Jspsresearch Fellowship for Young Scientists (PD)

February 2015

JSPSResearch Fellowship for Young Scientists (PD)

Guidelines for Applicants (FY2016)

We have revised a part of the Application Guidelines and so read it carefully for preparing an application.
(Main revised points)
4.Application qualification: Transfer of research institution (Now it is required that applicants select a research institution which is different from their graduate institution.）
10.Application Procedure: Applications are now accepted only and fully on the e-application system.
*Please refer to the “attachments” for the planned changes in the coming years.

1. Purpose

It is very important to provide young excellent researcherswith an opportunity to focus on a freely chosen research topic based on their own innovative ideas at the first stage of their research career when we foster creative researchers who shoulder the future of the academic research in this country.

For this purpose, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (hereinafter referred to as “JSPS”) appointsthose who have excellent research capability and wish to focus on research at universities and other research institutions from among postdoctoral researchers as “Fellow-PD” and monthly stipends for them.

In addition, in view of the growing need to foster and secure young researchers with research capability of world-highest level, JSPS appoints particularly excellent postdoctoral researchers as superlative postdoctoral researchers-SPD by screening and monthly stipends for them.

Said recruitment targets for those who are engaged in research at our research institutions including universities(See (i)–(iv) of “’7 Host research institution”) after appointment.

1. Fields of Research

All fields of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences are included under this program.

1. Division of Appointment/Number to be Appointed

Fellow- PD(postdoctoral researchers, etc.) about 350 researchers

Fellow – SPD (superlative postdoctoral researchers) 18 researchers

*The number to be appointed may change, depending on the budget of FY2016.

1. Application qualification

Application qualification is as below. It is necessary to meet this application qualification even at the time of appointment. Furthermore, those who have previously been awarded a fellowship (hereinafter referred to as “Experienced Fellows”) are required to meet “5. Application qualification of Experienced Fellows.”

(1)Fellow - PD (Postdoctoral researchers, etc.)

(i)Obtaining, etc. of Doctoral Degree.

Those who fall under any of the following (a) to (c):

(a)Those who received a doctoral degree less than five years ago as of April 1, 2016(those who have received a doctor degree after April 2, 2011and it is acceptable if the applicant is scheduled to receive a doctoral degree at the time of application.)

(b)Those who have been in school at doctoral course of graduate school in the fields of the humanities or social science of our country for longer than the standard course term and will leave school by March 31, 2016after completing the doctoralfull course without obtaininga doctoral degree(hereinafter referred to as “Graduate School Full Course Finish”), and who are judged to have equivalent capability to those who have received a doctoral degree and have been for less than three years since Graduate School Full Course Finish(those who left school after April 2, 2013and it is acceptable if the applicant is scheduled to leave school at the time of application.)

(c)Those who have been in school at doctoral course of graduate school of our country for longer than the course standard term without any prospect of receiving a doctoral degree as of April 1, 2016(Appointment, however, is made as fellow-DC2 and so Experienced Fellows-DC are not appointed.)

(ii)Selection of host research institution (See (i)–(iv) of “7. Host research institution”)

Fellows – PD should change their research environment in order to challenge a new research theme which should not be merely a continuous work from the doctoral research. In order to encourage this, the applicant must select a host institutionthat is different from the university where they were enrolled in a doctoral course (hereinafter referred to as “home institution”)(hereinafter referred to as “transfer of research institution”), and select a host researcher that is different from their PhD supervisor.

(a)Special Measures

If you choose the “home university” as the hostresearchinstitutionwhere you conduct research for the following unavoidable reasons, the Selection Committee may admit it (hereinafter referred to as “Special Measures”).

It is difficult to change the research institution due to physical disabilities, childbirth, nursing, etc.:

It is extremely difficult to change the research institution that you conduct research due to research purpose/content and research plans, etc. judging from the research condition of domestic research institutions.

