Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research
Fund for the Promotion of Joint International Research(International Leading Research)
FAQs of Call for Proposals and Grant Delivery
This English version is provided for convenience of prospective KAKENHI applicants who
experience difficulty in reading the Japanese original, which should be referred to, in caseof dispute.
Last updated: 11 January 2024
[Application Requirements, Organization of the Project Team]Q1
How does JSPS determine the Principal Investigator’s eligibility criteria of whether
his/her paper is ranked “Top 10% international joint papers”?
A1
We plan to use commercial databases, analysis tools, etc. in determining whether
your paper is a top 10% international joint paper. You should specify at your discretion which
databases and other tools to use and/or your own definition of Top 10% (such as subject
area, applicable year, date of search, etc.) in the Research Proposal Document,
accompanied by evidence (e.g., by attaching screen shot images, etc. to the Research
Proposal Document) to enable the reviewers to acknowledge that your paper is a top 10%
international joint papers. The international co-authors of your paper do not have to be theOverseas Joint Researchers of this proposal. Note that if you fail to provide evidence or if
the definition of Top 10% is extremely arbitrary, reviewers may determine that you are noteligible.

Q2“Top 10% international joint paper” is not a common indicator in my research area.
How does JSPS determine whether a researcher is a “Japanese researcher who has a recordof excellent research achievements and an international research network”?
A2
If your research area does not use Top 10% international joint paper as an indicator,
you should describe your achievements and results, accompanied by evidence (to prove thatsuch achievements and results actually exist) in the Research Proposal Documents to enable
the reviewers to acknowledge that you are a “Japanese researcher who has a record of
excellent research achievements and an international research network” in your researcharea. Your eligibility will also be judged in the review. When providing information available
on the web as evidence, please be sure to attach screen shot images and other evidence inaddition to the URL links.

Q3
For “internationally outstanding research achievements,” can I present
achievements and results other than corresponding authorship of top 10% most highly cited
paper, experience as a representative of a large international collaboration, and authorshipof prominent academic books that are published abroad and highly appraised within theinternational research community?
1

A3
For “internationally outstanding research achievements,” you could, based on thecharacteristics of your research area, present achievements and results that will enable thereviewers to acknowledge that you are a “Japanese researcher who has a record of excellent
research achievements and an international research network” in your research area. Youreligibility will also be judged in the review.

Q4
What is the definition of “large” with respect to the eligibility “experience as arepresentative of a large international collaboration”? Also, are there any restrictions as tohow far back I can go in terms of listing my experience?
A4
As “large” could vary depending on the area or content of research, we do not givea specific definition. Please make your own judgment based on the situation in your area of
research. There are no restrictions as to when the experience was gained.

Q5
Instead of the requirement of authorship of top 10% international joint paper to showthat I have “a record of excellent research achievements and an international research
network”, can I provide a “top 1% paper which was not internationally co-authored” as arecord of excellent research achievements, and “an international joint paper that is not ranked
top 10%” that would evidence my international research network?
A5
When achievements other than a top 10% international joint paper are presented,
we will judge in the review whether each such evidence meet the eligibility criteria. You may
provide multiple items of evidence instead of a top 10% international joint paper, but you
should limit the volume of information within the given number of pages.

Q6
I will be reaching my retirement age in 5 years. Can I still apply for the International
Leading Research? Can the research period be shorter than 7 years?
A6
You cannot propose a research plan with a duration of shorter than 7 years. You
must be able to continue the research for at least 7 years to be eligible. So, if you anticipate
that you will still be eligible for receiving KAKENHI grant after retirement and will be able tocontinue the research, you can submit your proposal even if you are scheduled to retire in
the middle of the research period.

