Overview of the Evaluation

1. Aims of the Program

The Program aims at promoting cooperation in science and technology as well as developing Japan's science and technology capacity for the future. The Program is administered based on an intergovernmental agreement between Japan and Israel in the field of “ICT for a Resilient Society”, as designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

2. Field of collaboration

The field of “ICT for a Resilient Society”

3. Prospective Applicants

Japanese and Israeli researchers at universities, research institutes or companies were invited to submit proposals for cooperative research projects in the research field described above.

4. Period of Research

Three years

5. Amount of Funding

23.4 million yen from JST to the Japanese researchers per project over three years, inclusive of overhead costs.

6. Funded Expenses

Funding provided within this call is intended to enhance the capacity of the applicants to collaborate. Funding will therefore be provided mainly in support of collaborative activities such as travel and holding symposia/seminars and may also support local research expenses such as in the provision of facilities, equipment and consumables that are necessary for the collaboration. Indirect costs may also be claimed though they should be no more than 30 percent of direct costs.

7. Evaluation Process

Based on the results of evaluation conducted by experts, JST and MOST including the Program Officers (JST side) and the panel committee (MOST side) jointly decided on the three successful projects to select for funding.

8. Evaluation Criteria

1. Conformity with the designated research area of this Call;
2. Capability of Principal Investigators (one for each country per research project) ;The Principal Investigator should have the experience, appropriate expertise and ability to manage the collaboration and carry out the project goals within the three-year project period;
3. Significance of the problem being addressed, and the potential impact of the proposed approach on solving it. (Proposals should address these issues explicitly and provide as much evidence as possible.);
4. Scientific merit, with emphasis upon the originality and novelty of the proposed research;
5. Clarity and quality of the research proposal itself – presentation of the topic, definition of research objectives, presentation of research methodology and detailed program of work;
6. Feasibility of the research plan and the plan for mutual visits;
7. Practical applicability of expected research findings; their innovative aspects and the specific advantages of the proposed technology compared to other existing technologies.
8. Extent of genuine collaboration between the Japanese and Israeli research teams.
9. Effectiveness and synergy of the proposed joint research activities. Such activities are expected to have a significant impact on the scientific and technology development during the course of the Project or contribute to solving common issues. The scientists are expected to develop innovative technological seeds to trigger new industrial needs in the future. Activities that stem from synergy effects through the collaboration are highly valued. These examples include (but are not limited to) activities in which knowledge, know-how and skills of one partner can maximize the utilization of the other partner's unique applications, resources and activities.
10. Effectiveness and continuity of exchange – the proposal needs to contain activities to enhance sustainable research exchange. Relevant examples include:
    - Fostering young researchers through exchanges.
    - Sustainable development of the initiated knowledge exchange.
    - Expanding the international research networks among the researchers in general.
    - Improving the presence of Japanese or Israeli science and technology respectively in the counterpart country.
11. Justification of project budget.