Invitation for Research Proposals FS FY2011

The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) is conducting Special Project Formation Investigations as part of the SATREPS program. SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development) is a Japanese government program that promotes international joint research targeting global issues, working through projects involving partnerships between researchers in Japan and researchers in developing countries. The program is conducted through collaboration between JST and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The conventional project application and selection process receives many similar proposals, so it is desirable to discover and encourage the formation of project proposals based on a novel viewpoint or focus. It is also desirable to enhance the abilities of young researchers to work in a global context. For this reason, JST is experimentally conducting Special Project Formation Investigations for Feasibility Studies (FS) by examining research topics addressed by young researchers through the Friends of SATREPS online community (https://fos.jst.go.jp/). It is hoped that these feasibility studies will lead to SATREPS project applications next year or in subsequent years. Consequently, JST is soliciting proposals for feasibility studies.

Funding for the Feasibility Studies is provided independently by JST using Contract Research Agreements. There is no ODA funding available for these studies. Consequently, JICA is not involved in funding, and does not need to be party to any agreements.

This solicitation of proposals for feasibility studies uses a non-conventional approach. Applicants hoping to receive funding for their feasibility study are expected to create a new community on the Friends of SATREPS online community site, assemble a group of collaborative researchers interested in forming a new SATREPS project, and use the new community as a venue for the group to discuss project formation. After discussion, proposal documents are submitted to JST.