International Research Fellowships and Visiting Researchers

Chikazoe Laboratory, part of the Affective Data Science Division at the Brain, Mind and Kansei Sciences Research Center (BMK Center), Hiroshima University, welcomes inquiries from international researchers interested in conducting collaborative research in Japan.

Our laboratory integrates neuroscience, machine learning, and data science to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying human sensation, emotion, and cognition. We welcome researchers at different career stages who wish to develop their own research ideas and pursue collaborative projects with our laboratory.

Potential opportunities include JSPS fellowships and visiting researcher arrangements at Hiroshima University, depending on applicants' qualifications, research plans, and applicable institutional requirements.

Research Areas and Topics

Research Areas

Neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, cognitive science, neuroimaging, machine learning, deep learning, data science, psychology, and related fields.

Research Topics

Our research combines functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with machine learning and deep learning to investigate neural representations and individual differences in brain function.

Our main research areas include:

  • Neuroimaging and Deep Learning: Development of analytical methods for fMRI data, investigation of neural representations using deep learning, and development of fMRI foundation models.
  • Large-Scale Brain Data Analysis: Analysis of resting-state fMRI and functional connectivity to predict individual traits and cognitive functions.
  • Affective and Cognitive Neuroscience: Neural mechanisms underlying aesthetic preferences, taste perception, sensory processing, emotion, and cognition.
  • Applications to Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders: Development of machine learning-based methods for identifying potential biomarkers from functional brain imaging data.

We also welcome research proposals that extend beyond these topics and build on applicants' own expertise and research experience. Specific projects will be discussed individually to identify opportunities for collaboration.

For further information, please visit our Research Overview and Publications pages.

Research Environment

Our laboratory conducts functional neuroimaging research using 3T and 7T MRI data and develops computational approaches based on machine learning and deep learning.

The BMK Center provides an MRI research environment supporting studies of the five senses: vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.

We also use computational resources for the analysis of large-scale neuroimaging datasets and the development of data-driven research methods.

Access to research facilities and computational resources will be discussed according to the proposed research project.

Research Opportunities

We welcome inquiries from researchers interested in the following fellowship programs and visiting research arrangements.

1. JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan

These fellowships support collaborative research in Japan by eligible doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from overseas.

  • Standard Program (12–24 months): For eligible early-career researchers who have obtained a doctoral degree within the period specified by JSPS, generally within six years, or who expect to receive their doctoral degree before the fellowship begins.
  • Short-term (PE) Program (1–12 months): For eligible doctoral students and early-career postdoctoral researchers who satisfy JSPS requirements concerning doctoral studies or degree completion, as well as country, residency, or qualifying research-history criteria. Eligible doctoral students must be expected to obtain their PhD within two years of the fellowship's start.

Eligibility is subject to additional JSPS requirements and restrictions.

Official program information:

2. JSPS Invitational Fellowships for Research in Japan

These fellowships support research visits by qualified researchers based overseas who wish to collaborate with researchers in Japan.

  • Long-term Program (2–10 months): Supports collaborative research through extended visits to Japan.
  • Short-term Program (14–60 days): Supports shorter academic visits for research discussions, exchanges of ideas, lectures, and related activities.

Applicants are generally expected to hold a full-time research position at an overseas university or research institution equivalent to a professor, associate professor, or assistant professor in Japan. Researchers with other employment statuses may also qualify if at least six years have elapsed since obtaining their PhD and the Japanese host institution determines that they meet JSPS requirements concerning continuous research activity abroad.

Additional eligibility criteria apply.

Official program information:

3. Visiting Researchers at Hiroshima University

We also welcome inquiries from researchers interested in temporary research visits through arrangements other than the JSPS fellowship programs listed above.

Under Hiroshima University's regulations, visiting foreign researchers must hold an academic or research position comparable to designated university faculty or research positions, or have equivalent research achievements. Eligible researchers may include those supported by overseas institutions, other fellowship programs, or independent research funding.

The standard appointment period is one month to one year, with extensions possible under the university's regulations.

Visiting researcher appointments are subject to individual review, approval by the relevant university unit, and applicable institutional requirements. Such appointments are distinct from employment and do not automatically provide a salary, stipend, or research funding.

For further information, please consult the Hiroshima University Regulations on Visiting Foreign Researchers (Japanese).

Important Notes

Eligibility, financial support, application procedures, and deadlines vary by program and may change between application rounds. Applicants should consult the latest official guidelines before preparing an application.

Expressions of interest and preliminary discussions do not constitute confirmation of eligibility, fellowship selection, or acceptance as a visiting researcher.

Host Institution and Research Location

  • Host Institution: Hiroshima University
  • Prospective Host Researcher: Professor Junichi Chikazoe
  • Affiliation: Affective Data Science Division, Brain, Mind and Kansei Sciences Research Center (BMK Center)
  • Location: Kasumi Campus, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Japan

Inquiries and Application Preparation

Researchers interested in a JSPS fellowship or visiting research arrangement with Chikazoe Laboratory are encouraged to contact Professor Chikazoe in advance.

Please include the following information in your initial inquiry:

  1. Name, current affiliation, and academic position
  2. PhD completion date or expected completion date, where applicable
  3. Summary of previous research and major publications
  4. Brief outline of the research you would like to conduct at Chikazoe Laboratory
  5. Fellowship program or visiting research arrangement of interest, if known
  6. Preferred research visit period and approximate duration, if known

If available, please also attach your curriculum vitae (CV), publication list, and a brief research proposal.

We will consider potential research collaborations and hosting arrangements on an individual basis. An online meeting may be arranged if necessary.

Contact

Professor Junichi Chikazoe
Brain, Mind and Kansei Sciences Research Center
Hiroshima University

Email: chikazoe(at)hiroshima-u.ac.jp
(Please replace "(at)" with "@".)

Suggested email subject: Research Fellowship or Visiting Research Inquiry — Your Name

Application Information

Inquiries regarding potential hosting arrangements are welcome throughout the year.

For JSPS fellowships, application procedures depend on the program and application route. Under the open-call route, applications are submitted by the Japanese host researcher through the host institution in accordance with JSPS requirements and institutional procedures. Other routes, including nominations through overseas organizations, may follow different procedures.

Please contact us sufficiently in advance of the relevant application deadline to discuss your proposed research and potential hosting arrangements.

All arrangements are subject to individual review, institutional approval where applicable, and the requirements of the relevant fellowship or visiting researcher program.