For Young Researchers – Program Details

At the International Center for Young Scientists (ICYS), outstanding early-career researchers (within 10 years of obtaining their doctoral degrees) are employed through a global selection process as either ICYS Principal Investigators (ICYS PI) or ICYS Research Fellows (ICYS RF). ICYS is committed to fostering the next generation of leaders in materials science research. Both ICYS PIs and ICYS RFs have access to NIMS’s state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and conduct independent, original research. They receive comprehensive support, including mentoring from internal and external NIMS researchers and secretarial assistance, enabling them to pursue their research ideas autonomously.

ICYS Main Programs​

ICYS offers two main programs: ICYS Principal Investigator (ICYS PI) and ICYS Research Fellow (ICYS RF).

For more details, please visit the Applications page.

Key Points:

• Term: 5 years
• Access to state-of-the-art NIMS research facilities
• Funding is available upon review to hire a postdoc or a technical assistant for up to 3 years (subject to screening)
• Research Budget: 4,000,000 JPY/year
• Career path to leadership positions (e.g., team or group leader) within NIMS (not guaranteed).
• Eligibility: Within 10 years of obtaining a doctoral degree (or expected to obtain a doctorate by the time of appointment)

Key Points:

• Term: 3 years (renewable annually up to 5 years, based on performance)
• Access to state-of-the-art NIMS research facilities
• Research Budget: 2,000,000 JPY/year
• Career path to tenured research positions at NIMS or faculty positions at universities after completion of the term (not guaranteed)
• Eligibility: Within 10 years of obtaining a doctoral degree (or expected to obtain a doctorate by the time of appointment)

■ Research Activity Support

Research Funding

Access to Cutting-Edge Research Facilities​

ICYS researchers have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment at NIMS. Unique, custom-built instruments available only at NIMS provide opportunities for innovative research that cannot be done elsewhere.​

Your ideas can lead to pioneering discoveries using these advanced resources.​

Allocation of Technical Assistant

ICYS PIs who pass the selection process are eligible to have technical assistants assigned to their research for up to three years.​

This enables the formation of a small research unit and provides an environment where researchers can devote themselves to innovative work in a flexible and supportive setting.

Comprehensive Support for Researchers​

Various support services are available to help researchers conduct their work independently, including assistance with applications for external funding such as KAKENHI (Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research), patent applications, and technical matters.​

Administrative staff also support researchers with NIMS-related paperwork, purchasing procedures, and various office tasks. For international researchers, comprehensive support is available for settling and starting life in Japan.​​

■ Support System for Early-Career Researchers

Mentor System

Each ICYS researcher is assigned two mentors.

Mentors are selected from NIMS and external research institutions, based on their expertise in relevant research fields.

While respecting the autonomy of ICYS researchers, mentors provide advice on research direction as needed.​

Seminars & Workshops​

At ICYS, we offer a variety of opportunities for young researchers to grow and build their networks through active exchange and learning. The monthly ICYS Seminar brings together researchers from diverse fields to present their latest progress and engage in lively discussions, where new ideas and perspectives are born.

Once a year, the ICYS Workshop offers an inspiring venue for international exchange, featuring distinguished guests from overseas and participation from ICYS alumni.

Additionally, various training sessions are available, helping researchers acquire knowledge and skills that are valuable not only for research activities but also for career development.​

■ Lifestyle Support

NIMS provides a range of lifestyle support services for international researchers and their families.

For more details, please visit the [NIMS Life Support Portal］.

• Housing guidance
• Orientation sessions and Japanese language classes​​
• Medical services, health checkups, and mental health care​
• Visa and residency applications​
• Childcare support (including guidance on nursery facilities)​

■ Welfare and Benefits

Shared lounges, cafeterias, and rest areas​, IT and equipment support, network environment​, Regular health checkups and leave system​

Discover exclusive insights into the work-life balance, daily routines, and living environment of ICYS researchers!​

ICYS has produced young researchers who have achieved outstanding results and are now making significant contributions as highly skilled professionals worldwide. Many of them are active in research not only at NIMS, but also at top universities, research institutes, and companies around the globe.

How have the experiences and connections gained at ICYS influenced alumni’s subsequent careers? Here, we share the true stories and personal career paths of former ICYS Research Fellows who are now thriving at leading research institutes, companies, and universities. We hope these real voices and unique journeys will inspire and guide you as you consider your own future career path.