Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The Canon Foundation in Europe Research Fellowships support high-level research exchange between Europe and Japan for 3 to 12 months. The programme funds up to 15 fellows annually, offering up to €30,000 per year for researchers from Europe to conduct research in Japan and Japanese researchers to conduct research in Europe across all academic and professional fields.
Canon Foundation Research Fellowship Overview
The Canon Foundation in Europe fellowship programme promotes international academic and professional collaboration between Europe and Japan. It enables researchers to undertake independent or collaborative research at host institutions in either region, strengthening cross-cultural knowledge exchange and long-term research partnerships.
The programme is open across all disciplines with no thematic restrictions.
Key Objectives and Purpose
The fellowship aims to:
- Strengthen research collaboration between Europe and Japan
- Promote international academic and professional exchange
- Support high-quality independent research across all disciplines
- Encourage mobility of researchers between regions
- Foster long-term institutional partnerships
- Enable knowledge transfer across academic and non-academic sectors
Fellowship Duration and Structure
- Duration: 3 months to 1 year
- Annual fellowships: Up to 15 awards
- Mobility rule:
- European fellows conduct research in Japan
- Japanese fellows conduct research in Europe
Applicants are responsible for securing a host institution and research agreement prior to application.
Funding Support
Each fellowship provides:
- Up to €30,000 per year (pro-rata for shorter durations)
- Flexible usage for:
- Living expenses
- Travel costs
- Health insurance
- Research materials and books
- General research-related expenses
There are no restrictions on how funds are allocated across categories.
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to:
- European researchers (including UK, Switzerland, Israel, Turkey, Balkan and Baltic countries)
- Japanese researchers
Additional eligibility conditions:
- Applicants must hold at least a Master’s or PhD degree
- Degree must generally have been obtained within the last 10 years
- Candidates with older qualifications may still apply with strong justification
- Applicants may be employed or unemployed at the time of application
- Applicants from academic, industrial, governmental, or professional sectors are eligible
Host Institution Requirement
Applicants must:
- Secure a host institution in advance
- Agree on a research plan with the host organisation
- Demonstrate institutional cooperation and acceptance
- Choose any relevant research institute once agreement is established
This flexibility allows interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration.
Priority Considerations
Preference is given to:
- First-time researchers travelling to Europe or Japan
- Applicants demonstrating strong research potential
- High-quality proposals with clear international collaboration value
- Projects that strengthen Europe–Japan academic links
Why This Programme Matters
The Canon Foundation fellowship is important because it:
- Builds strong academic bridges between Europe and Japan
- Encourages global research collaboration
- Supports interdisciplinary and cross-sector innovation
- Enables knowledge transfer across regions
- Strengthens international academic mobility
- Enhances professional and scientific development
- Expands research networks and institutional partnerships
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications may be weaker if they:
- Lack a confirmed host institution or research agreement
- Provide unclear or poorly defined research plans
- Do not demonstrate international collaboration value
- Fail to justify eligibility or academic background
- Ignore mobility requirement (Europe ↔ Japan)
- Submit vague or non-specific research objectives
- Overlook funding justification and budget planning
Tips for a Strong Application
- Secure a committed host institution early
- Clearly define research objectives and methodology
- Emphasise Europe–Japan collaboration value
- Demonstrate academic or professional excellence
- Highlight innovation and originality of research
- Show relevance to both host and home institutions
- Ensure strong alignment with interdisciplinary impact
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Researchers from Europe and Japan with at least a Master’s or PhD degree.
What is the fellowship duration?
Between 3 months and 1 year.
What is the funding amount?
Up to €30,000 per year, depending on duration.
What fields are eligible?
All fields of research without restrictions.
Do I need a host institution?
Yes, applicants must secure a host institution before applying.
Can non-academics apply?
Yes, applicants from industry, government, and professional sectors are eligible.
Is prior employment required?
No, applicants may be employed or unemployed at the time of application.
Conclusion
The Canon Foundation in Europe Research Fellowships provide a flexible and well-funded opportunity for researchers to engage in Europe–Japan academic exchange. By supporting all disciplines and sectors, the programme strengthens international collaboration, enhances research mobility, and fosters long-term partnerships between institutions across both regions.
For more information, visit Canon Foundation in Europe.