Laboratory policy
We welcome students interested in fundamental physics related to particle physics, nuclear physics, and the universe, especially those who wish to learn across experiment, data analysis, detector development, or a combination of these areas. You do not need to know everything in advance, but we value the willingness to think independently, work with your own hands, and move forward through discussion.
As a small laboratory, we value an environment where each student can understand the overall flow of the research. We also hold a weekly laboratory meeting to discuss progress and challenges, and a joint weekly journal club with the Kuze group to introduce and discuss recent papers.
Undergraduate students (B4)
During the first half of the senior thesis year, students mainly learn the foundations needed for experimental research, including photosensors, scintillators, data acquisition circuits, statistics, and programming (Python/C++). They also become familiar with how research is carried out through laboratory meetings, a joint journal club with the Kuze group, and a joint reading seminar with the Kuze and Jinnouchi groups. As part of this, we use Martin & Shaw, Particle Physics, Fourth Edition.
For students planning to proceed to graduate school, preparation for the entrance examination is also important through the summer. We help students balance research and entrance-exam preparation through regular discussion.
After the entrance examination, each student further develops an individual thesis topic and works mainly on themes related to ultra-low-background detector development, carrying out in-house detector development and performance studies. With sufficient motivation, it is also possible to start data analysis of currently acquired XENONnT data from the master's course and contribute to dark matter searches.
In the latter half of the year, students organize their results and complete their undergraduate research project. Through explaining, discussing, and presenting their own work, they build a foundation for research in the master's course and beyond.
Graduate admissions
We welcome not only students from Science Tokyo but also applicants from other universities. Please be sure to check the latest official information on application guidelines, schedules, and procedures through the Science Tokyo graduate admissions site and the Department of Physics pages. If you are interested in our research, would like to visit the laboratory, or would like to discuss preparation for the entrance examination, please contact us by email.
For international applicants, Science Tokyo also provides information on graduate programs conducted in English. If you are considering applying from outside Japan or through an international program, please contact me directly as well.
Scholarships and international students
Institute of Science Tokyo provides multiple support schemes, including tuition exemptions, university scholarships, JASSO scholarships, and scholarships from private foundations. Since the conditions vary depending on the program and timing, please check the official website for the latest information. Information for international students is also available through the student support pages of Science Tokyo.
FOREST RA support
Under JST’s FOREST program (Fusion Oriented REsearch for disruptive Science and Technology), master’s students as well as doctoral students may in some cases become eligible for additional RA support, subject to the program rules and approval. The amount can be up to JPY 200,000 per month, but the availability, number of positions, and actual amount depend on the institutional conditions and the status of the research budget, so this cannot be guaranteed. We nevertheless always consider possible ways to make use of such support.
Support for doctoral students
Two major support schemes for doctoral students are the JSPS Research Fellowship for Young Scientists (DC1/DC2) and Science Tokyo Support Program.
JSPS DC is a competitive fellowship that doctoral students apply for. According to the JSPS FY2026 application guidelines, the planned fellowship amount for both DC1 and DC2 is JPY 200,000 per month. In the final year, selected fellows with outstanding research performance may additionally receive a special allowance of JPY 30,000 per month.
Science Tokyo Support Program provides a research incentive grant equivalent to living expenses of JPY 2.16 million per year (JPY 180,000 per month) and research funds of JPY 300,000 per year. Additional support such as Off-Campus Study Plus is also available.
