploring the universe’s origin and hidden matter, while work at Tsukuba pertains to the Belle II experiment and studies beyond the Standard Model.
Benefits
Participants will receive:
- Round-trip airfare (arranged and paid by the organizers) for non-Japanese university students
- Accommodation in KEK/J-PARC dormitories
- A per diem of 1,500 yen per day
- Domestic travel costs between Narita/Haneda Airport and KEK/J-PARC (based on KEK’s financial rules)
How to Apply
- Complete the online registration form to obtain an ID number.
- Include your ID number in all application documents.
- Submit the required application materials via the designated web form (not by email).
- Ensure that your recommender submits the recommendation letter through another web form using your identification code.
Required Documents
- CV
- Official transcript of academic record (with English translation if necessary)
- Completed application form (provided by KEK)
- At least one recommendation letter from a university supervisor or researcher familiar with your work
Last Date to Apply
February 27, 2026, by 9:00 AM (Japan time)
This program offers a valuable opportunity for students looking to enhance their research skills and gain international experience in the scientific community.
