Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next Generation“Program of Developing Human Resource for
Rhizome-based Research”
Program Introduction

Project Manager: Takaaki Shigematsu
Tetsuo Kawakita

To all readers of this document
Thank you for your interest in this program “Support for Pioneering Research
Initiated by the Next Generation” (Program of Developing Human Resource for
Rhizome-based Research).
This program is one of the support programs for doctoral students conducted by
Osaka Metropolitan University.
Please review this material carefully and understand the program Philosophy andObjectives before you apply.

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The excellent doctoral students qualified by the project manager will be able to devote
themselves to their own liberal, challenging, and interdisciplinary research with the portabilityof changing their affiliation, along with the support funds and career development contents(cultivation of internationality, cultivation of interdisciplinarity, career development,
acquisition of transferable skills, internship, etc.).

This program is Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next Generation(SPRING) provided by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and, as shown on
this slide, is a program to support challenging and interdisciplinary research bydoctoral students and to encourage the development of research skills andcapabilities as researchers so that talented doctoral personnel will be able to workin a variety of careers.
The excellent doctoral students qualified by the project manager will be able todevote themselves to their own liberal, challenging, and interdisciplinary researchwith the portability of changing their affiliation, along with the support funds andcareer development contents (cultivation of internationality, cultivation ofinterdisciplinarity, career development, acquisition of transferable skills, internship,etc.).

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Background of the“Program of Developing Human Resource for Rhizome-based Research”• “Developmental Transmission of Traditions”
from Osaka City Univ. and Osaka Pref. Univ.
• City facing a variety of challenges: OSAKA• Contribute to global society through solutions to local and social issues• Development and utilization of technology innovations based on human behavior patterns• Cultivate and rediscover the city's social and cultural resources• Enhance the city’s new attractiveness (Branding)• The need for breakthrough power to invite Japanese society, with its strong sense of stagnation,
to a new stage• Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU)• Aiming to contribute to society in a way that only a public
university rooted in the community can

Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU) has applied for this SPRING and been
adopted.
Osaka City University and Osaka Prefecture University, the predecessors of Osaka
Metropolitan University, have been contributing to global society through solutions
to local and social issues for the city OSAKA which is facing a variety of challenges.
OMU has been working on a great variety of activities such as development andutilization of technology innovations based on human behavior patterns, cultivate
and rediscover the city's social and cultural resources and enhance the city’s new
attractiveness.
I am sure you feel the need for breakthrough power to lead Japanese society, with
its strong sense of stagnation, to a new stage.
OMU is a developmental transmission of the traditions of these predecessor
universities and aiming to contribute to society in a way that only a public
university rooted in the community can.

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Philosophy and Objectives of the“Program of Developing Human Resource for Rhizome-based Research”
Fundamental Philosophy: “To create a city is to nurture people”
The goal of the program is to create new knowledge and cultivate Convergence ofKnowledge, and to address all research issues that will lead global society
through the solutions of regional and social issues.
• Research contributing to the resolution of social issues• Research creating a leading-edge complex research field• Research contributing to the creation of a future society

Any researchencompassed bythese integrated
issues is eligible.

[Vision to aim for]
Nurturing students who have the strong will and research vision to contributeto the creation of leading research and a future society by utilizing theirmultidisciplinary expertise4

The most important thing for the university to contribute to the local community is
to "create a city and nurture people" based on the program’s fundamental
philosophy and we support doctoral students who create new knowledge andcultivate Convergence of Knowledge, and to address all research issues that willlead global society through the solutions of regional and social issues. We support
those doctoral students whose researches are contributing to the resolution ofsocial issues, creating a leading-edge complex research field, contributing to thecreation of a future society as well as any research encompassed by these issues.
That is, this “Program of Developing Human Resource for Rhizome-based Research”
nurtures students who have the strong will and research vision to contribute to thecreation of leading research and a future society by utilizing their multidisciplinary
expertise.

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Rhizome
A concept that expresses the way in which dissimilar things that are not related
to each other are connected not in a hierarchical relationship, but in a transversal,
horizontal relationship.

