1. Aims of the Program
The Program aims to promote cooperation in science and technology and to develop Japan's science and technology capacity in the future. The Program is administered based on an intergovernmental agreement between Japan and Switzerland, in the field of "Life Sciences" as designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
2. Fields of collaboration
The research fields of "Medicine for an Aging Society"
3. Prospective Applicants
Japanese and Swiss researchers at universities, research institutes or companies were invited to submit proposals for cooperative research projects in the research fields described above.
4. Period of Research
Three years
5. Amount of Funding
15 million yen from JST to 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 cover some local research requirements such as facilities, equipment and consumables, that are necessary for the collaboration. Overhead costs can also be claimed though they should constitute 10 percent or less of direct costs.
7. Evaluation Process
Based on the evaluation results produced by experts commissioned by JST and ETHZ, the two parties successfully negotiated to decide on the selected projects.
8. Evaluation Criteria
The following general evaluation criteria were applied to each application:
1.) Conformity with Program Aims and Designated Research Fields
2.) Excellence and appropriateness of the scientific approach
3.) Capability of Research Leaders (PIs)
4.) Effectiveness and synergy of the joint research project
5.) Validity of research and exchange plans