Q7
Due to the long duration of the research period, the Principal Investigator andOverseas Joint Researchers may need to be replaced. Can we plan for changes in members
during the project?
A7
As the Principal Investigator plays a central role and bears full responsibility incarrying out the research plan, replacement of PI is not accepted. However, while you are
not allowed to plan in advance for changes of PI, JSPS may permit replacement of PI subject
to completing the required procedures if, for example, the PI loses eligibility for KAKENHI
2

application.
Similarly, if you need to replace an Overseas Joint Researcher, you may be permitted to doso subject to completing the required procedures.
In these cases, JSPS will review the situation of the research team after such replacementsin the interim assessment, etc.

Q8
May people of other nationalities become the Principal Investigator or CoInvestigators?
A8
Anyone, regardless of nationality, can become a Principal Investigator or CoInvestigators so long as he/she satisfies the eligibility requirements for KAKENHI application.

Q9
The requirement calls for a research team to have approximately three times as
many postdoctoral fellows and graduate students (doctoral course) as PI and CoInvestigators to participate as Research Collaborators. Will our application be accepted witha smaller or larger team? Also, could we have temporary increase or decrease in the middleof the research period?
A9
Although Japanese research teams are expected to be organized withapproximately three times as many Research Collaborators as PI and Co-Investigators, theoptimum size of a research team may vary depending on the area of research, so
applications with a research team of less than three times will be accepted. The
appropriateness of the organization of the research team will be judged in the review. Notethat Overseas Joint Researchers and their research groups are not included in thesenumbers, and you can have other Research Collaborators in addition to these PDs and DCs.
You may also change the organization of the research team flexibly during the research
period to achieve optimum composition based on the progress of the research and Human
Resources Development plan, provided that you take measures so as not to interfere with
the implementation of the research project. Note that JSPS will review the organization of theresearch team in the interim assessment, etc.

Q10
Should a Japanese research team be organized consisting only of researchers froma single research institution, or of researchers from several research institutions?
A10
Either way is acceptable, a single research institution or multiple research
institutions (without limitation to the number). Be sure to include a Co-Investigator in the
research team even if your team is organized with researchers from only one research
institution.

Q11
Do the PDs and DCs need Japanese citizenship to participate in the Japanese
research team? Can foreign exchange students become a member?
3

A11
There is no nationality requirement for PDs and DCs participating in the Japanese
research team. However, be sure to incorporate plans on dispatching researchers andimplementing international exchange in view of the aim “to foster researchers who can playleading roles in the international research community.”

Q12
Do we need to enter the actual names of early-career researchers when formulating
the dispatch plan? We cannot plan for researchers to be sent off three years and five years
ahead.
A12
In addition to the case in the question, you may be recruiting and hiring PDs after
the project has been adopted. We understand that it would be difficult to give actual namesof all researchers at the time of submitting the proposal, so just be as specific as possible atthis point.

Q13
Do you have to be a postdoctoral fellow or a graduate student (doctoral course) tobecome a Research Collaborator?
A13
You can have other researchers who are not postdoctoral fellows or graduate
students (doctoral course) apart from the members consisting “approximately three times” of
the Japanese research team to participate in the project as Research Collaborators.

Q14
May we double-count PDs who are participating as Co-Investigators as PDs
participating as Research Collaborators?
A14
PDs participating as Co-Investigators should be counted as Co-Investigators only,and should not be included as Research Collaborators. You should plan your project
assuming that those PDs will serve the role of Co-Investigators.

[Research Proposal Document, Research Content]
Q15
Must my research be relevant in the content to the evidence provided in the
Research Proposal Document to show that I am a “Japanese researcher who has a recordof excellent research achievements and an international research network”?
A15
No, the evidence is to confirm that you have a record of excellent researchachievements and an international research network. So your research does not necessarily
have to be relevant to the evidence provided. There are no restrictions as to the content of
the research.

Q16
When planning the joint research with overseas joint researchers for the application,
if the countries of the overseas joint researchers have travel restrictions, etc., do we need to4

coordinate the content of the research proposal with assumptions that the joint research will
be conducted after restrictions on entry and departure are lifted?
A16This research category seeks for long-term research projects that are conducted
over a period of seven years. While it is difficult to foresee the situation, etc. of the country of
the overseas joint researchers throughout the research period, please prepare your research
proposal, in coordination with the overseas joint researchers, with the best possible
assumptions based on the situation of the travel restrictions, etc. of the countries of theoverseas joint researchers at the time of the application, and provide detailed plans todispatch early-career researchers abroad on a long-term basis. Note that proposals will beassessed comprehensively in terms of the significance and necessity of the joint international
research and feasibility of the research project, including the status of preparation.