At this point, We would like to explain the term “RHIZOME" which represents thephilosophy of this program.
Rhizome is a Latin word meaning underground stem or rootstock.
The plants and trees we can see on ground have roots growing vertically andhorizontally beneath them, and it is the firmness of these vertically andhorizontally extending roots that allows the plants and trees to stand. The roots
must be divided into several sections, sometimes horizontally, sometimes
extending deep into the ground.
We believe that mastering specialized knowledge is equivalent to gaining a certain
level of knowledge at the tip of this finely divided root. Sometimes it is a major
finding in the discipline and from there, the roots differentiate again and the search
for new knowledge begins, doesn’t it?

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Rhizome“There is no point or position in the rhizome as found in structures, trees, roots,
etc. There are only lines.”

Gilles Deleuze, Pierre-Félix Guattari: “A Thousand Plateaus (Mille Plateaux)”

Osaka Metropolitan University is one of the best universities in Japan which
consists of one undergraduate college, eleven undergraduate schools and fifteen
graduate schools.
The situation, so to speak, looks like large trees crowded together. Underneaththese college, schools and graduate schools, a variety of specialized knowledge isrooted in every direction.
This “Program of Developing Human Resource for Rhizome-based Research” isdesigned to help students broaden their perspectives beyond their researchexpertise to other areas of expertise that they have not been exposed to or havenot paid much attention to.
We hope that the students will make use of this program for the development of
their own research expertise and the social implementation of their own expertise.
We also hope that they will make use of this knowledge in designing their own
future careers.
It may be a small collaboration at first.

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Rhizome“To be rhizomatic means to produce stems and fibers that look like roots, or better
yet, to produce stems and fibers that invade the trunk and become connected tothose roots, and which do not decline to put them to strange and new uses!”
Gilles Deleuze, Pierre-Félix Guattari: “A Thousand Plateaus (Mille Plateaux)”

However, it may someday lead to a major collaboration.
You may also end up sharing expertise with different disciplines that you could nothave anticipated at the outset. The multidisciplinary knowledge thus generated
may play a leading role in creating new academic fields and new ways of thinking
and technology.
We would like to support those students who are willing to do so in order toincrease that possibility as much as they can.

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Vision of Fostering "Rhizome-type" Doctoral Students
Researcher to foster• Deepen “Knowledge”,
create diverse “Knowledge”•From hierarchical towards Rhizome-type organizational
structure and thinking process• Aggressive acquisition of“Convergence of Knowledge”•Promoting the organic combination of diverse expertiseand resources•More assured return of research results to society•Academic and research activities in anticipation of postdegree activities⇒ Foster Rhizome-type Researcher
Foster researchers who can plan research that incorporates
the expertise of the associate graduate school in addition
to research projects that make use of the expertise
cultivated in your main graduate school.

Researcher fostering program as unique to a university8

Let us summarize at this point.
I am sure that all of you will work energetically to deepen your expertise in yourrespective fields in the doctoral course.
In this program, of course, we provide support for the deepening of such expertiseor specialized knowledge. But we also hope that you will be actively interested indiverse expertise in order to make use of your expertise for the benefit of society
and to enrich your own careers after obtaining your degree, and that you will be
motivated to acquire Convergence of Knowledge by being exposed to suchknowledge while you are in doctoral course.
We hope you will take full advantage of the diverse human resources at Osaka
Metropolitan University.

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Sophistication we expect to students
Sophistication we expect to students• To understand the position of one's own research in society• Strong intellectual curiosity and desire and diverse perspectives• Willingness to cultivate an international perspective• Future contribution to society

Wide range of issue settings• Research that contributes to solving social issues• Research that creates cutting-edge research areas• Research that contributes to the creation of future society
The program covers all research areas including above and will support those who are actively
engaged in deepening and organic combination of expertise without being bound by theframework of the existing graduate school.
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Sophistication we expect to the program students is:
1. To understand the position of one's own research in society,
2. Strong intellectual curiosity and desire and diverse perspectives,
3. Willingness to cultivate an international perspective,
4. Future contribution to society.
We also expect students a wide range of issue settings such as:
1. Research that contributes to solving social issues,
2. Research that creates cutting-edge research areas,
3. Research that contributes to the creation of future society.
The program covers all research areas including above and will support thosestudents who are actively engaged in deepening and organic combination ofexpertise without being bound by the framework of the existing graduate school.

