CFPs: Bilateral Joint Research Projects/Seminars (Japan)

The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Bilateral Programme supports joint research projects and academic seminars between researchers in Japan and partner countries. The programme provides funding of up to JPY 5,000,000 for collaborative research projects and up to JPY 1,500,000 for joint seminars to strengthen long-term international scientific cooperation and researcher exchange.

What is the JSPS Bilateral Programme?

The JSPS Bilateral Programme is an international research collaboration initiative established by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). The programme promotes long-term scientific partnerships between Japanese researchers and researchers from partner countries through joint research projects, academic seminars, and researcher exchanges.

The programme aims to strengthen international research networks, encourage collaborative scientific discoveries, and provide opportunities for researchers—particularly early-career scientists—to engage in global academic cooperation.

Activities are implemented under bilateral agreements between JSPS and partner research funding organisations or institutions.

Program Overview

Programme Name: JSPS Bilateral Joint Research Projects and Seminars Programme
Organising Organisation: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Programme Type: International research collaboration programme
Eligible Applicants: Researchers affiliated with eligible universities and research institutions
Support Activities: Joint research projects and bilateral academic seminars
Primary Objective: Strengthen long-term international scientific collaboration

Programme Objectives

The JSPS Bilateral Programme aims to:

Strengthen bilateral research partnerships.
Promote international scientific collaboration.
Support joint research projects.
Encourage academic seminars between partner institutions.
Facilitate researcher mobility and exchange.
Support early-career researchers.
Develop sustainable international research networks.
Enhance research capacity through long-term cooperation.

The programme encourages collaboration across a broad range of academic disciplines.

Programme Formats

The programme is implemented through two funding categories.

1. Bilateral Joint Research Projects

This category supports collaborative research conducted by research teams in Japan and partner countries.

Projects are designed to:

Develop long-term research partnerships.
Conduct collaborative scientific investigations.
Exchange researchers.
Strengthen international research capacity.

Research projects may last:

One year, or
Up to two years, depending on the programme agreement.

2. Bilateral Joint Seminars

This category supports academic seminars that bring together researchers from Japan and partner countries.

Seminars encourage:

Exchange of scientific knowledge.
Presentation of research findings.
Development of future collaborations.
Networking among researchers.

Seminars may be organised either in Japan or in the counterpart country.

Funding Amount

Joint Research Projects

Funding is available as follows:

Up to JPY 2,500,000 per fiscal year
Maximum JPY 2,500,000 for one-year projects
Maximum JPY 5,000,000 for projects lasting up to two years

Joint Seminars

Funding of up to:

JPY 1,500,000 per seminar

The funding amount is the same regardless of whether the seminar is held in Japan or in the partner country.

Eligible Expenses

Funding may be used for a variety of research-related costs.

Eligible expenses include:

International travel
Domestic travel
Accommodation
Research consumables
Personnel costs
Honoraria
Communication expenses
Printing and publication costs
Other operational research expenses

For Joint Research Projects, travel expenses must account for at least 50% of the annual project budget.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants from Japan

Japanese Principal Investigators must:

Hold a full-time or equivalent research position at an eligible university or research institution, or
Meet the eligibility requirements for KAKENHI Grants-in-Aid.

In some cases, non-full-time researchers may also be eligible if their institution confirms that they have an appropriate research environment to conduct the project.

Participants from Japan

Research teams may include:

Professors
Researchers
Postdoctoral researchers
Doctoral students
Master’s students
Professor emeritus researchers (where eligible)

Undergraduate students are not eligible to participate.

Participants from Partner Countries

Researchers from counterpart countries must:

Be affiliated with universities or recognised research institutions.
Be based in countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Japan.
Meet the eligibility requirements applicable to their programme type.

Programme Types

The JSPS Bilateral Programme operates under different application mechanisms.

Type A Programmes

For Type A programmes:

Applications are submitted through the designated counterpart funding agency or institution.
Researchers must follow the application procedures established by their national funding organisation.

Type B Programmes

For Type B programmes:

Researchers from eligible countries may participate directly.
Countries include Taiwan and Palestine, among others specified by JSPS.
Funding primarily supports the Japanese research team.