[Participation of Early-career Researchers (PDs, DCs)]
Q17
In the Application Procedures, there is a mandatory requirement to include “Plans
to dispatch PDs and DCs abroad and to implement international exchange with the group ofOverseas Joint Researchers (mainly for 2-3 years).” However, this may impact the research
activities in Japan considering the team organization after these researchers are dispatched.
Is dispatch of researchers mandatory regardless of these conditions?
A17
As it is the aim of this research category to foster excellent researchers who cancompete on a global level, it is vital that you send off early-career researchers abroad for as
long a term as possible and enable them to be exposed to as much opportunities as possible.
As such, it is mandatory that you plan for these initiatives as much as possible in the plan.
However, the program does not prohibit early-career researchers from returning home during
their dispatch/exchange periods, and allows the project to expend costs to hire Research
Collaborators that it needs in order to maintain the Japanese team organization, so pleasetake these advantages into consideration in planning the dispatch/exchange plans.

Q18

What is the definition of “Postdoctoral fellow” in the application requirements?

A18“Postdoctoral fellow” as used in the application requirements is not a job title name,but rather refers to early-career researchers who are not engaged in full-time research
activities; for example, an individual who is age 39 or under and does not have a Ph.D.
degree, or who has acquired his/her Ph.D. degree within the past 8 years (including an
individual having acquired a Ph.D. degree within 8 years excluding periods of maternity
and/or childcare leave, etc. after acquiring Ph.D.).Those who belong to research institutions
other than those of the Principal Investigators/Co-Investigators are also eligible to participate.

Q19
Can the Principal Investigator go abroad for a long period of time? Also, if we plan
to appoint a PD as Co-Investigator and dispatch that PD aboard for a long period of time,
would such plan be acceptable?
5

A19
The Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators can go abroad for a long period,
provided that he/she does not lose eligibility for KAKENHI during that period, and further
provided that he/she can carry out the research plan effectively. Regardless, you must still
incorporate plans to dispatch early-career researchers abroad for as long a term. Note thatPDs serving as Co-Investigators may also go abroad for a long period of time.

Q20

Must all early-career researchers participating in the project go abroad?

A20
No, we do not require all early-career researchers participating in the project to go
abroad. Please formulate an optimal plan to foster early-career researchers, in combination
with the supports for their self-reliance in conducting research.

Q21

Can we dispatch PDs of other research institutions abroad using this grant?

A21
Yes, you may do so as long as the affiliated research institutions agree. Make surethat you coordinate closely with their affiliated research institutions, the overseas research
institutions accepting them, etc. when you dispatch them.

Q22
Sending graduate students (doctoral students) abroad for 2-3 years might beunrealistic. Can we set shorter dispatch periods and/or implement online measures?
A22
While it is still important for graduate students to spend time abroad for as long as
possible and gain various experiences, we will accept plans to include short- and mediumterm stays and/or multiple stays as the case may be. We also expect you to utilize online
means to carry out your international joint research efficiently. However, in this research
category, from the perspective of fostering early-career researchers, we believe it essential
for early-career researchers to physically go overseas and gain research experience.
Therefore, to the extent possible, you should plan the research project so that the works inwhich early-career researchers will be involved are mainly conducted abroad.

Q23
Can graduate students in the master’s course participate as early-career
researchers?
A23
Only postdoctoral fellows and graduate students in the doctoral course should beconsidered Research Collaborators in the “Japanese Research Team.” You can still engage
master’s course students as other Research Collaborators and dispatch them abroad or
elsewhere using the research grant you receive under this research category (provided, you
cannot use the grant to dispatch them for the purposes unrelated to this research project,e.g. academic purposes.)

