Deadline: 03-Sep-2026
The DOST–JSPS Joint Research Project is a bilateral research funding program that supports collaborative scientific research between the Philippines and Japan. The initiative provides up to PHP 2.5 million per year to eligible Filipino researchers for joint research activities, researcher exchanges, seminars, and scientific collaboration with Japanese counterparts.
The program aims to strengthen international research partnerships, promote knowledge exchange, and support high-impact research aligned with Philippine science and technology priorities while fostering stronger cooperation between Filipino and Japanese research communities.
About the DOST–JSPS Joint Research Project
The DOST–JSPS Joint Research Project is a collaborative funding initiative between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
The program supports:
- Bilateral scientific research projects
- Researcher mobility and exchange
- Joint seminars and workshops
- Scientific collaboration between institutions
- Knowledge sharing and innovation
- Capacity building for researchers
- International research networking
The initiative encourages active participation from researchers in both countries throughout the project lifecycle.
Funding Amount
Eligible Filipino research teams may receive:
- Up to PHP 2.5 million per year
- Maximum project duration of two years
Funding May Cover
- International travel between the Philippines and Japan
- Domestic research-related travel within the Philippines
- Accommodation expenses
- Medical insurance
- Accident insurance
- Daily allowances
- Domestic transportation within Japan
- Approved project-related collaboration activities
Funding is intended to facilitate meaningful scientific cooperation and researcher exchanges.
Program Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen scientific collaboration between the Philippines and Japan
- Advance research in priority science and technology areas
- Support international knowledge exchange
- Encourage innovation through joint research
- Build long-term institutional partnerships
- Promote mobility of researchers
- Create opportunities for early-career scientists
- Strengthen regional scientific networks
Priority Research Areas
Research proposals must align with the DOST Priority Areas under the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA).
Projects should demonstrate:
- Scientific relevance
- Innovation potential
- National development impact
- Strong bilateral collaboration
- Clear research outcomes
Applicants are encouraged to ensure their proposed research contributes to priority science and technology objectives of both countries.
Who Is Eligible?
Filipino Applicant Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a Filipino researcher
- Hold a PhD degree
- Be employed full-time
- Work at a DOST-recognized institution
- Be affiliated with a national, public, or private university or research institution
- Demonstrate capability to implement the proposed project
Institutional Eligibility
Eligible host institutions include:
- State universities and colleges
- Public research institutions
- Private universities
- Accredited research organizations recognized by DOST
Collaboration Requirements
A core requirement of the program is genuine bilateral collaboration.
Projects must:
- Be jointly developed by Filipino and Japanese researchers
- Include active participation from both research teams
- Have matching applications submitted to DOST and JSPS
- Demonstrate shared responsibilities and research activities
Important Note
Applications submitted by only one side are not eligible for consideration.
Both the Filipino and Japanese teams must independently submit corresponding proposals to their respective funding agencies.
Why This Program Matters
International research partnerships play an important role in advancing science and innovation.
Benefits of the program include:
- Access to international expertise
- Joint publication opportunities
- Research capacity development
- Exposure to advanced research environments
- Strengthened institutional partnerships
- Career development for early-career researchers
- Long-term scientific collaboration opportunities
The program also contributes to stronger diplomatic and scientific ties between the Philippines and Japan.
How to Apply
Step 1: Identify a Japanese Research Partner
Establish a research collaboration with a qualified Japanese counterpart.
Step 2: Develop a Joint Research Proposal
Prepare a research plan that:
- Addresses a priority research area
- Defines project objectives
- Describes methodology
- Explains expected outcomes
- Identifies responsibilities of both teams
Step 3: Secure Institutional Support
Obtain approvals and endorsements from your institution.
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather all required documentation before submission.
Step 5: Submit Applications
Both research teams must submit matching proposals separately to:
- DOST (Philippines)
- JSPS (Japan)
Step 6: Participate in Evaluation
Submitted proposals undergo review according to program requirements and evaluation criteria.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide:
- Completed application forms
- Research proposal
- Commitment letter from the Japanese counterpart
- Endorsement letter from the head of the applicant’s institution
- Supporting institutional documents
- Accomplishment reports for previous DOST-funded projects (if applicable)
- Audited financial statements for previous DOST-funded projects (if applicable)
The endorsement letter should be addressed to the DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development.
Project Duration
Projects may be implemented for:
- Up to two years
Research activities should be planned within the approved project timeline and budget.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are generally evaluated based on:
- Scientific merit
- Relevance to DOST priority areas
- Quality of collaboration
- Research methodology
- Expected outcomes and impact
- Team capability
- Institutional support
- Feasibility of implementation
Strong bilateral engagement is a critical factor in project assessment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting proposals without a confirmed Japanese partner
- Misalignment with DOST priority research areas
- Incomplete supporting documents
- Weak collaboration plans
- Unrealistic project timelines
- Insufficient institutional endorsement
- Failure to submit matching applications to both agencies
Early coordination with Japanese counterparts can significantly strengthen proposals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the DOST–JSPS Joint Research Project?
Filipino researchers holding a PhD degree and employed full-time at DOST-recognized universities or research institutions may apply.
2. How much funding is available?
The program provides up to PHP 2.5 million per year for approved projects.
3. Is a Japanese research partner required?
Yes. Every proposal must involve a Japanese counterpart and matching applications must be submitted to both DOST and JSPS.
4. What expenses can be funded?
Funding may cover international travel, domestic travel, accommodation, insurance, and approved collaboration-related expenses.
5. What is the maximum project duration?
Projects may run for up to two years.
6. Can early-career researchers participate?
Yes. One objective of the program is to promote interaction and capacity building among early-career researchers.
7. What happens if only one side submits an application?
The proposal will not be considered because matching submissions from both countries are mandatory.
Key Takeaways
- Supports collaborative research between the Philippines and Japan.
- Funding of up to PHP 2.5 million per year.
- Maximum project duration of two years.
- Open to Filipino PhD holders employed at recognized institutions.
- Requires a Japanese research partner.
- Matching applications must be submitted to DOST and JSPS.
- Supports research exchanges, travel, seminars, and scientific collaboration.
- Research must align with DOST priority areas under the HNRDA.
Conclusion
The DOST–JSPS Joint Research Project provides an important platform for strengthening scientific cooperation between Filipino and Japanese researchers. By supporting collaborative research, researcher mobility, and knowledge exchange, the program helps generate innovative solutions, build international partnerships, and advance scientific excellence in priority research areas while fostering long-term collaboration between the two countries.
For more information, visit DOST.