Applicants should carefully verify which programme type applies to their country before submitting an application.

Responsibilities of the Principal Investigator

The Principal Investigator (PI) plays a central role in managing the project.

Responsibilities include:

Leading the collaborative research.
Coordinating international activities.
Managing project implementation.
Ensuring compliance with programme requirements.
Overseeing project reporting.

Once selected, the Principal Investigator generally cannot be replaced during the project period.

What Makes a Strong Application?

Competitive proposals generally demonstrate:

A clearly defined collaborative research objective.
Strong scientific quality.
Active participation from both research teams.
Long-term collaboration potential.
Clear researcher exchange plans.
Well-structured research methodology.
Strong academic impact.
Effective budget planning.

Projects that establish sustainable international research partnerships are particularly encouraged.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to prepare a competitive application.

Step 1: Confirm Programme Eligibility

Verify that both the Japanese and counterpart research teams meet the eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Identify the Appropriate Programme Type

Determine whether your collaboration falls under:

Type A, or
Type B.

Step 3: Develop a Joint Research Proposal

Prepare a proposal describing:

Research objectives.
Scientific significance.
Collaborative activities.
Research methodology.
Exchange plans.
Expected outcomes.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Develop a realistic budget covering eligible research expenses while complying with programme funding rules.

Step 5: Coordinate with the Partner Institution

Ensure both research teams prepare the required documentation according to the programme guidelines.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Submit the application through the appropriate funding agency or directly to JSPS, depending on the programme type.

Why This Programme Matters

International collaboration is essential for advancing scientific discovery and addressing global challenges.

The JSPS Bilateral Programme helps researchers:

Build international research partnerships.
Share scientific expertise.
Exchange researchers.
Strengthen research capacity.
Produce high-quality collaborative research.
Expand global academic networks.
Support the development of early-career researchers.

The programme contributes to long-term scientific cooperation between Japan and partner countries.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:

Selecting the wrong programme type.
Failing to coordinate with the international partner.
Preparing weak collaboration plans.
Providing unrealistic budgets.
Ignoring travel funding requirements.
Submitting incomplete documentation.
Failing to demonstrate long-term collaboration potential.

Careful preparation and close coordination between research teams can significantly improve the chances of success.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

To strengthen your proposal:

Develop a clearly defined collaborative research agenda.
Demonstrate equal participation by both research teams.
Highlight the long-term benefits of the partnership.
Present a realistic researcher exchange plan.
Prepare a well-justified budget.
Explain the expected scientific impact.
Show how the collaboration will strengthen international research networks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the JSPS Bilateral Programme?

Researchers affiliated with eligible universities and research institutions in Japan and partner countries who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

What activities are supported?

The programme supports bilateral joint research projects and joint academic seminars that promote long-term international scientific collaboration.

How much funding is available?

Joint research projects may receive up to JPY 2,500,000 per fiscal year, with a maximum of JPY 5,000,000 for projects lasting up to two years. Joint seminars may receive up to JPY 1,500,000.

What expenses can be covered?

Funding may support international and domestic travel, accommodation, research consumables, personnel costs, honoraria, communication, printing, and other eligible operational expenses.

Can postgraduate students participate?

Yes. Doctoral and master’s students may participate as project members, while undergraduate students are not eligible.

What is the difference between Type A and Type B programmes?

Type A applications are submitted through designated counterpart funding agencies, whereas Type B allows direct participation from eligible countries, with funding primarily supporting the Japanese research team.

What makes a successful application?

Strong proposals present high-quality collaborative research, demonstrate long-term partnership potential, include active participation from both research teams, provide a realistic budget, and outline meaningful researcher exchange activities.

Conclusion

The JSPS Bilateral Joint Research Projects and Seminars Programme provides an excellent opportunity for researchers in Japan and partner countries to establish long-term international collaborations through joint research and academic exchange. With funding of up to JPY 5,000,000 for collaborative projects and JPY 1,500,000 for seminars, the programme supports scientific excellence, researcher mobility, and global knowledge sharing. Research teams with strong collaborative plans, clearly defined scientific objectives, and a commitment to sustained international partnership are encouraged to apply.