Those who wish to obtain Special Measures (hereinafter referred to as “Applicant Wishing to Obtain Special Measures”) are required to attach “Reasons to Choose Host Research Institution (Applicant Wishing to Obtain Special Measures)” (Exhibit form) and explain the reasons for not being able to change the host institution relating to the reasons to select the specific host institution. However, suchapplicants will not be selected as a fellow if the special measures is not approved. (See “10. Application Procedure (3) Materials to be submitted(2) Materials to be attached (b) Reasons to Choose Host Research Institution(Applicant Wishing to Obtain Special Measures).)

In addition, in such a case that the institution transfer may not be regarded as an actual transfer of research institution, the applicant may submit the exibit form “Reasons to Choose Host Research Institution”even when the selected host institution is different from the home university

(b)For those who stay at graduate school course in Japan for a period exceeding the standard course term

For those who stay at doctoral course of graduate school inJapan for a period exceeding the standard course term as of April 1, 2016, transfer of research institution is not required concerning application to Fellow – PD because they continue to stay at doctoral course of the graduate school.

(iii)Nationality

Those who have Japanese nationality or foreign researchers who are granted permanent residencyto Japan.

(2)Fellow – SPD (Postdoctoral researchers)

For fellow – SPD described in appointment division, we appoint superlativeresearchers from among those who passed the upper level screening test of fellow – PD for FY2016Recruitment and meet the following requirements.

Those who have obtained a doctoral degree as of April 1, 2016.

Concerning the host research institution during the term when being appointed, those who choose other research institutions(universities, etc.) than research institutions to which they belong at the time ofdoctoral course of graduate school (universities,etc.).

*In FY 2018, we plan to revise handling concerning (1)(i) –(b) and (c) and (ii) –(b) (See “Attachment 2”).

1. Application qualificationof Experienced Fellows

Experienced Fellows cannot make an application again.

However, Experienced Fellow-DC1 or DC2may apply for Fellow-PD again (hereinafter referred to as “Reapplication”). (This includes those who apply for Fellow DC1 or DC2 and whose qualification is changed to Fellow-PD at the time of appointment or during the tenure)

(Reapplication is not applicable to those who were appointed as Fellow- PD or SPD in the past informally but were appointed as Fellow-DC2 because they failed to obtain a doctoral degree, etc. and changed their qualification.)

In addition, for Fellow – RPD (return support fellowship for those who interrupted research due to maternity leave), we do not prevent Experienced Fellow - RPDfrom applying to Fellow – PD again as described in the guidelines for applicants.

In addition, for those who are appointed as FY 2015Fellow RPD informally, they cannot apply for FY2016appointment except for the case where they decline to take the RPD appointment by the time of application for PD.

1. Tenure

(1)Fellows – PD: A period of three years from April 1, 2016to March 31, 2019

(2)Fellows – SPD: A period of three years from April 1, 2016to March 31, 2019

1. Host research institution

Eligible host institutions are limited to the following institutions specified by Article 2 of the Rule to Handle Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(Notification by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, which is hereinafter referred to as “MEXT”)

(i)Universities and jointly-used institutions with universities

(ii)Institutions which conduct academic research from among institutions including facilities of MEXT

(iii)Higher professional schools

(iv)Institutions designated by MEXT

(a)You may change host research institution basically once a year due to the reasons for performing research.

(b)If it is judged to be necessary to do so in performing research, you may conduct research at other institutions (including foreign institutions) for a certain period. If, however, you conduct research at a foreign institution, the period shall be within 1/2 of tenure for Fellow – PD and within 2/3 of tenure for Fellow – SPD. You may notstudy abroad as a student.

1. Monthly Stipend

Monthlystipend for FY2016is as below. In addition, the amount of stipend may change.

(1)Fellow- PD: ¥362,000 per month

(¥200,000 per month for those who have not yet obtained a doctoral degree)

(2)Fellow – SPD: ¥446,000 per month

1. Research Expense Grant

Fellows are given the qualification for applying for Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research program(for fellows) and are granted research expenses(direct expenses) within ¥1,5000,000(within ¥3,000,000 for Fellow – SPD) each year after being screened by the Grants-in-Aid for Scientific ResearchCommittee of JSPS. In addition, indirect expenses (*) are expected to be granted.

