OIST's Visiting Program (TSVP) makes regular open calls for Visiting Scholars (since 2021) and Thematic Programs (since 2022). The Domestic Visitors program was created in recognition of the constraints faced by scientists working at Japanese institutes, who often cannot travel for extended periods, but are in a position to make repeated visits to Okinawa (since 2023).
Calls will be announced on this site, the OIST Webpage, and in Academic Job listings.
This podcast by DJ Nick Luscombe, OIST podcaster in residence, from September 2023 introduces the Visiting Programs, their visitors, and why they "just don't know any better sabbatical program in the world" (Shinichi Nakagawa) as well as OIST's "big diversity of world-class researchers" (Malgorzata Lagisz). In the third podcast episode listeners can experience a day in the life of visiting researchers on the OIST campus: meet the people who are running the program and hear from visitors about their research (recorded in February 2024).
At a Glance
Information about application dates and procedures will be published on the Visiting Program website when available. Please refer to the Submenu at the top right of the page.
- Thematic Programs (TP): Hosted by a group of two or more researchers (coordinators) who stay at OIST for 1 to 2 months. Additional participants can be invited during the TP’s duration, 4-8 of whom are expected to be present at any one time. Where it fits the goals and timeframe of the program, a symposium linked to the program can be hosted at OIST. Also check the second episode of the TSVP podcast which focuses on the Thematic Programs.
Calls usually open in summer Thematic Programs Pre-Proposal -
Visiting Scholars (VS): Open to candidates pursuing independent research (faculty, group leader, or equivalent) from all fields, usually staying at OIST for 3 to 12 months.
Calls usually open in summer Visiting Scholars Application
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Domestic Visitors (DV): Visits will usually last 2 weeks to 6 months, and can be split into several shorter trips. The visitor is usually expected to organize their own travel to Okinawa, while accommodation and office space at OIST is provided free of charge. The Domestic Program is intended for researchers based in Japan at the time of their proposed visit. All projects in sciences related to OIST are welcome.
Call open now! Domestic Visitors Application
All Visiting Scholars, domestic visitors, coordinators, and program participants are expected to actively contribute to the research environment at OIST and its research output.
Expenses covered by OIST for Visiting Scholars and Thematic Program participants
- Round-trip airfare
- On-campus housing, subject to availability
- Office space
- Logistical and administrative support from OIST
- Access to basic institutional facilities
Application documents
See the call websites (may not be available between calls)
Thematic Programs Pre-Proposal
Visiting Scholars Application
Domestic Visitors Application
Evaluation criteria
- Scientific quality and expected impact of the proposed research
- Benefit to OIST, e.g. through interactions with and across OIST Units
- Interdisciplinarity, i.e. contribution to dialogue between different research fields
- Considerations of diversity and spread of academic career stages
- Planned outreach and teaching activity, e.g. general-audience lectures, seminars, (mini) courses, career talks, activities for children/at schools