The Japan Summer Science Undergraduate Research Program (JSSURP) at Harvard is increasingly recognized as a leading gateway for aspiring scientists to gain hands-on research experience in Japan. Since its inception in 2007, the program supported by the Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies has evolved into a robust platform connecting students with leading research institutions across Japan without a language barrier. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the program has returned, with exciting updates for Summer 2025. An information session is scheduled on Wednesday, November 6 to help students learn about the program’s offerings, expanded disciplines, and application process.
A Prestigious Program with Global Reach
As described in a 2019 MCB story about the program, JSSURP provides undergraduate students, including Japanese nationals, with the opportunity to conduct research in some of Japan’s top labs, making it a prestigious and highly competitive program. Founded and overseen by MCB’s Takao Hensch, the program initially focused on neuroscience, leveraging Hensch’s strong academic ties to Japanese research institutes like the RIKEN Brain Institute, which he helped to launch in 1997. However, as interest in the program grew, it is now expanding beyond the life sciences to include fields such as physics, chemistry, and engineering.
“One of the original aims was to build bridges between Harvard students and Japan in the realm of neuroscience, but the word spread quickly,” Hensch explains. “Now, we’ve opened up the program to students in other disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach mirrors the evolving scientific landscape.”
The program is primarily open to rising juniors and seniors, a cohort typically mature enough to thrive in the intensive and immersive research environment. Participants spend at least eight weeks in Japan, although many opt to stay longer to maximize their experience.
Post-Pandemic Revival
The last full cohort of 23 students participated in the JSSURP in 2019, just before the global pandemic forced international travel and research programs to come to a halt. “We all dealt with the pandemic, but it was painful to put the program on ice,” Hensch recalls. “We had just had a large turnout of interest after the 2019 information session, I screened everyone and matched them with labs, but by March, the world shut down.”
The program tentatively resumed in 2022, although at a smaller scale. Now, with travel restored and research institutions back to full capacity, the program is almost back to its pre-pandemic strength. According to Hensch, “Last summer, we were about two-thirds of the way back. We’re optimistic that next summer, we will see even more students benefit from this invaluable opportunity.”
New Fields of Study and Expansion
One of the most significant changes since 2019 is the program’s broader focus on scientific disciplines beyond life sciences. With the addition of faculty collaborators in engineering, physics, and chemistry, the program now provides more students with a chance to experience Japan’s research culture.
“Historically, students knew JSSURP to be a life science initiative, but we want to make it clear that we’re welcoming engineers, physicists, and chemists as well,” Hensch explains. “It’s exciting to see the program evolve and attract students from such diverse scientific fields.” As an example, Hensch has been collaborating with faculty members like John Doyle in the Department of Physics, who has strong ties to Japan as well.
This expansion also reflects the interdisciplinary nature of modern scientific research. Students are not only encouraged to focus on their respective fields but are also given opportunities to learn from peers across disciplines, making their experience even more enriching.
Research in a Global Context
One of the program’s unique features is its immersive nature. Participants are fully integrated into their host lab’s research, often contributing significantly to ongoing projects. They receive one-on-one mentorship from Japanese scientists and are treated as full lab members during their time abroad.
“We put a lot of effort into matchmaking students with the right labs,” says Hensch. “It’s not just about placing students with famous Professors; it’s about finding the right fit. We take the time interviewing each student to understand their goals, lab experience, and scientific interests, and then connect them with labs where they can thrive.”
Unlike other study abroad programs, JSSURP doesn’t require participants to speak Japanese. That said, students are immersed in Japanese culture throughout their stay, adding another layer to their global education.
“This isn’t just about doing research in a different country—it’s about stepping into a different culture entirely,” Hensch notes. “We’ve seen students return with not just scientific knowledge, but a deeper appreciation for the culture and how science is conducted in Japan.”
Building Lifelong Connections
While the academic and research opportunities are the main draw of the program, the relationships formed during JSSURP are often life-changing. Students work closely with their mentors and fellow lab members, many of whom remain in contact long after the program concludes. “We rely on them to be true ambassadors of Harvard abroad.”
“The personal relationships are often as valuable as the research experience,” says Hensch. “Our students are forming connections with researchers and peers who may end up being collaborators or colleagues in the future. It’s a unique experience that has a lasting impact.”
The Application Process and Next Steps
Students interested in applying to JSSURP for the summer of 2025 will have the opportunity to learn more at the upcoming information session. During this session, Hensch and his team will provide details about the application process, participating institutions, and the types of projects students can expect to work on.
“We want students to come to the info session with open minds,” Hensch says. “While some may have an idea of what research they’d like to pursue, others may discover new passions or opportunities they hadn’t considered before.”
Applications will be evaluated based on students’ academic backgrounds, research interests, and readiness for the immersive experience that JSSURP offers. Thanks to the generous support of the Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies, which has been instrumental in supporting the program since its inception, selected students will receive funding for airfare and life abroad.
“The Reischauer Institute has been a critical partner in making this program accessible to our students,” Hensch adds. “They’ve provided the resources we need to cover travel and living expenses, ensuring that cost isn’t a barrier for students who want to take part.”
The information session for interested students will be held in Room S050 of the CGIS South Building on November 6 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Students are also invited to contact Jenni Ting for more information or to set up an advising meeting.