ASPIRE 2026 Call for Japan based researchers
13 March 2026
Application deadline
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 12:00PM JST
Webinar for Japan based applicants
Friday, March 27, 2026, 16:00-17:30 JST
This session, conducted in Japanese, will introduce the activities of selected ASPIRE projects through talks by researchers working on these projects. It will highlight how these projects are advancing international joint research and contributing to global talent circulation. Members of staff from JST's ASPIRE team will also provide a detailed explanation of the key points of the call to deepen understanding of the program.
- Deadline:
- 12:00 PM, Friday, March 27
- Participation fee:
- Free
- Webinar Details
- https://www.researcherplus.mext.go.jp/events/vol41/
Important Changes and Notes
1. Some of the field names, the scope and examples for each field have been revised.
2. The guidelines regarding making multiple simultaneous applications to different ASPIRE calls have been updated.
3. 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.
4. Research security measures will be implemented in all research fields.
5. The PIs and Co-PIs must complete the Research Integrity Information section on the e-Rad platform to be eligible to apply.
6. 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 are required to 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, Information and Intelligent Robotics, Biotechnology, Energy, Materials, Quantum, Semiconductors, Networks 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 19, 2026 (Tue) at noon / 12:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Document review | Late May to early August 2026 |
| Interview for applicants who pass the document review (some of those who pass the document review) |
August to September 2026 |
| Notification of results | October 2026 |
| Start of research | December 2026 |
The interview schedule
- Those who pass the document screening will be interviewed.
- The schedule will be released at a later date.
Responses to individual inquiries will not be provided 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 | Download |
| LOI (Letter of Intent) Sample | Download | Download |
| e-Rad Manual (in Japanese) |
Download | 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 noon on April 24, 2026.
* 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.
Inquiries
For any inquiries regarding this call, please contact us via email. Kindly note that we are unable to respond to inquiries by telephone.
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