The Institute of Materials Structure Science (IMSS) places the development of human resources in quantum beam science as one of its highest priorities. In line with this mission, IMSS provides domestic travel support for participation in experiments, based on selection by the Proposal Review Committee (PAC), to young researchers who actively participate in development and user research at facilities operated by the institute (PF/PF-AR, SPF, KENS@MLF, MSL@MLF).
Travel Support Program of IMSS (from FY2026)
| Overview of the Support Program |
Eligibility |
Application Period |
IMSS Quantum Beam Research Encouragement Travel Support Program
(Criterion 1)
Domestic travel support is provided for participation in experiments, based on selection by the PAC, with the aim of fostering the next generation of researchers such as graduate students. |
Undergraduate students, master’s students, doctoral students, and early-career researchers (PI under 40 / PD under 35) affiliated with domestic institutions who are motivated to contribute to the future of quantum beam research |
(Application deadlines) Mid-May and mid-November (twice a year) |
Domestic travel expenses are supported for visits related to beamline operation and improvement of equipment performance.
(Criterion 2) |
(PF/SPF) Members of UG-operated stations and equipment working groups, etc.
(Neutron/Muon) Members of S-type proposals and equipment adjustment proposals, etc.
|
Eligible recipients are registered annually based on approval by the IMSS Director (additions allowed anytime) |
In cases where graduate students have difficulty visiting due to a temporary interruption of external funding, domestic travel expenses are provided conditionally to ensure continuity of education and research.
(Criterion 3) |
Graduate students not selected for Encouragement Travel Support (Criterion 1) who belong to research groups experiencing a temporary interruption of external funding
※ For the first half of FY2026 (April–September), provisional measures apply. Please refer to Criterion 3 for details. |
Applications are accepted in conjunction with the notification of results for Criterion 1 |
- Overview: IMSS considers the development of human resources in quantum beam science as a top priority. In line with this mission, domestic travel support is provided to young researchers who actively and independently participate in development and user research at IMSS facilities (PF/PF-AR, SPF, KENS@MLF, MSL@MLF).
- Eligibility:
Undergraduate students, master's students, doctoral students, and early-career researchers (PI under 40, PD under 35) affiliated with domestic institutions who are motivated to contribute to the future of quantum beam research
※ External funding status of the research group or individual is not required.
- Application:
Applications are accepted twice a year (deadlines: mid-May and mid-November)
The validity period is one year starting in October or April. Eligibility remains valid even if status changes during the period, but will be lost if the applicant moves to a foreign institution or private company.
- Application Procedure:
Please complete the application form, convert it to PDF, and submit it via the application website below.
Application Form (to be released in late April 2026)
Application Web (to be released in late April 2026)
Application Information (planned): Name, affiliation, supervisor, email address, academic year/position, age (for early-career researchers only), desired PAC/subcommittee for review※, statement of purpose (within approximately 400 words ,equivalent to 750 Japanese characters), achievements, presentation record at the Quantum Beam Science Festa. Applications should reflect the academic year/position at the time of application.
※ Applicants must select one PAC/subcommittee for review (PF-PAC Subcommittees 1–6, Neutron, or Muon). Multiple applications are not allowed. However, domestic travel support after selection is not limited to the chosen PAC/subcommittee and covers participation in experiments at IMSS quantum beam facilities (PF/PF-AR, SPF, KENS@MLF, MSL@MLF).
- Review Process:
Each PAC conducts document review and recommends candidates to the IMSS Management Council, which makes the final decision.
- Selection Criteria:
(Planned) Approximately 200 awardees per year (selected in two rounds).
No restriction on the number of awardees from the same research group.
Candidates are selected through document review based on criteria defined by each PAC, with a guideline ratio of undergraduate 20% : master’s 30% : doctoral 30% : early-career 20%.
- Support Conditions:
Domestic travel expenses are provided in accordance with IMSS regulations for visits to conduct experiments at IMSS facilities. Efforts should be made to minimize expenses (use economical travel options).
- After Selection:
Names and affiliations of awardees will be published on the IMSS website.
Publications should acknowledge support from “IMSS Quantum Beam Research Encouragement Travel Support.”
Presentations at the Quantum Beam Science Festa are encouraged.
Other Travel Support Programs
Domestic travel expenses will be provided upon approval by the IMSS Director in the following cases:
- (PF/SPF) When WG members of UG-operated stations/equipment visit for operational work
- (Neutron/Muon) When visiting for adjustment work related to S-type or equipment adjustment proposals
- (Provisional measure) Equipment equivalent to UG-operated equipment for which WG establishment is planned is also eligible
※ Efforts should be made to minimize expenses.
Domestic travel expenses will be provided upon approval by the IMSS Director in the following cases:
- Overview:
Domestic travel expenses are provided conditionally to ensure continuity of education and research when graduate students face difficulty visiting due to temporary interruption of external funding.
- Eligibility:
Graduate students not selected under Criterion 1 who belong to research groups experiencing a temporary interruption of external funding.
- Application:
Applications are accepted in conjunction with notification of Criterion 1 results. Validity period is six months.
- Application Procedure:
Please have the supervisor (spokesperson) apply via the web form below
Criterion 3 Application Web
Application Information (planned): Supervisor name (spokesperson), affiliation, email address, external funding application/award status, names of eligible students
- Support Conditions:
For each beamtime, domestic travel expenses for up to two graduate students and one supervisor will be provided according to IMSS standards. Efforts should be made to minimize expenses.
If a supervised student is selected under Criterion 1 and the laboratory lacks external funding, travel expenses for the supervisor will also be provided.
※ Handling for the first half of FY2026 (April–September)
Since there are no unsuccessful applicants under Criterion 1, eligible recipients are defined as graduate students belonging to research groups experiencing a temporary interruption of external funding.
