Outline of JSPS Core-to-Core Program, FY2016I.

Program Objective
The Core-to-Core Program is comprised of the two components: (1) Advanced

Research Networks

and (2) Asia-Africa Science Platforms. This program is designed tocreate world-class research hubs in research fields considered to be cutting-edge andinternationally important in Japan or high-potential research hubs in fields of special
importance or significance to Asia and/or Africa and of high priority in Japan. These hubs will
be built and operated through sustainable collaborative relations established among
research/education institutions in Japan and around the world. While advancing research in
the fields of these core research hubs, the Core-to-Core Program will also concentrate on
fostering the next generations of trailblazing young researchers.
Core institutions in Japan and in counterpart countries conduct collaborations. They
take the form of joint research projects, seminars, and researcher exchanges, which are to
be organized and carried out effectively under the program. Core institutions are expected tocontinue operation as a research hub after funding under this program has ended.
II.

Program Components
A. Advanced Research Networks
B. Asia-Africa Science Platforms

III. Applicant Eligibility(1) Japanese universities and research institutions eligible to apply for this program asa core institution are those specified in Article 2 of the Procedure for the Handlingof Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Kakenhi), issued by the Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). To qualify, an
institution

ordepartment

must

possess

sufficientresearch

funding,equipment/facilities and human resources, and be capable of programmatically
implementing the overall research project as its core institution.
Institutions specified as eligible in the Procedure for the Handling of Grants-in-Aid
for Scientific Research:
1) Universities and inter-university research institutions
2) MEXT-affiliated institutions engaged in research1 / 18

3) Colleges of technology
4) Institutions designated by the Minister of MEXT
(2) Each core university must have one project coordinator. He/she must be a full-time
researcher or a researcher positioned as full time at the core university. However,a researcher who is not employed full-time may qualify as a coordinator if his/her
affiliated core university guarantees the implementation of the project including theprovision of an appropriate research environment (e.g. laboratory, equipment,
personnel). In any case, the coordinator must be eligible to receive Grants-in-Aid
for Scientific Research (Kakenhi). As the coordinator plays a vital role in carryingout the project plan, care should be taken not to appoint a person to the position
who might loss his/her coordinator eligibility, or otherwise be unable to perform thecoordinator’s duties during the period of the project’s implementation.

IV. Period for Application acceptanceFriday,4 September to Tueday 6 October 2015
（Please note that applicants’ affiliated institutions may set earlier deadlines.）

V.

Program Details

A. Advanced Research Networks
1. Targeted Research Fields
Research topics considered to be cutting-edge and internationally important inJapan. (All fields of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.)

2. Eligible Countries
At least two or more countries that have diplomatic relations with Japan. (JSPS
treats Taiwan and Palestine in this manner.）

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3. Implementation Method(1) Theproject

coordinator’s

institution

ordepartment

sets

up

the

implementation framework and carries out the project.
(2) JSPS provides financial support for carrying out project-related joint
research, scientific meetings and researcher exchanges by Japanese core
institutions. Counterpart core institutions are to obtain project funding fromscience-promotion agencies or other funding organizations in theirrespective countries.
(3) JSPS issues a call for proposals to Japanese universities/research
institutions, and conducts reviews and selections. JSPS neither seeks nor
conducts negotiations with science-promotion agencies.
The procedure is as follows:① JSPS issues a call for proposals to Japanese universities/research institutions.
② Those universities/research institutions interested in conducting exchanges withcounterparts in foreign countries select counterpart universities/research institutions
and devise research plans.
③ The “counterpart core institutions” negotiate with or submit funding applications tofunding agencies in their respective countries in order to obtain project funding(JSPS does not ask its overseas counterpart agencies to make proposal calls under
the title ”Core-to-Core Program.” As long as counterpart core institutions are able toobtain project funding under any system in

the necessary amount to conduct the

research exchange under the project, JSPS consider them eligible to participate inthis program.)④ Japanese universities/research institutions submit applications to JSPS after thecounterpart core institutions confirm that they have either acquired or been selected
for project funding or been promised such funding. (However, an application may besubmitted while a counterparts’ funding request is being processed. If the funding is
not obtained, the application will be cancelled.)⑤ JSPS reviews proposals received and selects projects.