Q24
May we engage early-career researchers that are hired under different researchexpenditures?
6

A24
Yes, so long as there are no restrictions under such other research expenditures,
you may include early-career researchers who are hired under different expenditures in theJapanese Research Team that you organize under this research category.

Q25
Can we dispatch PDs or other researchers as Research Collaborators abroad even
if they are not initial members of the research project? If so, is there any special procedure
to follow?
A25
Yes, you can dispatch non-initial members. Their statuses are the same as those ofordinary Research Collaborators, so there is no special procedure.

Q26
In light of the recent social conditions and international trends, must we take genderbalance and other factors into account in fostering early-career researchers ?
A26Internationally, gender balance is acknowledged in all aspects of society. The
research community is no exception. As one important objective of the International Leading
Research category is to foster early-career researchers in a global environment, researchers
are expected to be well aware of these international conditions and to be sensitive to genderbalance and diversity in fostering human resources for the advancement of science in Japan.

[Overseas Joint Researchers]
Q27
Are there any requirements in inviting Overseas Joint Researchers to participate in
the research project?
A27
An Overseas Joint Researcher must belong to an overseas research institution, andmust agree to carry out the proposed international joint research project in collaboration with
the Japanese researchers, but there are no eligibility requirements such as those forJapanese researchers. JSPS will determine whether an Overseas Joint Researcher has
excellent research achievements in the review by referencing his/her CV to be submitted aspart of the Letter of Intent. Because the Overseas Joint Researchers (and researchers intheir group) are not eligible for KAKENHI grant applications, they must be categorized as
Research Collaborators under the KAKENHI program. This means that they cannot
participate as Co-Investigators (therefore, they are not allowed to receive any share of the
grant).

Q28
As Overseas Joint Researchers are required to secure their own funding,specifically how much matching funds or other funding do we need them to obtain?
A28
One of the critical roles of Overseas Joint Researchers in this research category is
to accept Japanese PDs and DCs in carrying out the international joint research. Therefore,
we anticipate that there are various cases where the project will have to rely financially upon7

Overseas Joint Researchers in order to build the research environment, which may include
in-kind contribution, for example, securing research space for the accepted Japanese
researchers and permission to use the research facilities/equipment. So, “securing their own
funding” in this context does not necessarily mean they have to obtain cash such as matchingfunds. We will not set a bar for costs to be incurred by the Overseas Joint Researchers, so
you should make estimations based on what they might need in carrying out the proposed
research project.

Q29
At the stage of application, do we need to coordinate in advance with the affiliatedresearch institutions of the Overseas Joint Researchers?
A29
There is probably only so much you can do before the adoption of your proposal,
but there are certain matters that you might need to coordinate with the affiliated research
institutions of the Overseas Joint Researchers before submitting your application, such as
preparations necessary to accept Japanese researchers and ownership of the results(intellectual properties, in particular) of the international joint research. Please discuss indetail in advance with the Overseas Joint Researchers and make necessary arrangements
in a timely manner.

Q30
If we plan the research project on the premise that the Overseas Joint Researchers
will obtain a matching fund in the future, might we have to terminate the project or otherwise
if they fail to obtain such funding?
A30
You do not need to terminate the project immediately, but you must find analternative means or take measures to carry out the research plan. We will check the statusof burden, etc. of the Overseas Joint Researchers in the interim assessment, and if we findthat you are having difficulty in continuing on with the research plan (including securing
necessary alternative measures), we may determine at that point whether the project shouldbe terminated or otherwise.

Q31
Can we have the participation of multiple Overseas Joint Researchers? Must theirresearch team be equivalent to the Japanese team in terms of scale, etc. (approximately
three times)?
A31
There are no restrictions on the number of Overseas Joint Researcher
engagements or number of affiliated research institutions. However, we will accept up to threeresearchers for the submission of the Letters of Intent. There are no requirements as to theirstatus (affiliated research institutions, job titles, etc.) or the number or ages of overseas
researchers who will be participating in the project with the Overseas Joint Researchers, so
please organize your project team so as to effectively carry out the international joint research.

