ASPIRE 2025 Call for Japan based researchers
（Last updated 11 March 2025）
Update details
11 Mar 2025:
- The interview schedule has been updated.
3 March 2025
Application deadline
Monday, May 12, 2025, 12:00PM JST
Webinar for Japan based applicants
Friday, March 14, 2025, 16:00-17:30 JST
- Link to webinar application
Important Changes and Notes
1.The guidelines regarding making multiple simultaneous applications to different ASPIRE calls have been updated.
2.There are specific eligibility requirements for Principal Investigators (PIs) and Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs) who are currently already receiving support and conducting research through ASPIRE.
3.Research proposals in the fields of Quantum and Semiconductors will undergo a security verification process.
4.The PIs and Co-PIs must complete the Research Integrity Information section on the e-Rad platform to be eligible to apply.
5.Proposals submitted through the e-Rad platform will not be considered for review if they are not completed by the stated deadline, regardless of the reason.
For more details, please refer to the call text and Application Guidelines (in Japanese).
Outline
In ASPIRE, while supporting international joint research, we will promote the participation of Japan based researchers in top research circles and their efforts to play an active role on the world stage. Applicants for the call should take the lead in planning not only research activities, but also researcher exchange and human resource development activities that contribute to the objectives of the ASPIRE program.
Principal investigators who are eligible to apply for "ASPIRE FOR TOP SCIENTISTS"
Researchers who already have an outstanding research record both domestically and internationally as top researchers in their field, who have received ample research funds from other contract research funds, etc., and who will lead international collaborative research that meets the objectives of the program.
Principal investigators who are eligible to apply for "ASPIRE FOR RISING SCIENTISTS"
Researchers who already have obtained the necessary funding and independent research environment for their research, and who are expected to become top researchers in the future.
In order to achieve the above objectives, ASPIRE has established certain criteria for the outgoing researchers, invited researchers, and the use of the budget. Please refer to the call text and project outline page.
About the call for Japan based researchers
ASPIRE aims to expand international networks on the basis of excellent international joint research and to promote international talent mobility and circulation by encouraging early-career researchers to travel between Japan and other countries. The following conditions apply:
Outgoing and invited researcher
The following points are requirements for each proposal.
- Early-career researchers must travel to the partner country and conduct research activities there for about one year.
- Researchers from the partner country must be invited and included in the Japan-side research team.
Use of the budget
70% of the total direct expenses are expected to be used for the purpose of promoting advanced research and development through supporting researcher mobility. This includes (i) the establishment and expansion of exceptional international networks of researchers, (ii) active participation in world-leading international research communities, and (iii) the development of early-career researchers who are expected to become promising future scientists.
Research Fields
AI and Information, Biotechnology, Energy, Materials, Quantum, Semiconductors and Telecommunications
Please refer to the call text for details.
Timeline
The schedule, including interview dates, is subject to change without prior notice. Please check this webpage for the latest information.
| Application via the e-Rad system deadline | May 12 (Mon), 2025 (noon) |
|---|---|
| Document review | Late May to early August 2025 |
| Interview for applicants who pass the document review (some of those who pass the document review) |
August 2025 |
| Notification of results | October 2025 |
| Start of research | December 2025 |
The interview schedule
- Those who pass the document screening will be interviewed.
- The schedule is as below:
- AI and Information
- : August 28th, August 29th
- Biotechnology
- : August 26th, August 27th
- Energy
- : August 27th, August 28th
- Materials
- : August 20th, August 29th
- Quantum
- : August 22th, August 25th
- Semiconductors
- : August 21th, August 22th
- Telecommunications
- : August 25th, August 26th
* We regret that we are unable to respond to individual inquiries during the review process.
Application Form
| ASPIRE FOR TOP SCIENTISTS | ASPIRE FOR RISING SCIENTISTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Call Text | Download | Download |
| Application Form | Download | Download |
| Application Guidelines (in Japanese) |
Download | |
| LOI (Letter of Intent) Sample | Download | |
| e-Rad Manual | Download | |
Prior Notice (recommended)
In order for us to predict the total number of applications, we would appreciate applicants submitting prior information on their upcoming proposals through the following form by April 17, 2025.
Link to the submission form: https://form2.jst.go.jp/s/02dd3706/o
In the submission form please enter the Japan based PI’s name, affiliation, position, e-mail address, application category, research field, and tentative proposal title.
Additional Information
For those looking for collaborators to apply for "ASPIRE for the Rising Scientists":
Inquiries
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
ASPIRE Coordination Group Emails (replace (at) with @)
ASPIRE FOR TOP SCIENTISTS: aspire(at)jst.go.jp
ASPIRE FOR RISING SCIENTISTS: aspirers(at)jst.go.jp