The call for applications for research proposals for 2025 in the Strategic Basic Research Programs (CREST, PRESTO and ACT-X) is now opened. Please see below for the schedule and the research areas. The information on the call for new research areas for FY2025 has also been updated.

Schedule：FY2025

Application deadlines

PRESTO/ACT-X:	Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 12:00 noon, Japan time
CREST:	Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 12:00 noon, Japan time
Document review:	Early June – Late July
Notification of document review results on e-Rad:	Early July – Late July
Interview review (Online):	Middle of July – Early August
Notification and announcement of interview results:	Late September
Research start:	October 1st, 2025 (planning)

List of the research areas

Explanatory meeting

We will send notifications of those selected for interviews via email. Rejection results of the document and interview review will be registered on e-Rad. The notice will be sent to the e-mail addresses of the applicants registered in the e-Rad system, therefore, please make sure that your registered e-mail address works properly being in a status capable of receiving an e-mail from JST.

Please check the following points in advance.

1.Changes in the Research Proposal Format

Based on the discussions at the symposium held in March 2024, JST is reviewing and simplifying the research proposal format across its R&D programs to reduce the inconvenience caused by inconsistencies and variations among different R&D programs for both proposers and evaluators. Accordingly, the research proposal formats for CREST, PRESTO, and ACT-X will also be revised. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Evaluation Criteria: "Goal and Purpose", "Originality and Excellence", "Objective and Plan", " Implementation Structure", "Ability to Conduct Research". For details, please refer to "Section 5.1.3 Selection Method." and “Research Proposals Forms for CREST, PRESTO, ACT-X”

（Added on April 17, 2025）The URL listed in the proposal (ACT-X) has been replaced due to an error. It is also acceptable to submit the proposal using the previous version of the proposal form.We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Correction: Page 1, third bullet point
(Correct) Memorandum of Confirmation Form:
https://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/boshuu/teian/en/koubo/act-x_confirm_en.pdf

2.Changes in Conditions for Research Participants in PRESTO

Starting from the FY 2025, while emphasizing the purpose of individual-type research under the PRESTO initiative, we will change the registration conditions for research participants to ensure that methods and systems more suitable for the research content can be secured. Specifically, up to two "research assistants," who will proactively carry out part of the research under the management and guidance of the principal PRESTO researcher, can be registered in the research plan.
For details, please refer to "Section 3.1.2 PRESTO Research Organization " and "Section 5.2.3 Research Costs."

3.Immediate Open Access for Academic Papers

In accordance with the "Basic Policy for Achieving Immediate Open Access to Academic Papers, etc. (Decision by the Integrated Innovation Strategy Promotion Council on February 16, 2024)" starting from FY 2025, for projects adopted under this program, the publication of peer-reviewed academic papers and the underlying data must be posted immediately on "Institutional Repositories or other information infrastructures" after being published in academic journals. For details, please refer to "Section 6.20 Promoting Open Science (2) Immediate Open Access to Academic Papers, etc."

4.NOTICE: Pre-Registration of "Research Integrity" on e-Rad system

Pre-Registration of “Research Integrity” on e-Rad system is required when you apply. If you have not completed it yet, please proceed immediately by checking the instructions below. Note that Co-PIs (CREST) are also required to register the information on e-Rad system.

https://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/boshuu/teian/en/koubo/2025e-rad_en.pdf#page=3

5.NOTICE: Pre-Registration of the Status of Security Trade Control Systems

Pre-registration of the status of security trade control systems in research institutions is required on e-Rad system.
For more information on how to register, please check the instructions below.

https://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/boshuu/teian/en/koubo/2025e-rad_en.pdf#page=16