Fewer universities at present are capable of providing professional training for the next generation of researchers in taxonomy and other branches of natural history. This state of affairs makes the training of the next generation of specialist researchers all the more imperative. The National Museum of Nature and Science partners with universities and instructs students as an associated graduate school. In 2012, the Museum accepted graduate students from the University of Tokyo, Ibaraki University, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology and the Kyushu University.
In addition, the Museum is accepting postdoctoral researchers from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and is creating its own independent research-fellow system. Through measures such as these, the National Museum of Nature and Science is taking proactive steps to train the researchers of tomorrow.
Partner Graduate Schools
- Graduate School of the University of Tokyo
- Graduate School of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
- Graduate School of Ibaraki University
- Graduate School of Kyusyu University
Postdoctoral Fellows (JSPS)
The Museum is committed to training and recruiting the talented young researchers on whom the future of academic research depends. Each year the Museum accepts a fresh cohort of special researchers from JSPS who have completed their PhD.
Associate Researchers
Every year, the Museum contributes to the cultivation of outstanding young research professionals, by accepting them as associate researchers. These associate researchers are drawn from the ranks of graduate students who have completed their prescribed courses of study, graduates of universities or technical colleges, and others with equivalent or better qualifications.
Under the guidance of Museum researchers, the associate researchers spend up to three years engaged in research activities at the Museum. During that time, the associate researchers can make use of the Museum’s facilities, equipment and collections. Advised by Museum research staff, they may also publish the results of their research efforts. (However, expenses incurred in the course of research are in principle borne by the associate researchers.)