If you're an undergraduate or early-stage graduate student passionate about advanced scientific research, applications are now open for the SOKENDAI KEK Tsukuba/J-PARC Summer Student Program 2025. This fully funded research experience in Japan allows students to engage in cutting-edge studies in particle physics, nuclear physics, material and life sciences, accelerator science, and theoretical physics. Participants will have the opportunity to work at the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK)'s Tsukuba and Tokai campuses, two of the world's leading accelerator science research institutions. Details in this article.
Program Summary
Location: Tsukuba and Tokai campuses, Japan
Host Institution: High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK)
Target Group: Undergraduate (latter half) and early-stage Master’s students
Research Focus: Elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, material and life sciences, accelerator science, advanced detection systems, theoretical physics
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Duration: Up to 8 weeks
Application Deadline: March 3, 2025, 9:00 AM (Japan time)
Start Date: Mid-June 2025 (exact dates to be determined after selection)
Eligible to: Open to both international and Japanese students
Program Overview
KEK (High Energy Accelerator Research Organization) is Japan’s premier research center for high-energy physics, nuclear science, and accelerator technology. It operates two major campuses:
1. Tsukuba Campus
Home to the Belle II Experiment at the SuperKEKB electron-positron collider, which investigates fundamental physics beyond the Standard Model. The Photon Factory, an advanced synchrotron light source, is also located here.
2. Tokai Campus (J-PARC)
Hosts the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC), one of the world’s most powerful high-intensity proton beam facilities, where researchers study particle physics, nuclear physics, and material/life sciences using cutting-edge accelerator technology.
The summer program is designed to introduce students to hands-on experimental and theoretical research at these state-of-the-art facilities.
Areas of Research
Nuclear physics
Material & life science
Accelerator science
Advanced detection systems (sensors, electronics, computing)
Theoretical physics (quantum field theory, lattice QCD)
Program Structure and Activities
During the SOKENDAI KEK Tsukuba/J-PARC Summer Student Program, students will:
Be assigned to one of KEK’s research groups based on their interests.
Conduct experimental or theoretical research projects under the guidance of senior researchers.
Collaborate with SOKENDAI graduate students, postdocs, and KEK scientists.
Participate in joint academic and networking sessions in July and August.
Work on data analysis, experimental setups, computational methods, and simulations.
ℹ️ For theory research participants, the stay is limited to 4 weeks, while experimental projects may last up to 8 weeks.
Funding and Benefits
I. For international students
Round-trip airfare (paid directly to travel agencies).
Accommodation at KEK/J-PARC dormitories (no charge to participants).
Daily stipend of 1,500 JPY (approximately 10 USD/day).
Domestic travel expenses between Tokyo airports (Narita/Haneda) and KEK/J-PARC.
II) For Japanese students
Accommodation at KEK/J-PARC dormitories.
Daily stipend of 1,500 JPY.
Domestic travel costs (reimbursed via bank transfer).
⚠️ Additional Notes:
Participants must cover their own visa and medical insurance costs.
Flight tickets are arranged by the organizers; students do not have to book their own.
Travel reimbursements are made in cash (JPY) within Two weeks of arrival.
Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship: Open to both international and Japanese students.
Academic standing: Be in the final years of an undergraduate program or an early-stage Master’s student (PhD students are NOT eligible).
Academic Background: Have a background in dynamics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanic (recommended but not mandatory).
Language: Have a good command of English or Japanese.
Application Procedure
1. Register for the Program
Complete the Registration Form to receive an ID number.
The ID number will be assigned via email after registration.
2. Prepare Required Documents
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Official academic transcript** (If not in English or Japanese, include an abridged English translation)
Completed application form (Word format)
At least one recommendation letter** from a university professor or researcher familiar with your academic work.
(For recommenders) Letters should be sent directly from the professor to KEK at the same email address.
3. Submit Required Documents via Email
Send the documents above to: [kekssp-app@ml.post.kek.jp]
Subject line: "[KEKSSP Application, ID=XXX]" (where XXX is your assigned ID number).
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed based on academic performance, motivation, and research alignment.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview.
Selected students will be notified by April 30, 2025.
ℹ️ For Further Information about the application process, visit the official webpage.
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
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