OIST Visiting Scholarship (TSVP) FY2026 Inviting Applications
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) has officially opened its call for Visiting Scholars under the Theoretical Sciences Visiting Program (TSVP) for the 2026 academic year. Since its launch in 2021, the program has aimed to bring top researchers from around the world to Okinawa, fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations in a truly unique research environment.
A Platform for Independent Research
The Visiting Scholars program allows researchers to spend 3–12 months at OIST, carrying out independent work while engaging with one or more of the institute’s Research Units. Unlike traditional academic roles, this opportunity comes with no teaching duties. Instead, participants are expected to share their expertise through a general-audience lecture in the first month of their stay, with additional seminars, short courses, or outreach activities strongly encouraged.
For those taking sabbatical or leave from other universities, the position provides the perfect balance of freedom and intellectual exchange. In exceptional cases, salary support may be considered to make visits possible.
What’s in the Funding Package?
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive support package that includes:
- Travel funding to and from Okinawa
- Accommodation provided during the stay
- Living expenses covered at the level of a per diem allowance
- Relocation assistance and post-arrival support for scholars and their families
- Access to OIST’s inclusive, family-friendly environment, with facilities such as childcare, health services, and support for dual-career couples.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered, applicants should:
- Hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field
- Be independent researchers at the level of a senior postdoc, junior group leader, or faculty member at a research-intensive institution
- Have research interests in any theoretical discipline, including but not limited to mathematics, physics, computational sciences, chemistry, engineering, or life sciences
- Demonstrate readiness to contribute to OIST’s interdisciplinary mission and community engagement.
How to Apply?
Applications are accepted only via Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/170800. Whereas, the required documents include:
- A CV with a list of publications
- A 1–2 page research proposal outlining past work, proposed research at OIST, and potential collaboration with OIST units
- A title and abstract for the mandatory general-audience lecture
- Optional plans for seminars, mini-courses, or outreach activities
OIST plans to invite up to 30 Visiting Scholars for FY2026.
Timeline & Deadlines
The application deadline for full consideration is set for September 15, 2025, and only those who submit by this date will be guaranteed review. To qualify for funding under this call, the proposed visits must begin between April 2026 and March 2027. Applicants can expect to be informed of the final selection results no later than December 31, 2025.
In terms of selection, applications will be judged on several key criteria. The committee will place strong emphasis on the scientific quality of the proposal and its potential impact on advancing knowledge. Equally important will be the applicant’s ability to contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations and bring clear benefits to OIST’s diverse research units.
Consideration will also be given to maintaining diversity and ensuring representation across different academic career stages. Finally, planned lectures, seminars, and outreach activities—such as general-audience talks, career guidance, or mini-courses—will be valued as important components of the scholar’s contribution to the OIST community.
Call of invitation: https://www.oist.jp/visiting-program/application-visiting-scholars.
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