At a glance
Dates:
June 10–August 19, 2012
Application deadline:
The application period is now closed.
Cost:
$5,250
Accommodations:
Dorms
See also
Contact
- Takao Hensch, e-mail
Harvard Summer Program in Tokyo, Japan (RIKEN Brain Science Institute)
Harvard Summer Program in
Tokyo, Japan
Neurobiological study and research at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute
Faculty: Takao K. Hensch and principal investigators at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute
“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
The RIKEN Brain Science Institute in Tokyo promotes ambitious, adventurous, and flexible research programs at the molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioral levels, integrating experimental and theoretical approaches. In this program, students may choose the lab in which they wish to conduct internship projects based on their academic interests.
In addition to participating in lab research, students enroll in an intensive neuroscience lecture course hosted by the institute and featuring a renowned international speaker series. Students do a presentation and write 2 papers based on the lecture course and their laboratory experience.
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
BIOS S-98rt Study Abroad in Tokyo, Japan (RIKEN): Laboratory Research in Neurobiology (32537)
Takao K. Hensch.
(4 credits: UN) Limited enrollment
Students are placed in a laboratory for their independent research project based on their academic interests.
BIOS S-141c Study Abroad in Tokyo, Japan (RIKEN): The Collective Brain (32744)
Takao K. Hensch.
(4 credits: UN) Limited enrollment
How do the dynamics of collective interaction of neurons make our mind work? In this course, we would like to place our emphasis on the interaction or coordination of different components of the brain that allows it to function as an integrated system for controlling cognition, memory, and behavior. Our emphasis is also on how the malfunctioning of these mechanisms might lead to abnormal states of the brain.
“The research being conducted at RIKEN was fascinating, and I really liked the interactive nature of the tours.”
– RIKEN Summer School student
Course credit
See Study Abroad Credit Information.
Faculty
Takao K. Hensch, PhD, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University
Application
The application period is now closed.
Students must be at least 18 years old, have completed at least 1 year of college or be a first-year student, and be in good academic standing to apply.
The application materials, outlined below, are due February 3:
- A complete online application that includes:
- 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
- Transcripts (student record accepted for Harvard students)
Program directors may ask for interviews.
Students are notified of admission decisions by mid-February.
Cost
There is a nonrefundable $50 application fee. The cost of the program is $5,250 and includes the following:
- Tuition
- Lodging and some meals
- Excursions (including meals when appropriate)
In addition to the program fee, students are responsible for:
- A health insurance fee ($195; waived if students have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States)
- Transportation to and from Tokyo
- The cost of passports and visas (if the latter is needed)
- Any immunizations
Suggested budget
See a sample budget for estimated expenses.
How to pay and funding options
See Funding and Payment for payment deadlines, deposit amounts, and more information, including funding options for Harvard College students.
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 Takao Hensch, hensch@mcb.harvard.edu.
Students with disabilities should contact the disability services coordinator as soon as possible. See Students with Disabilities for more information.
