Deadline: 29-Aug-2025
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) have launched the DOST-JST Call on Smart Agriculture Program to foster stronger collaboration between researchers in the Philippines and Japan. This initiative promotes joint research aimed at enhancing scientific and technological cooperation and is open to collaborative projects that can benefit the broader ASEAN region.
On Japan’s side, the program operates under NEXUS, which aims to build a complementary and sustainable research ecosystem by supporting international collaborations and personnel exchanges. In the Philippines, it falls under the DOST Grants-in-Aid Program, encouraging joint projects and the inclusion of collaborators from ASEAN member states. While Filipino teams can involve regional partners, those partners must secure their own funding or contribute in kind.
The objectives of the program include advancing scientific research through bilateral collaboration, facilitating knowledge and technology exchange, and creating opportunities for young researchers to engage and build a strong science and technology network in the region. The focus area is Smart Agriculture, with subtopics such as advanced monitoring systems, next-generation automation technologies, smart agriculture infrastructure tailored to local conditions, smart breeding for neglected species, and building climate-resilient models.
JST will provide up to 36 million Japanese Yen for each Japan-based team for a 36-month period, with an additional 30% overhead cost. DOST will fund Filipino teams with up to PHP 15 million over three years, covering international travel, domestic research travel, insurance, and accommodation and allowances for Filipino researchers visiting Japan.
Japanese applicants must be independent researchers affiliated with domestic research institutions such as universities or public research agencies. They must complete research ethics training and may only serve as a principal investigator (PI) on one proposal in this call, though they may collaborate on others as co-principal investigators (Co-PIs). Co-PIs and research participants may be included as part of a broader research team but are not directly supported by JST unless specified.
On the Philippine side, project proposals must align with the Harmonized National R&D Agenda and not duplicate ongoing or completed projects. The implementing agency must be a registered Filipino institution, either governmental or educational. The project leader must be a Filipino citizen, not due to retire during the project period, and free of unresolved issues with DOST. They must submit proof of capability, institutional endorsement, and a letter of commitment from their Japanese counterpart.
Each research team will have a PI to lead and coordinate the work. In Japan, this person must be affiliated with a research institution and is responsible for the overall direction and management of the project. Co-PIs and other research participants support the PI’s work but are subject to different eligibility and funding conditions.
For more information, visit DOST.