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Application and Selection Process

JSPS
2) Make research plan
Japanese
universities/
research
institutions

1) CallReceive proposals fromJapanese universities/
research institutions

3) Request
for funding

Counterpart
universities/
research
institutions

Counterpart
funding
Agency(s)Funding(to be)received

4) Apply5) Review/SelectConfirm whether
counterpart
universities/research
institutions obtain projectfunding

4. Project Period
From April 2016 through March 2021(under the FY2016 call)
5. Project Funding(1) JSPS provides Japanese core institutions with the following funding:
Up to ¥18 million per fiscal year(2) JSPS will cover the following major expenses of the Japanese core
institutions:i.

International travel expenses

ii.

Domestic travel expenses

iii.

Cost of expendable supplies

iv.

Honorariumsv.

Others

6. Number of Projects Slated to Start in FY2016
About 8 projects

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7. Screening Criteria in JSPS Reviews
Applications are screened from the following perspectives.
① Scientific/academic merit- Degree to which the proposed project is recognized as being leading-edge
and unique in the subject research field.
- Whether there is a clear need and value to implementing the project withthe proposed counterpart institutions.
- Degree to which the collaboration between the core institutions in Japanand the counterpart countries can be expected to yield results of sufficiently
high academic value to contribute to the establishment of a world-classresearch hub.
- Degree to which the project will build upon and expand the core institutions’past international research activities and accomplishments.
② Fostering young researchers- Whether the project includes a program for honing the skills and expertiseof young researchers.
③ Creating implementation framework on Japan side
- On the Japan side, plans to build a world-class research hub should be
strategically placed within the core institution’s overall education andresearch program.
- Japanese core institutions should have in place on an institutional level asystem for ensuring the ongoing implementation of the proposed project.
They should also have an effective scheme for mobilizing cooperation fromresearchers of other institutions in Japan.
- The project should be capable of enlisting the participation of an adequate
number of researchers in Japan who are qualified to build a world-classresearch hub.
- The project should be capable of continuing its operation as a world-classresearch hub after funding under this program has ended.
④ Network building with counterpart core institutions- The match-up of Japanese and counterpart institutions under the project
should be one that holds good promise for sustained research collaboration.
- A clear-cut framework for implementing the project, such as a signed
cooperative agreement, should be established between the core institutions.
- The project should have a clear vision of how to build a world-class
5 / 18

research hub, and be expected to contribute to the continuous developmentof collaboration between the core institutions in the future.
- The counterpart core institutions must, on an institutional level, have one
coordinator and an adequate number of researchers in place to ensure theongoing implementation of the proposed project. The participation of anadequate number of researchers is essential qualification.
⑤ Appropriateness of research plan
-Whether advanced consultation has clearly been carried out with thecounterpart country’s coordinator and research institution, and whether theplan is sufficiently concrete to achieve the project objectives and its contents
are highly attainable.
-Whether the research plan is practicable in terms of its fiscal andoperational scope.
- Whether pertinent information has been obtained on the counterpart
country’s prospects to secure matching funds.
In selecting projects, an attempt is made to strike a balance among counterpart
countries.

8. Points to Keep in Mind
(1) JSPS supports multilateral collaboration between Japan and eligible
countries.
(2) This program supports projects of up to five years carried out throughnetworks of collaborating organizations and researchers in hubs formed
between core institutions in Japan and other counterpart countries.
Throughout projects under”Advanced Research Networks,” counterpart

