Overview of the Evaluation

1. Aims of the Program

Based on the Memorandum of Cooperation concluded between the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China (MOST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and MOST have decided to implement a program in the field of “Research and Development to Find Solutions to Environmental and Energy Issues in Urban Areas” for joint funding of JST-MOST cooperative research projects. This program is aimed at supporting Japan –China joint research projects in the research field. The design of this program is based on application of the substantial funding mechanisms of JST and MOST. JST applies its Strategic International Collaborative Research Program (SICORP), and MOST applies its Joint Research Program. The intention of this approach is to facilitate new international research projects between Japan and China as well as to enhance the potential of research projects already existing in each country.

2. Field of collaboration

The field of “Research and Development to Find Solutions to Environmental and Energy Issues in Urban Areas”

3. Prospective Applicants

Japanese and Chinese 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

13.8 - 23.0 million yen from JST to the Japanese researchers per project over three years, exclusive 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

Evaluation Criteria
The following general evaluation criteria will apply to each application:

• a) Conformity with Program aims and designated research fields
  The proposed activity shall conform to the aims of the Program and the designated research fields. In addition, the applicants shall already have a good research foundation for their proposed activity.
• b) Capability of research leaders (PIs)
  The research leaders (PIs) in both countries shall have the insight or experience (or potential, in the case of younger researchers) necessary for pursuing the activity, and the ability to manage the cooperation and to achieve the project goals during this Program’s period of support.
• c) Effectiveness and synergy of the joint research project
  The proposed research activity shall be eminent, creative and at an internationally high level in an attempt to produce a significant impact on the development of future science and technology or to resolve global and regional common issues, or to create innovative technological seeds that can contribute to the creation of new industries in the future. Moreover, proposed research activities that are expected to create synergy from the collaborative research with the counterpart institution are preferred. For example, synergistic effects could be attained through the acquisition and/or application of knowledge, skills and/or know-how of the counterpart researchers.
• d) Validity of the research plan
  The share of research activities with the counterpart research institute and the budgetary plan for research expenses shall be adequate to realize the proposed research activity.
• e) Effectiveness and continuity of exchange
  Activities characterized by the following examples shall be involved to enhance sustainable research exchange and networking.
  • - Nurturing researchers through human resource exchanges
  • - Sustainable development of future research exchange with the counterpart country, initiated by this research activity
  • - Enhancing research networks between the counterpart countries, including links among researchers other than the research leaders (PIs) and members of this activity
  • -Improving the presence of science and technology in Japan and China.
• f) Validity of the exchange plan
  The plan for exchange activities and their related expenses with the counterpart research institute shall be adequate to realize the proposed research activity.