9Application Requirements• Persons who plan to apply or have applied for doctoral course (3-year or 4-year doctoral course) at the Graduate
School of Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU) for admission in April 2023
• Persons who plan to apply for doctoral course (3-year doctoral course) at the Graduate School of OMU for
admission in October 2023
• Doctoral students who enrolled in April 2022 (3-year course) or in April 2021 (4-year course)
However, the following students (as of support starting date) are excluded:
・Students who have been selected as a Research Fellowship for Young Scientists (DC) of the Japan Society for the Promotion of
Science (JSPS)
・Foreign students supported by the Japanese Government (Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology[MEXT]) Scholarship Program
・International students who receive scholarships and/or other support from their home country
・Working students who have been eligible to receive a stable and enough amount of money as living expenses (2.4 million yen / year
as a reference) from the company to which they belong.
・Students who are receiving support from the University Fellowship Founding Project for Innovation Creation in Science andTechnology (Fellowship Program) or who have applied for the Fellowship Program and have been accepted as prospective students for
FY 2023. See Application Guidelines for details.

The understanding of your academic supervisor is essential for the promotion of this program.
Before submitting your application, please obtain the consent of your prospective supervisor.
In addition, please make sure that you fully understand the objectives of this program by reviewing this Program
Description materials beforehand before applying.
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Application Requirements are, as shown on this slide,
1. Persons who plan to apply or have applied for doctoral course at the Graduate
School of Osaka Metropolitan University for admission in April 2023,
2. Persons who plan to apply for 3-year doctoral course at the Graduate School of
Osaka Metropolitan University for admission in October 2023.
3. Doctoral students who enrolled in April 2022 (3-year course) or in April 2021 (4year course)
The understanding of your academic supervisor is essential for the promotion ofthis program.
Before submitting your application, please obtain the consent of your prospective
supervisor.
Please make sure that you fully understand the objectives of this program byreviewing this material carefully.

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Projected Number of Students to be Accepted• Students enrolling in April 2023:

About 21 students• Students enrolling in October 2023: About 2 students• Students enrolled in April 2022 (3-year course) and 2021 (4-year course):
About 2 students(1) The maximum period of support is 3 years (4 years in the case of 4-year doctoral course (medical andveterinary doctoral courses) since your admission to doctoral course. If you are enrolled in doctoral
course for more than 3 years (or 4 years in 4-year doctoral course), including years before this support
starts, you will not be eligible to receive supports after the end of standard years of study.
If you take a leave of absence during the support period, supports may be terminated depending on thereasons.
(2) Support starts in April 2023 (October 2023 for students planning to enroll in October 2023).
(3) Support starts for those students who have passed this selection process and will be enrolled in thegraduate school listed in “3. Application Requirements” and not in leave of absence as of the support
starting date.
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Projected number of Students to be Accepted is,
About 21 students enrolling in April 2023,
about 2 Students enrolling in October 2023.
About 2 students enrolled in 2022 and 2021
The maximum period of support is standard term of study at doctoral course,which is 3 years in case of 3 year-doctoral course and 4 years in the case of 4-year
doctoral course since your enrollment.
Support starts at April 2023, or October 2023 for students enrolling in October
2023.

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Selection Method and Schedule
Judged by the content of the essay (100 points) and an interview based on
the essay (100 points)
•
•
•
•
•

December 23rd
January 20th ～ 31st
February 10th
February 14th ～ March 2nd
March 17th

Application Guidelines and Program Introduction Materials available
Application period
Notification of interview date and time
Interview (one day in this period)
Announcement of Acceptance• Evaluation Perspectives• Degree of understanding of the relationship between one's research and the solution of current social
problems, the creation of leading research fields, and the creation of a future society• Degree of awareness of the complex (multidisciplinary) knowledge considered necessary for one's own
research and willingness to acquire it.
• Degree of ability to explain one's research to non-specialists• Degree of understanding of the importance of transferable skills and willingness to acquire them.
• Degree of deliberation regarding post-completion utilization and contribution to society with an awareness ofcareer paths.

