OIST Visiting Scholars Program 2026 (Fully Funded Opportunity in Japan)

Applications are now open for the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Visiting Scholars Program (TSVP) for FY2026. This fully funded program invites independent researchers to conduct innovative research. The program spans all fields including, but not limited to, mathematics, physics, computational sciences, chemistry, engineering, and life sciences.

The program welcomes senior postdocs, junior group leaders, or faculty members from research-intensive institutions worldwide. There is no application fee, and successful candidates receive comprehensive support for travel, accommodation, and living expenses for visits lasting 3 to 12 months. OIST particularly encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups to foster diversity and inclusion. You can check out more postdoc positions here. 

Key Details

• Fields: The program spans all fields including, but not limited to, mathematics, physics, computational sciences, chemistry, engineering, and life sciences.
• Duration: 3 to 12 months (April 2026 – March 2027)
• Funding: Fully funded (travel, accommodation, per diem; salary support in exceptional cases)
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
• Application Fee: None
• Number of Positions: Up to 30
• Nationality: No restrictions

What’s Included

• Travel: Round-trip airfare to Okinawa.
• Accommodation: On-campus housing provided.
• Living Expenses: Daily per diem to cover costs.
• Research Support: Access to office space, computing facilities, and library resources.
• Salary Support: Available in exceptional cases with evidence of need (e.g., no salary from home institution during sabbatical).

Responsibilities

• No teaching duties are required.
• Scholars must deliver a general-audience lecture within the first month.
• Additional activities like research seminars, graduate student lectures, short courses, or career talks are strongly encouraged.

Check Visiting Fellowships in Austria: Vienna Center for Advanced Studies (ViCAS) Early-Career Fellowship

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field.
• Be an independent researcher (equivalent to senior postdoc, junior group leader, or faculty member at a research-intensive institution).
• Previously accepted candidates may reapply for another visit.

OIST strongly encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups to promote diversity and inclusion.

Also check:

• OIST Fully Funded PhD Program 2025/2026
• OIST Research Internship in Japan

Application Process

How to Apply

Applications are accepted exclusively through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/170800. Submit the following:

1. CV: Include a full list of publications.
2. Research Proposal (1-2 pages):
   • Brief description of your research background.
   • Proposed research at OIST, including specific OIST Research Units you wish to collaborate with.
3. General-Audience Talk: Provide a title and abstract.
4. Optional: Proposals for additional outreach activities, such as seminars, short courses, career talks, or activities for children/schools.

Best opportunity: St John’s College Research Fellowship in UK

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Scientific quality and expected impact of the proposed research.
• Benefit to OIST through interactions with Research Units.
• Contribution to interdisciplinary dialogue.
• Diversity and representation across academic career stages.
• Planned outreach and teaching activities (e.g., lectures, seminars, or courses).