(*)Indirect expenses are necessary expenses for management, etc. of the host research institution accompanied by implementation of research plans(the amount equivalent to 30% of the direct expenses) and are used by the host research institution.

1. Application Procedure (See “Outline of Application Procedure”) [Applications are accepted through the electronic application system only]

Application for fellows is accepted through the e-application system. (Applications by mail are not accepted.)For more details, see “Researcher Fostering Program” from “Introduction to Online Application” within JSPS website.

Introduction of Online Application URL

In making an application, be sure to read carefully “Fellow Application Guideline for FY2016” and applicable “Operation Manual” of thee-application system.

Fellow Application Guideline URL:

Operation manual URL

(1)Institutions to conduct application procedure

An applicant must submit an application through the host institution where the applicantisscheduled to work as a fellow (hereinafter referred to as “ApplyingInstitution”).

(2)Procedures by the e-application system

An applicant must obtain an ID/Password in advance through the Applying Institution andsubmitapplication by the e-application system.

For more specific procedures, see “Researcher Fostering Program” from “Introduction to Online Application”( within JSPS website.

(3)Materials to be submitted (Applications by mail are not accepted)

(i)Application documents(for PD)

Application documents consist of the below four items.

(a)Application Information (Language: Japanese)

The application information includes academic records, research subjects, etc. Enter the information inthe e-application system.

(b)File of Details of Application (Language: Japanese or English)

This file includes research status up to the present, future research plans, research achievement, etc. Download the form from the JPSP homepage or the e-application system, and prepare the application file, and upload it in the e-application system.

Application materials will be printed in black and white (gray-scale) and distributed to reviewers. Pease make sure your application be clear when printed in black and white.

(c)Evaluation documents: from two evaluators (Language: Japanese or English)
Please send a request to the evaluators via e-application system. The evaluators will be given an ID/password to login to the e-application system and create the evaluation document. The applicants may not readthe contents of evaluation documents.

Evaluation document 1: from a host researcher after appointment

Evaluation document 2:from a researcher who understands the research of the applicant

(d)Reasons to Choose Host Research Institution (for the applicantswishing to obtain Special Measures)

Enter the information in the e-application system. This is applicable only to those who wish to obtain Special Measures concerning research institution working for research after appointment (excluding those who fall under “4. Qualification for application (1) Fellow – PD (ii) Institution working for research during the term when being appointed(b) Concerning those who stay at doctoral course of graduate school for a period exceeding the standard course term)

(iii)Materials to be prepared by Applying Institution

Concerning the following (a) and (b), the Applying Institution is required to prepare them by using the e-application system.

(a)A list of the number of application for FY2016Fellows (and Host Acceptance Document)… 1 copy

*One copy is output together with Fellow-DC, and you are required to submit one copy as a common document.

(b)A list of application for FY2016Fellows… 1 copy

1. Term of Acceptance of the Application by JSPS

[Applicant]

Applicants must submit the application materials via the e-application system by the deadline set by the applying institution.
*Such deadlines vary depending on the applying institutions. Please check the deadline with your applying institution in advance.

[Administrative staff in the applying institution]

The administrative staff must approve all applications (confirm the list of applicants) in the e-application system, and submit (electronically send) the applications to JSPS by the below deadline.

Submission Deadline: June 2, 2015(Tue) 17:00 (Japan Time)
*JSPS does not accept applications sent after the above deadline. Please submit the applications in advance.

Then, submit the original copy of above 10. Application Procedures (iii) (a) and (b) to JSPS by mail.

Acceptance period: June 2 (Tue)– June 4 (Thur) 2015 17:00 (Japan Time)

*JSPS does not accept applications if the originals of 10. Application Procedures (iii) (a) the host acceptance document and (b) the list of applications do not arrive at JSPS by the above deadline even if the applications are completed in the e-application system.Please use a delivery system that allows tracking as JSPS does not check each institution’s delivery status even when inquired.