core institutions are to obtain project funding equivalent to JSPS’s fromscience-promotion agencies or other funding organizations in theirrespective countries. Each counterpart institutions must supply their own
project funding with the necessary amount to conduct the researchexchange under the project. Regarding the provision of funding, Japaneseinstitutions should refer to pertinent regulations.
(3) Applications that lack funding or whose main object is to seek aid for thecounterpart country are not eligible for this program. After being selected,
core institutions in counterpart countries are required to submit a document
confirming whether or not they were able to secure matching funds. The
6 / 18schedule for this confirmation process is posted on JSPS’s website. (See
http://www.jsps.go.jp/j-c2c/data/supplementary_explanation_on_matching_fund.pdf)(4) JSPS’s International Program Committee carries out an interim evaluation ofprojects at their 3-year juncture and also conducts a post-project evaluation.
Japanese core institutions should provide JSPS with all the information
including project reports requested to perform these assessments. The
amount of funding for the fiscal years after the interim evaluation will bebased on the results.
(5) For more details, please refer to V. JSPS’s Application Instructions.

7 / 18

B. Asia-Africa Science Platforms
1. Targeted Research Fields
Research topics of special importance or significance to Asia and/or African andconsidered to be of high priority within Japan (All fields of the humanities, social
sciences and natural sciences.)

2. Eligible Countries

At least two or more Asian and/or African countries which have diplomatic relations
with Japan (JSPS treats Taiwan and Palestine in this manner.) However, thisprogram does not support multilateral projects whose researchers are fromcounterpart countries, such as China, Korea, Singapore or Taiwan, that can be
expected to obtain sufficient funding, and that comprise only these counterpart
countries. Such projects should be applied for under JSPS’s bilateral programs or
the Advanced Research Networks program.

3. Implementation Method(1) Theproject

coordinator‘sinstitution

ordepartment

sets

up

the

implementation framework and carries out the project.
(2) JSPS provides financial support for carrying out project-related joint
research, scientific meetings and researcher exchanges by Japanese core
institutions.
(3) JSPS issues a call for proposals to Japanese universities/research
institutions, and conducts reviews and selections. The actual operation of
the selected projects is left to the core institutions themselves. Counterpart
core institutions in Asian and African countries are encouraged to obtainfinancial support from science-promotion agencies or other fundingorganizations in their respective countries.

8 / 18

Application and Selection Process

JSPS
2) Make research plan
Japanese
universities/
research
institutions

1) CallReceive proposals fromJapanese universities/
research institutions

3) Request
for funding

Counterpart
universities/
research
institutions

Counterpart
funding
Agency(s)Funding(to be)received

4) Apply5) Review/SelectThis part of process is optional.

4. Project Period
From April 2016 through March 2019 (under the FY2016 call)
5. Project Funding(1) JSPS provides Japanese core institutions with the following funding:
Up to ¥8 million per fiscal year(2) JSPS will cover the following major expenses of the Japanese core
institutions:i.

International travel expenses

ii.

Domestic travel expenses

iii.

Cost of expendable supplies

iv.

Honorariumsv.

Others

6. Number of Projects Slated to Start in FY2016
About 10 projects

9 / 18

7. Screening Criteria in JSPS Reviews
Applications are screened from the following perspectives.
① Need for the proposed project and collaboration- Degree to which the proposed project is recognized as being of common
interest and special importance to the Asian and African regions and whether
it is scientifically meaningful for Japan to conduct priority research in thesubject fields.
- Whether there is a clear need and value for the Japanese core institution totake the lead in carrying out the research collaboration with counterpart
institutions in Asia and/or Africa.
- Degree to which the collaboration between the core institutions in Japanand the counterpart countries can be expected to yield results of sufficiently
high academic value.
- Degree to which the project will build upon and expand the core institutions’past international research activities and accomplishments.
② Fostering young researchers- Whether the project includes a program for honing the skills and expertiseof young researchers.
③ Creating implementation framework on Japan side
- On the Japan side, plans to build a core research hub should be
strategically placed within the core institution’s overall research program.
- Japanese core institutions should have in place on an institutional level asystem for ensuring the ongoing implementation of the proposed project.
- The project should be capable of enlisting the participation of an adequate
number of researchers in Japan who are qualified to build a core researchhub.
- The project should be capable of continuing its operation as a coreresearch hub after funding under this program has ended.
④ Network building with counterpart core institutions-The match-up of Japanese and counterpart institutions under the project
should be one that holds good promise for sustained research collaboration.
- A clear-cut framework for implementing the project, such as a signed
cooperative agreement, should be established between the core institutions.
-As a core research hub in the subject field, the project should be expected

10 / 18

to contribute to the continuous development of collaboration between thecore institutions in the future.
⑤ Appropriateness of research plan
- Whether advanced consultation has been clearly carried out with thecoordinator and research institution in the counterpart country, and whether
the plan is sufficiently concrete to achieve the project objectives and its
contents are highly attainable.
- Whether the research plan is practicable in terms of its fiscal andoperational scope.

