The Nakatani Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of the application cycle for the 2017 Nakatani RIES: Research & International Experience Program for Japanese Students! Nakatani RIES connects undergraduates with the best of science & engineering research in the U.S. and is open to undergraduate science & engineering students attending Japanese universities. The program serves as a catalyst for Japanese students who are interested in future graduate study and research and contributes to the development of a generation of globally-engaged scientists & engineers who have the technical and cultural skills to contribute to vibrant international research collaborations in the future.

Nakatani RIES Fellowship for Japanese Students
Application Deadline: February 2, 2017

Part I Program: The six-week program will be held from early August 13 – September 25, 2017  and will expose young scientists and engineers to cutting-edge research in a diverse range of science and engineering fields. Japanese participants will be placed into a Rice University research lab where they will spend five weeks working on a research project under the advisement of the U.S. professor and their assigned U.S. graduate student mentor.  This summer program seeks to cultivate interest in science & engineering research among young Japanese undergraduate students, particularly those at the B2 or B3 levels, and encourages such students to pursue future graduate study. Up to 12 students will be selected to participate annually.

The Nakatani RIES Fellowship for Japanese Students program will include the following program components.

• Pre-Departure Orientation in Tokyo
• Orientation Program to Research and Higher Education in the U.S. at Rice University
• Five-week Science & Engineering Research Internship in a Rice University laboratory
• Final Week Program including campus and site visits in Washington, DC & New York City
• Closing Ceremony in Tokyo
• Alumni Follow-on Project

Part II Program for Japanese Fellows
Following Spring, February – March (~4 to 6 weeks)

Upon successful completion of the program at Rice University, Japanese Fellows will have the opportunity apply to be considered for selection into the Part II program. Those selected as Part II program participant/s would have the opportunity to return to the U.S. for a second research internship experience for approximately 4 – 6 weeks the following February – March. The Part II program will be a highly independent experience that will build on all that the Japanese Fellows have learned during their Part I experience at Rice University.

Funding for the Part II program is limited and may vary in each year.  Exact duration will vary based on student and host lab/university availability. More information on applying to and funding for the Part II program will be provided to participants in August.

Eligibility: To be eligible to apply for the Nakatani RIES Fellowship for Japanese Students you must be:

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Be a Japanese citizen or permanent resident;
• Be a currently-enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduate student in good academic standing at a Japanese institution of higher education;
• Be majoring in a science or engineering field;
• Be in their second (B2), third (B3), or fourth (B4) year of undergraduate study as of August;
• Be able to express a demonstrated interest in international science & engineering research & future graduate study in your field;
• Have the conversational English-language competence to successfully conduct research in a U.S. university lab.

The Nakatani RIES Fellowship Program is geared towards the needs of young undergraduates who are new to scientific research and prior research experience is not required. Students who will be at the B2 or B3 level as of August are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given preference.  Women and other groups traditionally underrepresented in science & engineering are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits: The Nakatani Foundation provides funding for most Japanese student costs including Rice University application fee and tuition for 3 research credits, international health insurance for duration of time in the U.S., international airfare to/from U.S. and domestic travel costs within U.S. for the final week program, all lodging costs (double-occupancy), a meal/living cost stipend, and travel costs in Japan to/from Tokyo.

Student Costs: Costs that students will pay individually include passport application/renewal fees (if applicable), U.S. visa application and SEVIS fees, immunizations (if required), books, pre-paid U.S. cell phone minutes/usage, living costs above and beyond the provided meal/living cost stipend, any independent travel/sight-seeing in the U.S., and personal expenses/shopping.

Application Deadline: Online application and one letter of recommendation must be submitted by February 2, 2017 at midnight in Japan.

The Nakatani RIES Fellowship is organized by the Nakatani Foundation and is implemented by the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Rice University.