ICYS is a cross-institute center established by NIMS in 2003 to operate a program dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders in materials science. Targeting early-career researchers within 10 years of earning a Ph.D., the Center recruits them as ICYS researchers rather than into individual research groups. Based at ICYS, researchers are provided with an environment where they can pursue their own independent research while collaborating with research groups both inside and outside NIMS.
| ■Program |
ICYS PI
ICYS Research Fellow |
|---|---|
| ■Achievements of ICYS Researchers |
・Number of Researchers: On average, 20 to 25 members ・Major career paths after ICYS: ▶ Career Paths |
Research Environment
Research Facilities
ICYS Researchers have full access to the various advanced research facilities in NIMS. Usage fees for the common facilities are subsidized.
Mentoring System
Two mentors are assigned to each ICYS Researcher .
Mentors are selected from experts in relevant research fields both inside and outside NIMS. While respecting the independence of ICYS researchers, mentors provide guidance on research direction as needed.
Research Support Staff Assignment
For ICYS PIs, upon successful review, it is possible to assign postdoctoral researchers or research assistants for up to three years.
Duration of Contract
5 years
3 years（max 5）
*If the applicant is already in NIMS as a non-permanent researcher (Post doc et al.), the max contract term depends on work experience at NIMS.)
Research Budget
4 million JPY per year
2 million JPY per yea
The budget can be used to purchase goods, consumable items or for travel expenses.
Networking
At ICYS, researchers are encouraged to interact with colleagues both within and outside of NIMS to expand their research networks.
The biweekly ICYS seminars provide opportunities to present research progress and gain new ideas through lively and stimulating discussions with peers and NIMS researchers.The annual ICYS workshop, held off-site in a relaxed setting, offers a valuable chance to connect with colleagues and distinguished guest speakers from around the world.
Path to NIMS tenured researchers
ICYS researchers receive preferential consideration when applying for tenured positions at NIMS. About half of the ICYS researchers who have applied have been hired, and currently, around 60 ICYS alumni are working as tenured researchers at NIMS.
Secretary Service
ICYS provides a range of other support to enable researchers to pursue their research independently, including applying for patents or competitive funds such as Kakenhi.
A clerical staff with excellent English skills provides assistance with a range of NIMS clerical work, purchasing, and other procedures. Researchers can also make use of the main NIMS support system to help them get acclimated to life in Japan, deal with emergencies, and obtain other assistance as needed.
Publications, Patents
Each ICYS Researcher has Published an average of more than three research papers each year, most of which have been published in the leading journals in their respective fields.
| Fiscal Year | Number of papers | FWCI | Number of papers per a person | Number of Patent Appl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 77 | 1.78 | 3.3 | 8 |
| 2020 | 84 | 1.31 | 2.9 | 21 |
| 2021 | 106 | 1.64 | 3.5 | 18 |
| 2022 | 73 | 1.37 | 2.6 | 6 |
| 2023 | 61 | 1.10 | 2.8 | 8 |
ICYS Brochure, Annual Report
ICYS Brochure
issued in April 2024
English
Brochure providing an overview of ICYS, and the brief introduction of research being conducted by the ICYS Researchers .
ICYS Annual Report 2023
issued in March 2025
English
Includes reports on ICYS activities, abstracts of the research by ICYS Researchers , list of patents, publications, books, commendations and the list of ICYS Alumni appointed as tenure researchers in NIMS.