Address of Office to Submit Application Form

Person in charge of Recruitment of Fellows, Researcher Fostering Section,

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(JSPS),

Kojimachi Business Center, 5-3-1, Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083

1. Selection Process and Notification

(1)Selection

Selection is made by the Selection Committee of Fellows, etc. of JSPS by way of first selection (selection by documents) and second selection (selection by interview). Depending on the results of selection by documents, however, some researchers may be appointed informally out of the successful applicants of first selection (selection by documents) without taking second selection (selection by interview).

(i)Second selection (selection by interview) will be made at the end of November 2014 or at the beginning of December 2015for those who are required of selection by interview out of successful applicants of first selection (selection by documents).

(ii)For superlative applicants out of successful applicants of first selection (selection by documents) of Fellows – PD who are informally appointed without taking second selection(selection by interview), selection by interview will be made at the end of November 2015or at the beginning of December 2015as candidates for Fellows – SPD.

The document review will be conducted by six members by the research fields; however, if certain research fields do not have sufficient number of applications, some research fields may be combined as a review field in order to allow appropriate curve evaluation.

Main screening policies are as below. (For details of screening, see the items of “Selection Process” on our “Fellow” website.

Fellow website URL

(Screening Policies)

Fellows – PD

(i)The applicant is fully expected to be an excellent researcher to shoulder the future of academic fields;

(ii)The applicant has excellent research achievement and indicates the capability to carry out research plans and the preparedness of said research;

(iii)The research plans of the applicant are specific and excellent;

(iv)The applicant has enough research plans for us to expect developing research at the doctoral course and challenging new research projects by changing research environments instead of simple continuance of research at the doctorate course; and

(v)Except for unavoidable reasons, JSPS will not appoint an applicant who chooses the research institution to which said applicant belongs at the time of doctoral course of graduate school(home university) as a host researchinstitution.

*For the requirement of Research InstitutionTransfer, whether it is judged to be an actual Research InstitutionTransfer or not will be an important judgment standard in appointment. For the following situations, there is possibility that it is not judged to be an actual Research InstitutionTransfer, please explainreason for your situation is actual research transfer in the section 3 Research Plan (5) Reason for Select Host ResearchInstitution.

To register a researcher who was at the Graduate School Research Institution at the same time as the applicant as a host researcher;

To continue research at an institution to which research and guidance is entrusted;

To register a researcher who is a successor to the leader at the time of a graduate student as a host researcher; and

In the case of registering a co-author of a thesis described in the column “Research Achievement” of the application form as a host researcher, there is a concern that the research plan of the application form may be treated as just an extension of research at the doctoral course.

The applicant may submit the “Reasons to Choose Host Research Institution” to request the special measures if any of the above case is applicable (See “4. Qualification for Application (1) Fellows – PD (ii) Institution working for research during the term when being appointed). However, if the special measure is not approved, the applicant may not be selected as a fellow.

Fellows – SPD

(i)That the applicant has a world-highest level of research capability and excellent researchachievement, and is fully expected to become an excellent researcher to shoulder the academic fields in the future; and

(ii)That the research plans of the applicant are specific and excellent.

(Points to Keep in Mind)

In response to the protection of human rights and the compliance with laws and regulations, etc.

If the research should take procedures based on laws and regulations such as obtaining the agreement/cooperation of the other party, considering handling personal information and dealing with life ethics/safety measures in carrying out research plans, what kind of actions and measures should be taken will be the target of confirmation. For example, the target includes survey/research/experiment which needs to be approved by the information committee and the ethics committee, etc. outside research institution such as the questionnaire survey connected with personal information/interview survey, survey, etc. of cultural heritage in and out of the country, use of samples to be provided, potentially invasive study, analysis and research of human genome, experiment to modify genes and animal experiment.