Q32

Must our research institutions in Japan accept the Overseas Joint Researchers or
8early-career researchers in their research group? In such case, can we cover those expenses
with this grant?
A32
It is not a mandatory requirement, but, bidirectional human exchange could
contribute to fostering of future researchers in the relevant research community. This grant
can be used for expenditures directly necessary for the implementation of the research plan,as with other KAKENHI grants.

Q33
In view of ensuring economic and other security, are there any countries that are
inappropriate as countries of the Overseas Joint Researchers?
A33
In implementing research projects funded with KAKENHI, research institutions are
required to take measures for ensuring research integrity and strict implementation of
security export control policy (coping with technology leakage overseas) and the United
Nations Security Council Resolution 2321 (for details, please refer to the Application
Procedures). This grant is no exception. You are required to take the same precautions inselecting the Overseas Joint Researchers and in the actual implementation of theinternational joint research.

[Support by Research Institutions]
Q34

What level of support is expected as a research institution?

A34
While this research category is designed to support research activities conductedby individual researchers, aggressive cooperation of research institutions is crucial for thesmooth implementation of international joint research. In particular, we expect research
institutions to effectively provide: support in the appropriate and smooth administration ofresearch grants for researchers dispatched and staying abroad; coordination of the handlingof intellectual property rights; administrative procedures for the dispatch of PDs and DCs;
development of systems and environment to accept researchers from abroad; conclusion ofagreements between research institutions; and other unique support to facilitate theimplementation of international joint research. Also, research institutions in this context are
intended to mean the research institutions to which the PI and Co- Investigators belong, but
may include other research institutions that dispatching Research Collaborators belong to.
Note that the affiliated research institutions of Overseas Joint Researchers are not included.

Q35
Should the research institutions prepare the section on the support by research
institutions in the application, or should we present some sort of commitment from theresearch institutions? Also, on what level should the support be provided, institutional level
or disciplinary level?
A35
In this context, support by research institutions is intended to include thosedescribed in A34 above, but in the Research Proposal Document, we plan to have the9Applicant enter the items of support in relation to the research plan that he/she anticipates toreceive under the current situation or after the proposal is adopted (if necessary, pleasecheck with your affiliated research institution on the items you have anticipated before
submitting your proposal). So, there are no documents or letters that must be prepared byyour research institution. There is no designation of the level of support.

Q36

What aspects of the support by research institutions will be reviewed?

A36
The proposals to the International Leading Research category will be reviewed
comprehensively based on four rating elements: [A. Significance and necessity ofinternational joint research; B. The content of the research plan; C. Adequacy of fostering
early-career researchers; D. Effectiveness of support by research institutions and ideas on
feeding back to research institutions]. Research institutions are expected to provide adequate
support for the effective implementation of the international joint research if the proposal isadopted.

Q37
What, in specific, are “ideas on feeding back to research institutions” in one of therating elements?
A37
We expect Principal Investigators to share, not only with those around them but also
within their affiliated research institutions, the know-hows and experience gained in
implementing the joint international research (including: how the Overseas Joint Researchers
and their affiliated research institutions implement the joint international research, content
and progress of advance negotiations, handling of intellectual properties, acceptance of
dispatched researchers from Japan and preparation needed to accept researchers fromabroad, etc.), and not limited to the foregoing, anything that could contribute to theinternationalization of research institutions through the performance of the research project.

[Review Process]Q38

How are the reviews conducted?

A38
In three separate committees of the specialized fields; humanities and social
sciences; science and engineering; and biological sciences, we will conduct a preliminary
screening if we receive a large number of applications. Then, utilizing the review comments
prepared by the domestic and overseas researchers in the field of specialization close to the
proposal, a document review, panel review, and interview will be conducted to select the
proposals to be adopted. Note that the confirmation of the research proposals and the
preparation of the review materials will be conducted based on the Research Proposal
Document as a whole (including the Items to be entered in the Website which is not converted
to PDF files).