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Selection is judged by your essay and an interview based on it.
Please see this slide for the detailed schedule.
Interview will be conducted at specific date and time within the time period
indicated on this slide.
Please make sure that your schedule is available during this period.
The five evaluation perspectives are as follows:
1. Degree of understanding of the relationship between one's research and thesolution of current social problems, the creation of leading research fields, and thecreation of a future society,2. Degree of awareness of the complex (multidisciplinary) knowledge considerednecessary for one's own research and willingness to acquire it,
3. Degree of ability to explain one's research to non-specialists,
4. Degree of understanding of the importance of transferable skills and willingness
to acquire them,
5. Degree of deliberation regarding post-completion utilization and contribution tosociety with an awareness of career paths.

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Evaluation method

Rhizome Program
Field-specificSectionEvaluation Items

Out of evaluation or
unevaluable
score: 0

Below standard

Standard

Above standard

Greatly above standard

score: 1score: 2score: 3score: 4score: 5(1) Degree of understanding of therelationship between one's research Doesn't understand theand the solution of current social
importance of one's own
problems, the creation of leading
research.
research fields, and the creation of afuture society

Understands the importance of
one's own research and be aware
Be prepared to understand theof its relationship to solving
importance of one's own
current social issues, creating
research.
lead research fields, and creating
a future society.

(2) Degree of awareness of thecomplex knowledge considerednecessary for one's own research
and willingness to acquire it.

To be able to explain the necessity
Understands the necessity ofof complex knowledge for solving
Be prepared to understand the complex knowledge and be aware current social issues, creatingneed for complex knowledge. of their respective roles in one's complex research fields, andown research.
creating a future society in one's
own research.

Doesn't understand the needfor compound knowledge.

(1) Degree of ability to explain one's Inadequate knowledge of
research to non-specialists
one's own area of expertise.
Common to all fields

Greatly below standard

To be able to logically explain how one's
To be able to explain how one's own To be able to logically explain how
own research is related to the resolution ofresearch is related to the resolution one's own research is related to thecurrent social issues, the creation ofof current social issues, the creation solution of current social issues, theleading research fields, and the creation ofof leading research fields, and the creation of leading research fields, anda future society, and to be able to explain
creation of a future society.
the creation of a future society.
specific solutions and their effects.
To be able to explain the relationshipBe able to logically explain the
between the research results to benecessity of complex knowledge forobtained and the necessity of complex
solving current social issues, creating knowledge for solving the problems of thecomplex research fields, and creating a current society, creating complex research
future society in one's own research. fields, and creating the future society in
one's own research.

To have sufficient knowledge ofBe knowledgeable in one's own
Have sufficient knowledge of the area
Although has knowledge in
one's own area of expertise and bearea of expertise and be aware ofof expertise and be able to explain the
one's own area of expertise,able to explain the outline of one's
people outside the field, but does
originality, results, and usefulness of
be unable to give explanations
own research so that non-specialists
not provide explanations that can
one's own efforts in a way that can bewith non-specialists in mind.
can gain a certain level ofbe fully understood.
understood by non-specialists.
understanding.

(2) Degree of understanding of the
Doesn't know any transferable Has heard of transferable
Understands transferable skills
importance of transferable skills andskills.
skills, but can't explain them. and recognize their importance.
willingness to acquire them.

Be able to comprehensively explain the
background of one's own research, theissues, the content of one's efforts, andone's contribution to society in a way thatcan be understood by non-specialists.

Be aware of the importance of transferable
Awareness of the importance of
Recognizing the importance ofskills, and is able to plan and conducttransferable skills and a willingness transferable skills and coming up withactivities to learn specific skills with ato learn for specific skills is evident. a concrete plan to learn specific skills.
sense of purpose.

Be aware of one's career path(3) Degree of deliberation regarding
Be aware of one's career path after Be aware of one's career path afterBe aware of one's career path afterHas never thought about one's Has thought about one's
after completing the program andpost-completion utilization andcompleting the program, and be able completing the program, and be able to completing the program, and be able to set
career path or future
career path, but has not come be ready to think about how tocontribution to society with an
to explain in detail how to play an
explain how to be active and contribute specific goals and work toward a concrete
prospects.
up with anything concrete yet. play an active role and contributeawareness of career paths.
active role and contribute to society. to society, as well as own ideas.
image in society.
to society.

