Open Call: Kurita Research Grant Program 2026

Deadline: 15-May-2026

The Kurita Water and Environment Foundation (KWEF) is inviting young researchers of Asian nationality to apply for the Kurita Research Grant Program 2026. The program offers up to JPY 400,000 per project for research on water-related environmental science and technology, with projects running from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027.

About the Program 2026

The Kurita Research Grant Program 2026 supports young researchers in Asia who are conducting research in their own countries.

The grant is designed to promote:

• Water-related environmental research

• Practical solutions for water sustainability

• Scientific innovation in environmental technology

• Country-specific research on water issues

Funding and Project Period

• Maximum funding: JPY 400,000 per project

• Project period: 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to:

• Young researchers

• Applicants of Asian nationality

• Researchers conducting studies in their own country

Research Areas Supported

Projects should focus on water environment issues in the applicant’s country.

Eligible Research Topics

• Water treatment

• Wastewater treatment

• Water quality analysis

• Sustainability of water environment sanitation

• Water ecosystems

• Agricultural water use

• Industrial wastewater treatment

Why This Grant Matters

This grant is valuable for early-career researchers because it helps them:

• Access seed funding for independent research

• Build research capacity in water science

• Address local environmental challenges

• Contribute to sustainable water management

• Strengthen regional knowledge-sharing in Asia

Country-Specific Application Deadlines (JST)

Applications are open in Japan Standard Time (JST).

Deadline by Country

• Thailand and Indonesia: 12 March 2026 – 2 May 2026

• Vietnam: 12 March 2026 – 15 May 2026

• Malaysia: 12 March 2026 – 8 May 2026

• Other countries (outside Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam): 1 March 2026 – 30 April 2026

How to Apply

Simple Steps

1. Confirm eligibility
   Make sure you are a young researcher of Asian nationality conducting research in your own country.

2. Choose a relevant research topic
   Your project should address a water-related environmental issue in your country.

3. Prepare a clear proposal
   Focus on:

   • Research problem

   • Local relevance

   • Methodology

   • Expected outcomes

   • Practical value

4. Check your country deadline
   Apply within the correct country-specific submission window in JST.

5. Submit before closing date
   Late submissions may not be accepted.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Choose a project with strong local environmental relevance

• Show how your research can improve water quality or sustainability

• Keep the project realistic within the JPY 400,000 budget

• Highlight practical or policy value

• Make sure the study is clearly linked to your home country context

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the country-specific deadline

• Submitting a topic not clearly related to water environment

• Proposing a project too large for the grant amount

• Failing to show local relevance

• Not aligning the project with the official research themes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Kurita Research Grant Program 2026?

It is a research funding program from the Kurita Water and Environment Foundation (KWEF) for young Asian researchers working on water and environmental science.

2. How much funding is available?

Each selected project can receive up to JPY 400,000.

3. What is the project duration?

Approved projects run from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027.

4. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are young researchers of Asian nationality conducting research in their own countries.

5. What research topics are supported?

Supported areas include:

• Water and wastewater treatment

• Water quality analysis

• Water sanitation sustainability

• Water ecosystems

• Agricultural water use

• Industrial wastewater treatment

6. Are deadlines different by country?

Yes. The application window depends on the applicant’s country, and all deadlines are based on Japan Standard Time (JST).

Conclusion

The Kurita Research Grant Program 2026 is a useful funding opportunity for young Asian researchers working on water quality, wastewater, sanitation, and environmental sustainability.

With up to JPY 400,000 available, it is best suited for focused, country-based research projects that offer practical value in solving local water and environmental challenges.

For more information, visit Kurita Water and Environment Foundation.