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JSPS Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers

Submit an application if you are a highly-qualified post-doctoral researcher from Germany and only completed your doctorate in the last six years (key date: 1 April of the respective budget year). A Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Research Fellowship allows you to carry out a research project you have chosen yourself (1 to 24 months) in cooperation with an academic host you have chosen yourself at a selected national research institution in Japan.

Scientists and scholars from all disciplines may apply to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation directly at any time. For sponsorship periods exceeding six months, the Humboldt Foundation preselects candidates on behalf of the JSPS. Preselection of candidates applying for shorter periods and those who have not taken their doctorates is the responsibility of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Up to 20 JSPS Research Fellowships are granted annually.

Short-term study visits, participation in congresses and training courses cannot be financed.

Other important details

Further Information

  1. Doctorate, only completed in the last six years (key date: 1 April of the respective budget year). Candidates who have nearly completed their doctoral degrees are eligible to apply provided that they submit the manuscript of their dissertation or publications containing the results of their dissertation.
  2. Academic publications reviewed according to international standards and printed in journals and/or by publishing houses.
  3. Confirmation that research facilities are available and a detailed expert's report from an academic host at a university or non-university research institution in Japan.
  4. Expert references from the doctoral supervisor and other academics qualified to comment on the applicant's eligibility, preferably including reviewers not working at the applicant's own institute.
  5. Language skills: good knowledge of Japanese or at least a very good knowledge of English are required.
  6. The Humboldt Foundation assumes that candidates will abide by the Rules of Good Scientific Practice during the application and sponsorship periods.
Applications may be sent to the following address at any time:

 

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Selection Department,
Jean-Paul-Str. 12, 53173 Bonn, Germany

Selection committee meetings take place three times a year, in February, May/June and October. Reviewing the applications takes three to six months. Therefore, applications should be submitted well before the Selection Committee Meeting targeted.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that he or she has submitted all the necessary documents. Applications not submitted as a single entity will take longer to process. The documents required in addition to the application documents, i.e. the confidential statement by the proposed host and the signed confirmation of research facilities, can be submitted at the same time as the application to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation directly. Subsequently, independent peer reviewers assess the applications.

Candidates will be notified about the Selection Committee's decision immediately after the meeting. The final decision is then made by the JSPS.

N.B. Departure for Japan cannot take place between 1 December and 31 March in two consecutive years.

Further information

  • Email advisory service: info(at)avh.de 

One of our hallmarks is the degree of support we try to provide for every single guest researcher. This is why we offer you extra benefits in addition to the monthly research fellowship: from invitations to events to family allowances.

Further information

Once an Humboldtian, always an Humboldtian: Even after your research stay has come to an end, we shall still maintain close contact with you. Our alumni sponsorship is flexible and designed to support every Humboldtian’s particular path in life and development as well as collaborations between individuals.

Further information