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Both the essay and the interview will be evaluated in accordance with this Rubric
Evaluation Table shown here.
Make sure you understand these evaluation perspectives well before you apply andbe prepared for the interview test.

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Application Process• Where to apply• Please fill out and submit the application form provided in the application guidelines.
• Photo• Face Photo (above shoulders) (jpg, bmp, png format).
• Please name the file "Student ID Number_name.jpg” (or bmp, png).
• Essay• Information about yourself and Research Outline• Your name/ Affiliation (Graduate School, Major)/ Academic Supervisor(Make sure to consult with your academic supervisor before you apply)• Subject of Research/ Research Keywords• Name of associate supervisor and/or associate graduate school (major)•

If you have not decided these at the application stage, be sure to enter the name of the expected candidate associate
supervisor or the name of the expected associate graduate school, etc.

• Essay using Form 1• Please name the file "Student ID Number_Name.pdf" (in .pdf format only).
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Please check this slide for application process.
Name of associate supervisor and/or associate graduate school (major) are
required to fill in. If you have not decided these at the application stage, be sure toenter the name of the expected candidate associate supervisor or the name of the
expected associate graduate school, etc.
Please consult with your expected academic supervisor before you apply.

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Application Process• Essay• Please use Form 1• Instructions• Describe your research in a concise and easy-to-understand manner, including the purpose of your research, researchmethods, research content, and the characteristics and originality of your research (comparison with previous research,
expected impact upon completion of the research, future prospects, etc.). Then, please describe in detail what and towhat extent you intend to clarify by the time you receive your degree. Those who have applied for JSPS Research
Fellowship for Young Scientists (DC1) for FY2023 may attach the application form as supplemental materials.
• Describe how you think the research results obtained through this program will result in one or more of the following:(1) solutions to social issues, (2) creating leading research areas, and/or (3) creating a future vision of society
concretely.
• Describe what kind of “complex (multidisciplinary) knowledge" you think is necessary in accordance with the purpose ofthis Rhizome Program and how you plan to acquire it.
• Describe the transferable skills* you plan to acquire through this program and explain the reasons why you want toobtain these skills and how to acquire them.
*Transferable skills in this program include skills that can be widely transferred and applied, such as originality, flexible mindset, rising
to challenges, ability to identify research needs, research management skills, data analysis skills, presentation ability, leadership skills
to attract people, and other skills that are required in developing innovative human resources.)• Describe your ideas about your career path after completing your doctoral course, and how you would like to be active
and contribute to society.
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The essay should be prepared using the Form 1 file.
Explain the purpose, methods, content, features, characteristics and originality of your own
research so that it is easy for people outside your area of expertise to understand. Then, describe
in detail what and to what extent you intend to clarify by the time you receive your degree. Set
up your degree to be completed within the standard term of study.
Describe in detail how you think the research results obtained through this program will result in
one or more of the following:
1. solutions to social issues,
2. creating leading research areas, and/or
3. creating a future vision of society concretely.
Describe what kind of “complex knowledge” or multidisciplinary knowledge you think isnecessary in accordance with the purpose of this Rhizome Program and how you plan to acquireit.
Describe the transferable skills you plan to acquire through this program and explain the reasons
why you want to obtain these skills and how to acquire them.
Describe your ideas about your career path after completing your doctoral course, and how you
would like to be active and contribute to society.

