Career path after ICYS
Young researchers who have achieved outstanding research results at ICYS are active worldwide as high-level research personnel. Many of them have obtained posts as faculty members at leading universities, research institutes, and companies around the world, as well as in NIMS.
ICYS researchers are eligible to apply for permanent research positions at NIMS, and approximately 50% of ICYS Research Fellows (RF) who have applied have been accepted. Additionally, about half of the researchers who have moved outside NIMS have been employed as university faculty members (at the rank of assistant professor or higher) or as tenured researchers at research institutes and corporate laboratories. (Based on data from the six-year period between 2018 and 2023.)
| Fiscal Year | Number of successful candidates |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 5 |
Research Institute
- National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
- High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK)
- Japan Atomic Energy Agency
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute
- Empa
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- CNRS
- Max Planck Institute
- BAM
etc.
University
- The University of Tokyo
- Tohoku University
- Yamagata University
- Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology
- Rikkyo University
- Kumamoto University
- University of Tsukuba
- Osaka University
- Hokkaido University
- Kyoto University
- Shibaura Institute of Technology
- University of Oxford
- University of York
- University College London
- University of Bristol
- Peking University
- Pusan National University
- EPFL
etc.
Company
- TDK
- KOBELCO
- Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
- Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
- FUJIFILM
etc.
ICYS Alumni appointed as permanent researchers in NIMS
ICYS Alumni Active Worldwide
César Moreno
Associate Professor in Condensed Matter Physics,
University of Cantabria, Spain
Wonderful experiences with ICYS
I am immensely proud to belong the ICYS family. Young scientists are well aware that to survive the jump into the void to make research independently under their own themes and make progress they must face, the sooner the better, to explore new ideas under their own risk. For that purpose, ICYS as tenure-track position allowed to me to put in practice divergent thinking with funding and easy-going administrative support. ICYS, as a scientific soup of different countries, cultures and thinking approaches, acted like a breeding ground to boost my career path. Still nowadays I am collaborating with NIMS researchers. Two years ago, we signed a memory of understanding between ICN2, my former institution, and MANA-NIMS. During the last years I had the opportunity to enjoy several business trips to NIMS, and last year a Ph.D. candidate under my supervision was awarded with a NIMS Internship program fellowship for to perform research during few months. She really enjoyed her NIMS experience! Beyond science, I really enjoyed Japanese hospitality, gastronomic culture including Ibarakian natto and Umami flavor, and of course, Onsen in winter times!
Ajayan Vinu
Global Innovation Chair Professor and Director of the Global Innovative Center for Advanced Nanomaterials,
University of Newcastle , Australia
Wonderful experiences of ICYS
I became an ICYS Fellow at NIMS in January 2004 and was among the initial members of the ICYS center. The extensive research support and the proactive administrative system, staffed with English speakers, significantly influenced my research experience in Japan. Under the outstanding leadership of Prof. Yoshio Bando and the guidance of Prof. Katsuhiko Ariga, coupled with advanced research infrastructure and a collaborative environment, I flourished as an independent researcher at an early stage. The ICYS program left a lasting impact on my career, offering a clear path to continue at NIMS after completing my two-year fellowship.
The freedom to conduct research and mentorship from international academics, including Nobel Laureates, fostered an environment that allowed me to establish an independent research group at NIMS. Japan's unique and humble culture, marked by kindness and a welcoming attitude toward foreigners, has always been a draw for me. I remained in Japan until September 2011, when I accepted a position as a full professor at the University of Queensland. My two sons, born during my time in Japan, consider themselves Japanese, highlighting the inclusive nature of Japanese culture. My family and I cherished our time in Japan and truly miss the country. I often tell my wife that given the opportunity, I would always choose to return to Japan for high-level research, as it holds a special place in our hearts.
Currently serving as a Global Innovation Chair Professor and Director of the Global Innovative Center for Advanced Nanomaterials, leading a team of over 65 researchers, I attribute my current role to the guidance and support received from ICYS and NIMS. I am deeply grateful to Japan for transforming my academic career. The connections established in Japan have created a robust collaborative platform, facilitating my team members' visits and collaborations with NIMS researchers. Beyond science, I formed lasting friendships in Japan and enjoyed its rich culture, diverse cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. My sentiments remain that I truly miss Japan.