8. Points to Keep in Mind
(1) This program supports projects of up to three years carried out throughnetworks of collaborating organizations and researchers in hubs formed
between core institutions in Japan and other counterpart countries.
(2) When applying for “Asia-Africa Science Platforms,” counterpart core
institutions are not necessarily required to obtain project funding fromscience-promotion agencies or other funding organizations in theirrespective countries.
(3) For more details, please refer to V. JSPS’s Application Instructions.

11 / 18

VI. Application Instructions(1) Researchers eligible to receive JSPS financial support under this program are as
follows:① Researchers employed at a university or research institute (In case of Japan,
researchers eligible to apply for MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research.)② Postdoctoral researchers at universities or research institutes in Japan③ Researchers enrolled in a postgraduate course, either master’s or doctoral,in Japan(2) In principle, one core institution may be established in each counterpart country.
(3) In principal, funding provided under this program is for implementing projects
between Japan and a counterpart country (countries). It is not for supporting travel
by Japanese researchers to a counterpart country for conducting only fieldwork or
surveys.
(4) A moderate number of researchers from other countries may participate in projects
as collaborating researchers. Regarding the covering of their costs, Japaneseinstitutions should refer to pertinent regulations.
(5) Under JSPS’s international programs, researchers who are already representing a
project in one of JSPS’s program categories are not eligible to concurrently
represent a project in another category with some exceptions. (Such researchers
are those responsible for implementing an already-selected project as its research
representative, coordinator, chief seminar organizer or similar capacity. However,
the heads of institutions and/or departments who represent the implementing
organization are exempted.) For information on the approval of projects overlapping
program categories, see Appendix 2 “Table, Overlapping Program Restrictions.”The
restriction on projects overlapping programs is not meant to limit application byresearchers who are already representing another JSPS project or who are in theprocess of applying for one. In the case of projects overlapping program categories,
the representative must choose one or the other: The existing project will beterminated if the representative is changed for the reason that s/he was selected fora new project. This should be borne in mind by those who are or will become therepresentative of a project another program category. Once an application is
submitted, the project’s representative may not be changed. Assuming the role ofcoordinator in projects under both Advanced Research Networks and Asia-Africa
Science Platforms is not allowed.

12 / 18

(6) Japanese coordinators who are now or have been supported under any of JSPS's
international programs in the past 5 years are required to describe the objectives
and/or results of those research activities and their relevance to the subject
Core-to-Core program.
(7) If the applying institution is receiving or is scheduled to receive from another funding
program funding that is relevant to the proposed project, it must state so and clearly
describe the relationship of that funding to the project. Note that JSPS will screenout duplicated funding in its review process.

VII. Obligation of Japanese Core Institutions
Core institutions are to establish a homepage and proactively post information about the
project both during and after the funding period. Though JSPS does not participate innegotiations over rights to results yielded through the project’s implementation, core
institutions are to acknowledge JSPS’s support by mentioning the Core-to-Core Program,when announcing the results.

VIII. Measures against misuse of research funds and handling of personal information, etc.
(1)

JSPS will take appropriate measures (e.g. terminate project/seminar, require
reimbursement of part or all of allocated funds) in cases of misuse of research funds,
improper practices (e.g. fabrication, falsification, plagiarization), unjustifiable acts (e.g.
discrimination, harassment), or violation of laws.

(2)

Researchers participating in research activities (excluding Seminars) under thisprogram are obligated to complete a research ethics education course so as to prevent
research misconduct.