15Student Obligations• Determine associate supervisor and promote the research activities of Complex Knowledge• Attend research progress report meetings (every 6 months) and make progress report• Also performed as qualification screening meeting• Evaluated by Rhizome promotion supervisors(Main and associate academic supervisors)• Obtaining a certain number of credits from
common education courses at graduate school• Career development• Study abroad or in Japan for approx. 3 to 6 months: Mandatory• Career and network development• Long-term internship (approx. 3 months): Recommended• Career and network development• Research Paper Presentations, Participation in International
Conferences• Research promotion, career and network development• Attend JST research integrity training and OMU compliance training courses• Apply for JSPS Research Fellowship for Young Scientists (DC2)16Students who are selected will have the obligations outlined here.
Attend research progress report meetings held every 6 months and make progress
report. This is also performed as qualification screening meeting and if yourresearch or rhizome activities are not satisfactory, the support may be terminatedat that time. Please plan well and work on both your research and the Rhizome
activities.
Some graduate schools or departments may have some difficulties to implement
these. If it is the case, please consult with the Program Support Office.
If you have any questions or need assistance in carrying out these obligations,please contact the Program Support Office as well.

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Details of Support• Rhizome Research Incentive Payments: JPY 2.2 million yen per year
This includes JPY 2,000,000 for incentive payments (equivalent to living expenses) and JPY 200,000 for
research expenses.

• Rhizome Activity Support Fund: application basis (with review)• Financial support for studying abroad or in Japan (approximately 3-6months, up to JPY 1.5 million during support period)• Financial support for long-term internship (approximately 3 months)• Financial support for travel and participation expenses for international
conferences and summer school overseas• Financial support for submitting research papers (includes translation
costs)• Financial support for organizing and managing independent projects• Support for career and network development
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Please see this slide for what would be supported by this project.
・Rhizome Research Incentive Payments : JPY 2.2 million per year. This includes JPY 2,000,000 forincentive payments (equivalent to living expenses) and JPY 200,000 for research expenses.
Followings are also supported.
1. Financial support for studying abroad or in Japan: up to 1.5 million yen during your support
period.
2. Financial support for long-term internship (approximately 3 months)
3. Financial support for travel and participation expenses for international conferences andsummer school overseas
4. Financial support for submitting research papers (includes translation costs)
5. Financial support for organizing and managing independent projects
6. Support for career and network development
These supports except for Rhizome Research Incentive Payments are subject to approval upon
your application.
Please remind that these supports are funded by taxpayer’s precious money and the budget ofthe fund is limited, thus your every application for these supports may not always be approved.
Please be advised of this in advance.

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Program Operation Organization
学術研究推進本部

外部アドバイザリー委員会

企業経験者3名（新大学にて任命）

次世代研究者挑戦的研究プログラム

事業統括:重松

孝昌

(副）河北

哲郎

運営委員会
資格審査委員会
カリキュラム委員会
研究倫理委員会

次世代研究挑戦的研究プログラム支援室支援室⾧、事務員2名、企業出身メンター2名

URAセンターリゾーム型研究
プラットホーム
横断的研究活動
自主研究プロジェクト
研究集会の開催
分野融合イベントなど企業出身メンター20名

カリキュラム提供
トランスファブルスキル
キャリア支援フェローシップ事業
メンター:企業出身者２名
事務員:２名リーディングプログラム
メンター:企業出身者3名
事務員:２名

研究科
研究科
研究科
研究科
研究科
主研究科指導教員
副研究科指導教員
学位審査会

国際基幹教育機構 人材育成推進センター(仮称)センター⾧（担当副学⾧） 専任教授1名、准教授1名
特認教授1名、特認助教2名 コーディネーター1名
事務員２名

産学協働人材育成協議会(C-ENGINE)
文科省「JOB型研究インターンシップ制度」

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This program has been managed by these organizations. Your activities in thisproject will be supported by them.
If you need assistance, please contact the Program Support Office.

18

We look forward to your application!

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We look forward to your application.

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Q & A Convergence of Knowledge• What exactly is Convergence of Knowledge?
• Diverse “knowledge” gathers to generate “knowledge vitality” that creates new value "Convergence of Knowledge" is to produce “knowledge vitality"• "Knowledge" that fuses all "knowledge" including humanities/social sciences and naturalsciences
Source:『「総合知」の基本的考え方及び戦略的に推進する方策 中間とりまとめ』“Basic concept of “Convergence of Knowledge" and measures to be strategically promoted, Interim Report”
Cabinet Office Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, March 17, 2022
• It should be distinguished from "knowledge" that just crosses multiple fields and "knowledge" that simply
combines specialized knowledge from multiple fields.
• New “knowledge” created to solve problems and develop new fields based on “knowledge” cultivated in
multiple fields
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Q & A Complex (multidisciplinary) Knowledge• What exactly is complex (multidisciplinary) knowledge?
• “Knowledge” created by utilizing “knowledge” cultivated in one’s own specialized areaand “knowledge” cultivated in other areas• By incorporating the "knowledge" of a field that has not been found to be related to
one's own field of expertise, it will be useful in developing a new field of expertise andreturning research results to society.

