Deadline: 17-Jun-2026
The Japanese Award supports outstanding research from low- and middle-income countries that uses science, technology, and innovation (STI) to address development challenges and promote peace and human security. The programme funds policy-relevant research with strong development impact potential and provides mentorship from academic experts. Three winners receive cash prizes totaling US$60,000 along with communication training and scientific guidance.
Overview of the Programme
The Japanese Award is a competitive research funding initiative that supports Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI)-based solutions to global development challenges.
The programme focuses on strengthening peacebuilding, human security, and sustainable development through high-quality research with real-world policy relevance.
Key Theme
Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for Peace and Human Security
The core theme encourages research that:
- Addresses development challenges
- Supports peace and stability
- Improves human security outcomes
- Generates actionable policy insights
Programme Objectives
The award is designed to identify and support impactful research from developing countries.
Core objectives include:
- Advancing STI-driven development research
- Supporting policy-relevant scientific studies
- Strengthening research capacity in LMICs
- Promoting solutions for human security challenges
- Encouraging innovation with real-world impact
Focus Areas of Research
While not limited to specific disciplines, proposals must align with development and human security themes.
Eligible research domains include:
- Science and technology applications for development
- Innovation for social and economic challenges
- Health, education, and public welfare systems
- Environmental and climate resilience solutions
- Conflict prevention and peacebuilding
- Technology-driven policy solutions
Eligibility Criteria
The programme targets researchers from developing regions.
Eligible applicants:
- Researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
- Early to mid-career or established researchers
- Academic or research institution affiliates
Encouraged participation:
- Female researchers are strongly encouraged to apply
Key Evaluation Criteria
Proposals are assessed based on both scientific quality and policy relevance.
Evaluation factors:
- Research excellence and originality
- Relevance to development challenges
- Strength of policy implications
- Clarity of research design and objectives
- Potential impact on human security or peacebuilding
Funding Details
Three research projects are selected for awards.
Prize structure:
- 1st Prize: US$ 30,000
- 2nd Prize: US$ 20,000
- 3rd Prize: US$ 10,000
Total funding pool:
- US$ 60,000
Funding purpose:
- Support execution and completion of research projects
Additional Support Provided
Beyond financial support, selected researchers receive capacity-building assistance.
Additional benefits include:
- Communications training for presenting research
- Preparation for high-level jury presentations
- Assignment of a Scientific and Technical Advisor
- Ongoing academic mentorship throughout the project
Selection Process
The programme follows a structured evaluation and presentation process.
Step-by-step process:
- Submission of research proposals
- Shortlisting of high-potential applications
- Selection of finalists
- Participation in communication training
- Final presentation before a high-level jury
- Award allocation to top three projects
Why This Programme Matters
The initiative strengthens global development research capacity by linking science with policy impact.
Key benefits:
- Supports LMIC-based research excellence
- Bridges science and policy-making
- Encourages innovation for human security
- Strengthens global research collaboration
- Enhances communication and dissemination skills
- Provides mentorship from academic experts
- Promotes gender inclusion in research
How It Works / Application Flow
Step-by-step application process:
- Develop a research proposal aligned with STI for Peace and Human Security
- Ensure strong policy relevance and development impact
- Submit application through the official programme process
- Undergo expert review and shortlisting
- Participate in communication training if selected as finalist
- Present research to jury panel
- Selected winners receive funding and mentorship support
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Proposal mistakes:
- Weak policy relevance or unclear development impact
- Overly technical research without practical application
- Lack of alignment with human security or peace themes
Eligibility mistakes:
- Applicants not based in LMICs
- Insufficient institutional affiliation or research track record
Communication mistakes:
- Poorly structured research presentation
- Lack of clarity in explaining impact or methodology
Tips for Strong Applications
- Clearly link research to development or human security outcomes
- Emphasize policy relevance from the beginning
- Keep methodology clear and structured
- Highlight real-world applicability of findings
- Demonstrate innovation in STI approach
- Show potential for measurable impact in LMIC contexts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Japanese Award for STI?
It is a research grant programme supporting science and technology-based solutions to development and human security challenges in low- and middle-income countries.
2. How much funding is available?
A total of US$ 60,000 is awarded across three winners.
3. Who can apply?
Researchers based in low- and middle-income countries.
4. What is the main focus of the programme?
Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for peace, development, and human security.
5. Are women encouraged to apply?
Yes, female researchers are strongly encouraged to participate.
6. Is mentorship provided?
Yes, selected awardees receive guidance from a Scientific and Technical Advisor.
7. What is the selection process?
It includes proposal evaluation, finalist selection, communication training, and final jury presentation.
Conclusion
The Japanese Award for STI for Peace and Human Security supports impactful research that bridges science, innovation, and policy to address global development challenges. By funding researchers from low- and middle-income countries and providing mentorship and communication training, the programme strengthens global research capacity and promotes practical, policy-relevant solutions for peace and human security.
For more information, visit Global Development Network.