Apply to START internship at Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR)

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY 2027

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: JINR START WINTER SESSION 2027

Are you an undergraduate, Master’s or early-stage PhD student interested in advanced scientific research? Applications are open for the START Winter Session 2027 at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna, Russia.

This programme offers eligible students an opportunity to work on an advanced research project under the supervision of a JINR expert.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Selected participants will be invited to Dubna for a research placement lasting 6–8 weeks within the programme period. At the end of the placement, participants must prepare a written report documenting their research activities. Reports are published on the programme website.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Students from any country are eligible to apply.
2. Applicants must be studying a discipline aligned with JINR’s scientific research fields and included in its current topical plan.
3. Applicants must be in their fourth or fifth year of undergraduate studies, enrolled in a Master’s programme, or in the first year of a PhD programme.
4. Applicants must be under 30 years old.
5. Previous participation in the START Programme or JINR Summer Student Programme is not permitted.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND BENEFITS

Successful participants receive the following support:

1. Daily allowance of 2,000 Russian rubles.
2. Accommodation booked and paid for by JINR.
3. Visa fees reimbursed upon submission of the required visa copy and payment receipt.
4. Travel arrangements and costs handled according to the participant’s country of origin.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION

Students from countries other than Russia and Belarus must book their tickets exclusively through JINR.

Students from Russia and Belarus purchase their own tickets and may receive reimbursement after submitting the required supporting documents.

Applicants should retain all travel documents and confirm the relevant arrangements with the START team before booking. Documents submitted for reimbursement must be in English or Russian.

REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Applicants should prepare the following:

1. Graduation certificate.
2. Academic transcript and proof of undergraduate enrolment.
3. Updated CV.
4. Recommendation letter.
5. Motivation letter.
6. Official documentation confirming eligibility and academic status.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Visit the official START Programme website.
2. Register by clicking the “+Student” button.
3. Complete the registration form and upload all required documents.
4. Apply for the Winter Session immediately after registration; you do not need to wait for registration approval.
5. Select a research topic from the available project list and click “APPLY”.
6. Monitor your email for updates from project supervisors and the selection team.

IMPORTANT DATES

Application Opens: 21 September 2026

Application Deadline: 16 October 2026, 5:59 PM

Selection Deadline: 28 October 2026, 4:00 PM

Agreement Deadline: 20 November 2026, 11:59 PM

Selected Participants Published: 11 December 2026

Programme Period: 14 February – 26 June 2027

HOW TO APPLY

Official Application Portal: JINR START Winter Session 2027

CONTACT

Email: students@jinr.ru

Location: JINR University Centre, Dubna, Moscow Region, Russia.

Application Deadline: 16 October 2026