The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has approved funding for four new research projects jointly supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) of the United Kingdom and the ASPIRE Japan-UK Joint Call in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Information.

The ASPIRE program aims to maintain and improve Japan's scientific and technological capabilities by connecting top researchers in Japan with those in advanced STI countries and regions through international joint research and talent circulation. The program focuses on promoting cutting-edge R&D, fostering the next generation of research leaders, and supporting their international mobility.

This partnership program aims to support internationally competitive collaborative research projects between Japan and the UK focusing on the development of AI and data science, building leading international researcher networks, and nurturing early-career researchers to invigorate the AI sector in both countries.

JST and EPSRC received a total of 85 proposals for this call, and four projects were selected for funding after assessment by a panel of experts in Japan and the UK and a joint funding meeting.
The research period will be five years and three months (63 months).