On the Japan side, this funding measure is carried out under the program called NEXUS (Networked Exchange, United Strength for Stronger Partnerships between Japan and ASEAN) which aims to build a “Complementary and Sustainable Research Ecosystem”, facilitating mutual growth as co-creating partners by enhancing sustainable research cooperation grounded in longstanding initiatives such as international collaborative research and the exchange of research personnel.

On the other hand, the funding measure is carried out for the Philippines, under the DOST Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program. The measure aims to promote joint research projects of mutual interest and thus contribute to intensified scientific and technological cooperation between each country. Teams from the Philippines are encouraged to include collaborators from other ASEAN Member States. Possible collaborators from institutions in other ASEAN countries should seek their own funding or provide in-kind contributions. The research outcomes from the bilateral initiative are expected to benefit and spread throughout the ASEAN region through opportunities such as dissemination activities.

Objectives

• The program aims to achieve the following objectives:
  • To contribute to scientific advancement by conducting bilateral research (including conferences/seminars) in the identified priority research fields;
  • To facilitate the exchange of expertise, technology, and best practices between Japanese and Filipino researchers to mutually enhance R&D capabilities; and
  • To provide opportunities for young researchers from Japan and the Philippines to meet, interact, and exchange ideas to build a robust S&T community in the region.

Research Fields

• Smart Agriculture:
  • Addressing shared challenges such as climate change and sustainable food production is a pressing issue. In this joint call, JST and DOST are looking to support research within the following subtopics within the field of "Smart Agriculture.
• Subtopics:
  • Advanced Monitoring and Optimization Systems for Smart and Cost-Effective Agriculture Implementation
  • Next-Generation Smart Agriculture Technology/Infrastructure for Automation of Agricultural Production and Postharvest Processes
  • Design and Implementation of Smart Agriculture Technologies Reflecting Regional and Farmland Diversity
  • Smart Breeding and Cultivation Approaches for Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)
  • Building Smart and Resilient Agricultural Models for Sustainability and Climate Change Adaptation

Funding Information

• Amount of Funding by JST:
  • JST will support each Japan-based team up to 36 million Japanese Yen as direct expenses for 36 months. In addition to direct expenses, the overhead cost of 30% of direct expenses will be added as indirect expenses separately.
• Amount of Funding by DOST:
  • DOST shall provide a maximum funding of PHP15 million for each project for 36 months in support of the Filipino researchers in conducting their joint research project with Japan, which includes international travel expenses between the Philippines and Japan; research-related domestic travel expenses in the Philippines; medical and accident insurance (based on prescribed accounting and auditing rules); and daily allowances, accommodation, and domestic travel expenses in Japan of the Filipino team.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible researchers for JST support:
  • If a research proposal is selected, the research project must maintain its qualified status as per the submission requirements for the entire duration of the period of research. If the research project fails to meet the requirements during the research period, the research project will in principle be completely or partially suspended (i.e. be terminated early).
    • Any independent researcher personally affiliated with (and actively conducting research at) a 'Domestic Japanese research institution', where they will organize and pursue the proposed research, is eligible to apply. (The nationalities of research project applicants are not considered.).
      • Domestic Japanese research institution' refers to universities, independent administrative institutions, national/public testing and Research Institutions, specially authorized corporations, public-service corporations, and enterprises, etc. that satisfy requirements predetermined by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
  • The Japanese applicants must also complete a research ethics training program conducted by the research institute with which the Principal Investigator (PI) is affiliated, and then declare the completion of the program to JST. If it is very difficult for the Japanese PI to undertake a program provided by his or her affiliated institute, they should contact JST. Please note that unless applicants complete a research ethics program, his /her application will be deemed ineligible.
  • The Japan-side researchers are not allowed to propose more than one proposal as a Pl in this call; the Co-PI is not restricted in this respect, and is not prevented from proposing one proposal as a Pl and participating in other proposals as a Co-PI. In such cases, measures might be taken to avoid excessive concentration.
• Eligible researchers for DOST support:
  • On the program/project proposal:
    • The program/project proposal shall comply with the following eligibility requirements:
    • Alignment with and support of the Harmonized National R&D Agenda (HNRDA);
    • No duplication with completed and ongoing programs/projects.
  • On the Implementing Agency The implementing agency that will be involved in the program/project:
    • Must be a Filipino entity duly registered with the appropriate government agencies;
    • Must be either a government agency or its instrumentalities, educational institution,
  • On the Program/Project Leader
    • The following are the criteria for the Program/Project Leader:
      • Must be a Filipino citizen, subject to applicable laws;
      • Shall submit documents/proof of the following, which shall include but not limited to: credentials/proof of capability; certificate of employment; track record; letter of commitment from counterpart Japanese PI, and endorsement letter of his/her institution. Eligibility shall be determined by the assigned Monitoring Agency based on his/her readiness in terms of technical, managerial, financial and marketing capabilities (if necessary);
      • Must hold a permanent position or a regular position for private entity or must be DOST S&T Fellow and not due to retire the conduct of a program/project;
      • Must not have any existing accountability with DOST and its agencies particularly technical and financial reports;
      • Must not have been found guilty of administrative or criminal case, including those under appeal.
• The Japanese team is basically composed as follows:
  • Principal Investigator (PI)
    • The Pl is a researcher who will be directly supported by JST and is the representative of the research team(s) in Japan. They are responsible for directing and overseeing the whole project. The PI must be affiliated with a research institution in Japan. Co-Principal Investigator.
  • (Co-PI) (if needed)
    • The Co-PI is a researcher who will be directly supported by JST and collaborates with the Pl in conducting the research project. The Co-PI must be affiliated with a research institution in Japan. Whether or not it is necessary to designate a Co-PI depends on the unit by which the research contract with JST is concluded.
  • Research Participants
    • Research participants are researchers, technicians, research assistants, students, coordinators and others who are part of the research project under the direction of the PI or Co-Pls but are not directly supported by JST.

For more information, visit DOST.