10

Q39

How are overseas reviews conducted?

A39
We will select researchers belonging to overseas research institutions (overseas
reviewers) depending on the content of the research proposal, and based on a portion of the
Research Proposal Document (Please refer to the Procedures for Preparing and Entering a
Research Proposal Document), ask them to provide review comments on the strengths andweaknesses of each proposal from a global perspective and also to assign an overall score.
As the review will be made from an international viewpoint, proposals that receive extremely
low marks in the overseas reviews will not be adopted.

[Expenses]
Q40
The standard percentage of expenses for Human Resources Development is to be
70% of the proposed total budget. What are the things we should consider? Can we increaseor decrease the percentage during the research period?
A40
One of the objectives of this research category is to seek to foster researchers who
can play leading roles in the international research community in the future by requiring theparticipation of many early-career researchers. From the perspective of providing enhanced
support for early-career researchers, we require applicants to allocate, as a standard, 70%of the proposed total budget to expenses for Human Resources Development (i.e., expenses
for research activities and training to support early-career researchers to become self-reliant,such as overseas travel expenses for early-career researchers, hiring expenses, researchcosts that they can use autonomously, etc.).
Meanwhile, these Human Resource Development expenses could fluctuate depending on,
for example, the number of early-career researchers, how they are dispatched abroad, or thecontent of your research plan. As such, applications will be accepted even if the percentageof Human Resources Development expenses for your research plan exceeds or falls below
70%. If the percentage of your proposal falls below 70%, you will be asked to describe in the
Research Proposal Document, how you can adequately foster early-career researchers withthe proposed amount. Based on your statement, and with reference to the plan for fostering
early-career researchers and other information provided in the Research Proposal Document,
the review committee will make a comprehensive assessment as to whether the proposed
amount of Human Resources Development expenses is appropriate in meeting theobjectives of this research category.
Note that you may change the amount and usage of the Human Resources Development
expenses in accordance with the progress of your research and the plan for fostering earlycareer researchers during the research period, provided that you take measures so as not toimpede the progress of the research project.

Q41
Do you have restrictions on the breakdown of research expenditure, for example, a
requirement to use more than 50% of the expenditure for travel expenses?
11

A41
No, we do not plan to have any restrictions on the breakdown of how you use theexpenses. You may determine the balance of each expense appropriately according to thecontent of your research plan.

Q42
Will the “environmental expenses” and “tenure start-up expenses” to be provided inaddition to the research grant, be provided to the research institutions like the indirect
expense?
A42
As both expenses are to be provided as expenditures necessary for the
implementation of the research plan, they will be allocated to the Principal Investigator as
direct expenses.
“Environmental expenses” are expenses needed to carry out your research project, andshould cover items that can be expended from direct expenses (e.g., costs to hire researchsupporters, overseas travel expenses, research equipment, supplies, furniture and fixtures,books, facility usage charges, etc.). “Tenure start-up expenses” are expenses allocated to
Co- Investigators (PDs) and Research Collaborators (PDs, DCs,) who are hired by research
institutions as researchers with tenure (including tenure-track position) for them to start up
their research. (Research Collaborators must satisfy the eligibility criteria and become CoInvestigators.)

Q43
How will the “environmental expenses” and “Tenure start-up expenses” to beprovided in addition to the research grant be delivered? What are the approximate amounts?
A43“Environmental expenses” will be allocated at the time of provisional grant decisionin addition to the provisional amount of grant. The maximum amount shall be around 30
million yen per research project. Amounts will be determined based on the situation, etc. of
adoption. You should submit a request for payment together with the request for grantdelivery of the first fiscal year.
You may apply for “tenure start-up expenses” when hired as a researcher with tenure, any
time after the date of provisional grant decision of the research project (by submitting arequest for change in grant delivery). The maximum amount per such researcher is 3 million
yen (in 100,000 yen increments), and up to total 21 million yen for each research projectthroughout the research period. Details will be notified separately to the Principal
Investigators at the time of provisional grant decision.