(3) Personal information provided by applicants will be handled according to the “Act for theProtection of Personal Information Retained by Independent Administrative Institutions”
and JSPS’s “Personal Information Protection Policy,” and be used solely for the
purpose of implementing JSPS programs.
The names and affiliations of the coordinators, project titles, budget, implementation period,
13 / 18

annual implementation plans, reports and the evaluation results may be disclosed on
JSPS’s website and in its publications.

IX. Others(1) JSPS does not support research with military objectives.
(2) JSPS does not bear responsibility for any accident, sickness or other such incident
that may occur over the period of the project’s implementation.
(3) As to the ownership of rights for research results obtained under the JSPS
Core-to-Core Program, they are to be determined by the core institutions based on
pertinent laws and regulations in Japan and the counterpart countries. JSPS does
not intercede in this process. The core institutions are asked to decide in advancethe rules pertaining to the ownership of intellectual property rights.

14 / 18

Appendix
Cost-sharing with counterpart countries

A. Advanced Research Networks
Examples of Equivalent Burden Sharing【Pattern 1】
Institution

JSPS

Cost Items
Japan-side researchers

Counterpart
AgencyInternational airfare○X

Maintenance in counterpart○

X

Travel in Japan○X

Research grant○

X

International airfareX○

Maintenance in JapanX○

Travel in home country

X○

Research grant

X○

Cost for holding seminars in Japan○X

Cost for holding seminars in counterpart country

X○

Research equipment costs at core institution

X

X

country

Other-side researchers

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【Pattern 2】
Institution

JSPS

Cost Items
Japan-side researchers

Counterpart
AgencyInternational airfare○X

Maintenance in counterpart

X○

Travel in Japan○X

Research grant○

X

International airfareX○

Maintenance in Japan○X

Travel in home country

X○

Research grant

X○

Cost for holding seminars in Japan○X

Cost for holding seminars in counterpart country

X○

Research equipment costs at core institution

X

X

country

Other-side researchers

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B. Asia-Africa Science Platforms
Coverable
by JSPS

Cost Items
Japan-side researchers
International airfare○

Maintenance in counterpart country○

Travel in Japan○

Research grant○

Other-side researchers
International airfare○

Maintenance in Japan○

Travel in home country

X

Research grant○

Cost for holding seminars in Japan○

Cost for holding seminars in counterpart
country○

Research equipment costs at core institution

X

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Appendix 2
Table, Overlapping Program Restrictions

This table shows the overlapping restrictions on a researcher who is already the
representative of a project under one program category (Program A) and applies for aninternational project under another category (Program B).

Program B
①

⑦

⑧

⑨

⑩

⑪

①Bilateral Programs（Joint Research Projects/ Seminars）②JSPS-NSF International Collaborations in
Chemistry (ICC)③JSPS-NSF Partnerships for International
Research and Education (PIRE)④Interdisciplinary Joint Research Projects
in Hazards and Disasters

△

×

×

×

×

△

△

×

×

×

×

○

△

×

×

×

×

○

△

×

×

×

×

○

⑤G8 Research Councils Initiative

×

×

×

×

×

×

⑥Open Research Area for the Social Sciences

△

×

×

×

×

○

⑦Japanese-German Graduate Externship

×

―

×

×

×

×

⑧JSPS Core-to-Core Program

×

×

―

×

×

×

⑨A3 Foresight Program

×

×

×

―

×

×

⑩Program for Advancing Strategic
International Networks to Accelerate theCirculation of Talented Researchers(Program name was changed in FY2014 from
‘Strategic Young Researcher Overseas Visits
Program for Accelerating Brain
Circulation．’)

×

×

×

×

×

×

⑪Joint Research Workshop & Seminars foryoung researchers (Brazil)

△

×

×

×

×

―

Program A

Notes○: The researcher may be the representative of two projects in overlapping programs△: The researcher may not be the representative of two projects in overlapping programs ifthey are with the same counterpart country
×: The researcher may not be the representative of two projects in overlapping programs

18 / 18