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Q & A Associate Graduate School, etc.
• What criteria should I use to find an associate graduate school and its supervisor?
• Please search based on the following criteria: (1) to make use of research knowledge outside of your own
area of expertise in your own research, (2) to seek knowledge that may be necessary to return research
results to society, and (3) to make use of it in your own career path.
• If necessary, we will introduce you to a mentor, so please consult with us.

• When should I make a decision?
• The sooner the better, but please decide by the Research Progress Report Meeting which will be held at
the end of first semester after the support starts.

• Is it possible to designate a graduate school or laboratory of another university as an
associate graduate school, etc.?
• As long as it compIies with the purpose of this program, it is acceptable upon agreement with your mainsupervisor.

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Q & A Associate Graduate School, etc.
• Can I ask an Associate supervisor who belongs to my same department of the graduate
school and whose main theme or field of study is different from that of my main research
theme?
• As long as it is in accordance with the purpose of this program, it is fine.

• How much guidance is required from my supervisor at the associate graduate school,etc.?
• It is not possible to give a general answer to this question, because the situation may differ from person
to person. In some cases, it may develop into joint research, and in other cases, it may be limited tolearning the specialized knowledge of the associate graduate school. Please think first of all that it isuseful for your own research and career path.
• Please note that this program does not intend to be a double degree program.

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Q & A Study Abroad & Internships• Destination, duration, and timing of study abroad: Please take into account yourresearch content, research plan, and career path.
• Consult with your main academic supervisor• Referral to a mentor if further advice is needed• Up to 1.5 million yen will be provided. A plan (period, or multiple plans) must be drawn up within
this range.
• You may study abroad in any country.
• Note that there are budget constraints from year to year.

• Please let me know about internship activities.
• Consult with your main academic supervisor.
• Have a strong sense of career path.
• Consider a wide range of internship opportunities, including companies, government agencies,
and universities.
• Introduce you to a mentor after your support starts if you need an advice

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Q & A Research Incentive Payments and Rhizome Activity Support Funds• Tax and social insurance treatment• The incentive payment (equivalent to living expenses) included in the Rhizome Research Incentive
Payments will be treated as personal miscellaneous income under the tax law. Please follow thenecessary procedures, such as filing a tax return, by yourself.
• If you are a dependent of your supporter (e.g., your parent) and covered by the supporter’s healthinsurance and other benefits, please inform the supporter that the incentive payment is treated as
miscellaneous income. Please have the supporter consult with a person in charge at the supporter’s
workplace regarding your status as a dependent in terms of health insurance, support allowance, etc.
• Please inquire at the local tax office as well regarding the status as a dependent in terms of income tax
purposes.

• Are there any restrictions on the use of the Rhizome Research Incentive Payments?

• Please keep in mind that this project is funded by taxpayers’ money and use it effectively.
• There are no restrictions on the use of incentive payment (equivalent to living expenses).
• All research expenses are allowed to be used only after the purpose of use is clarified.

• Are there any restrictions on the use of the Rhizome Activity Support Funds or the number of times
they can be used (e.g., for submitting papers, editing English, etc.)?
• The budget is limited, but we will support as much as possible.
• Extremely large expenditures may be taken into account.

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Q & A Research Incentive Payments and Rhizome Activity Support Funds• Please let me know how I can take a leave of absence.
• If it becomes difficult to continue your research activities due to childbirth, childcare, injury orillness, etc., we will determine whether to suspend or extend the period of support according toindividual circumstances. Please contact us if you find yourself in such a situation. Please
understand that the purpose of this program is to prevent stagnation of research activities due tofinancial reasons.

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