Harvard Summer Program in Tokyo, Japan (RIKEN)
Neurobiological study and research at Asia’s premier neuroscience center
Faculty: Takao Hensch and principal investigators at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute
(8 credits: UN) Limited enrollment
Dates: June 9–August 16, 2008
Application deadline: February 1
Cost: $5,000
“Exposure to such a diversity of areas within neuroscience and an introduction to the leading researchers and their methodologies is an invaluable experience for an undergraduate still in the process of deciding which field to pursue.”
– RIKEN Summer School student
Students in this summer program at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute near Tokyo are immersed in the institute’s four research areas: understanding, protecting, creating, and nurturing the brain. The institute promotes ambitious, adventurous, and flexible research programs at the molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioral levels, integrating experimental and theoretical approaches.
This intensive neuroscience program comprises two parts: independent laboratory research and a lecture course. Students work alongside Japanese researchers and technicians on cutting-edge brain research in well-supported, modern laboratories. Seminars and scientific meetings are conducted in English, but once off campus students are fully immersed in typical daily Japanese life with easy access by subway to Tokyo’s city center. Popular Japanese cultural hotspots, shopping, and entertainment (Shinjuku, Ginza, Roppongi) can be reached within 20 to 40 minutes. Harvard students are offered organized cultural tours throughout the summer, including visits to Mt. Fuji, Kamakura, and Nikko.
“The lecture course was the most exciting 10 days of my life.”
– RIKEN Summer School student
Course of Study
Students enroll in the following two courses. In addition, the program offers a noncredit course in introductory Japanese at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute. Selected students receive a cultural and language primer at the Harvard Reischauer Institute beginning in early May.
BIOL S-98r Study Abroad in Tokyo, Japan (RIKEN): Laboratory Research in Neurobiology
Students choose a laboratory for their independent research project based on their academic interests.
BIOL S-141 Developmental Foundations of Brain Function and Dysfunction
Takao Hensch
This intensive neuroscience lecture course is based on an international lecture series hosted by RIKEN. The course focuses on the developmental foundations of brain function. Each student gives a presentation and writes two papers based on the lectures and laboratory experience.
Prerequisites for both courses: Neurobiology of Behavior (MCB 80) or Animal Behavior (OEB 57) required. Students with advanced coursework or research experience in molecular biology, psychology, philosophy, linguistics, computer science, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, or neurobiology would be appropriate candidates. Laboratory experience preferred.
“The research being conducted at RIKEN was fascinating, and I really liked the interactive nature of the tours.”
– RIKEN Summer School student
Course Credit
For Harvard College students, this program counts as 4 credits of summer independent research and 4 credits of elective neurobiology course degree credit.
Transfer credit. Harvard Summer School courses and credits are accepted toward degrees at most colleges and universities. Since degree requirements vary among schools, students are advised to obtain transfer credit approval from their home institutions before registering for Harvard Summer School courses.
Faculty
Takao Hensch, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University
Application
Students must be at least 18 years old to apply. The application materials, outlined below, are due February 1:
- an application form (download* form)
- official transcripts (sent directly from schools to the address below; unofficial copies not accepted)
- a $50 nonrefundable application fee
- a supplementary statement describing interest in the program, with specific reference to experience with neurobiology research and any particular areas of research interest
Applications should be addressed as follows:
Nicole García
Office of International Programs
University Hall, Ground Floor South
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
Students are notified of admission decisions by mid-February.
Cost
The cost of the program is $5,000 plus a nonrefundable $50 application fee. In addition, students are responsible for a health insurance fee (approximately $150; waived if students have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States) and for their lodging and transportation to and from Tokyo (financial assistance may be available for lodging and transportation). The program fee covers the following:
- tuition
- lodging and some meals
- course materials
- excursions (including meals when appropriate)
Payment Deadlines
For admitted students, a nonrefundable deposit of $500 must be received by April 15 to secure a place in the program. Payment in full is due by May 15. A $100 late fee will be charged for payments received after this date.
Funding
Harvard College students are eligible for scholarships through the Harvard Office for International Programs (OIP). Students may consult the OIP website’s money page or contact the OIP for details. To apply for a study abroad scholarship through OIP, you will need to provide information about the program’s budget.
The Harvard College Financial Aid Office summer study webpage also provides information about assistance.
Other Harvard students may be eligible for financial assistance through their Harvard financial aid offices. Students enrolled at other institutions should consult their respective financial aid offices.
For information on Reischauer Institute funding opportunities, please visit Reischauer’s webpage on fellowships and grants.
Accommodations
Students are housed on the RIKEN campus, in fully furnished studio apartments with high-speed Internet, satellite television, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
Additional Information
Contact Ann Georgi, ageorgi@fas.harvard.edu; (617) 495-9533; fax (617) 496-6148.
Students with disabilities should contact the disability services coordinator as soon as possible: (617) 495-0977, (617) 495-9419 (TTY), or disabilities@dcemail.harvard.edu. Request-for-accommodation forms and supporting diagnostic documentation must be submitted by April 25. More information about disability services, including request forms and guidelines for documentation, will be online by early February 2008.
Students applying for admission to Harvard’s study abroad programs should understand that although the University provides reasonable assistance and support to facilitate the participation of qualified students in its programs (including students with disabilities and health impairments), some of our programs are located in parts of the world where accommodations may not be readily available. Students are encouraged to be forthcoming with the disability services coordinator about any specific needs and functional limitations so that the Summer School can collaborate with those students in a way that fosters their safe participation and allows them to fully appreciate any barriers that they may face, depending on the location and rigors of the particular program.
Harvard Summer School is aware of the risks associated with international travel. Should the US Department of State issue a travel warning for any of the countries in which a study abroad program is planned, the program in that country may be canceled.
* Adobe’s free Acrobat Reader is required to view or print PDF forms.