Q44
Do we have to include the content of “environmental expenses” and “tenure startup expenses” in the Research Proposal Document?
A44
Because the “environmental expenses” and “tenure start-up expenses” are to beprovided separately in addition to the research grant, do not include them in your Research
Proposal Document, nor in the estimation of your research budget.

12

Q45
Can I add the “cost of replacement staff” as permitted in the “Fostering Joint
International Research” to secure substitutes while the Principal Investigator or CoInvestigators are staying abroad for a long period?
A45
Because this research category does not require the Principal Investigator or CoInvestigators to travel abroad, you are not allowed to add the “cost of replacement staff”
which is permitted in the Fostering Joint International Research. However, you can utilize thebuyout expenses. Please consider using the buyout system if you need a substitute foreducational duties.

[Administration of Expenses while Staying Abroad]Q46
Are early-career researchers or other researchers allowed to expend necessary
costs abroad during their stay?
A46
Yes, researchers can expend necessary costs from the expenses of this research
category while they are staying in other countries, provided that expenses must be managed
by the research institution under the responsibility of the PI or Co- Investigator, just likedomestic expenditures.

Q47
How should the research institution manage expenditures if a researcher wishes topurchase equipment, etc. abroad which will be used at an overseas research institution?
A47
As a general rule, the affiliated research institution (research institution in Japan)
will be responsible for the ordering, delivery, and inspection of items, just like managing other
KAKENHI grants. The research institution shall, for example, establish the procedures forreimbursements and appropriate rules on sampling method, percentage, etc., and conduct
regular sampling as well as subsequent checks.
If the overseas research institution can handle similar ordering, delivery, inspection, and otheradministrative tasks as the affiliated research institution (for example, if the overseas
research institution signs an agreement to perform the administrative tasks under the
responsibility of the affiliated research institution), such tasks can be performed by theoverseas research institution. Even in such cases, the affiliated research institution will stillassume the primary responsibility in the event of misconduct, etc.

Q48
If the overseas research institution is to perform the ordering, delivery, inspection,and other administrative tasks, could the affiliated research institution retain copies of theoriginal documents, etc. rather than the originals?
A48
As a general rule, the affiliated research institution must retain the original
documents since the affiliated research institution is responsible for managing direct
expenses.
13

Q49
Are we allowed to donate the equipment, etc. that we purchased abroad to theoverseas research institution upon completion of our research at said institution?
A49
Yes, you may donate them if you have achieved the goals of the research using
said equipment, etc. and have no plans to use them in the future, and if the rules of youraffiliated research institution do not prohibit you from doing so. For the purpose of effective
utilization of expenses, consider effective options other than purchasing, such as using
equipment they have at the overseas research institution or renting them.

Q50
If we ask the overseas research institution to manage the KAKENHI grants, must
we also hand over the indirect expenses?
A50
No, you do not have to hand over the indirect expenses. However, if the affiliatedresearch institution deems necessary, it may use the indirect expenses to pay for any costs,
etc. necessary for the overseas research institution to manage the grant.

[Other Questions]
Q51
Am I eligible for “suspension and restart of KAKENHI funded research due toresearch stay abroad, etc.” under this research category?
A51

No.

Q52
Can I apply for or receive in parallel with international collaboration programs of
JSPS or other competitive research funds?
A52
There are no restrictions on parallel grant application/receipt between KAKENHI
and other competitive research funds schemes. Still, you should check to make sure that you
do not fall under “Unreasonable Duplication and Excessive Overconcentration in Grant
Allocation” before you submit your applications.

Q53
What kind of assessment will be conducted for the interim assessment and ex-post
assessment?
A53
Details on the assessment, such as specific timing, content, focus, assessment
criteria, and handling of assessment results will be notified separately.
Note also that the status of use, etc. of environmental expenses to create research
environment and start-up expenses (usage, contribution to research activities, etc.) will also
be reviewed at the interim assessment, etc.

14