Call for Application: OIST Visting Scholars Program 2026 (Fully Funded)

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About OIST Visting Scholars

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is inviting applications for Visiting Scholars through its Visiting Program.

OIST's Visiting Program (TSVP) was launched in June 2021, with the goal of bringing leading researchers to OIST for extended visits. In keeping with OIST's interdisciplinary mission, the program spans all fields including, but not limited to, mathematics, physics, computational sciences, chemistry, engineering, and life sciences. Only researchers requiring access to a lab should apply as “Experimental Visiting Scholars” instead (see this overview of all OIST's Visiting Programs for other options).

Visiting Scholars will have the opportunity to carry out independent research at OIST, and to interact with one or more OIST Research Units during their stay. Visits will usually be of 3 to 12 months, with support provided for travel, accommodation and living expenses at the level of per diem. No teaching duties come with the position. However, Visiting Scholars are expected to give a general-audience lecture about their field of research within the first month of their visit. Research seminars and/or lectures for graduate students are also strongly encouraged. Proposals for additional outreach activity, short courses for graduate students, or career talks are highly welcome.

Appointment as Visiting Scholar may be taken while on leave or sabbatical from another university. In exceptional situations, successful candidates may be able to apply for support with salary, where this is necessary to facilitate the visit, and they can provide evidence of their need. If special circumstances prevent a visit of 3 or more months, please inquire before applying (researchers working in Japan may consider the Domestic Visitor program instead).

• School: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST)

Benefits of OIST Visting Scholars

The program offers the following benefits for the selected scholars:

• Round-trip airfare between the home institution and Okinawa
• On-campus housing at OIST
• Daily living allowance (per diem)
• Office space and administrative support
• Access to OIST research facilities, library, and computing resources
• Opportunities to collaborate with OIST research units
• In exceptional cases, partial salary support may be available if the applicant lacks institutional funding

OIST Visting Scholars Requirements

• Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field and be independent researchers, i.e., should have an academic standing equivalent to senior postdoc, junior group leader, or faculty member at a research-intensive institution.

Application Date and Process

Applicants should submit:

1. a CV including a list of publications;
2. a proposal of 1-2 pages containing a brief description of their research to date, and proposed research during the visit to OIST, including the research units the applicant is interested in interacting with;
3. a title and abstract for a general-audience talk. Proposals for additional outreach activity, research seminars, short courses for graduate students, or career talks are highly encouraged.

All visits are subject to the availability of funding. To be considered for this year’s funding, the applicant’s intended stay should start between April 2026 and March 2027.
Applications received by September 15th, 2025 are guaranteed full consideration.

Application Deadline

15 September, 2025

Scholarship Application Portal

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