This initiative will fund up to five joint research projects in the field of Biotechnology. The subtopics for research include Genome Engineering Technologies for Clean Energy and Decarbonization, Precision Fermentation Technologies for Alternative Foods and Functional Molecules, and Microbial Community Control Technologies for Planetary Health. The program aims to elevate research collaboration and create high-impact research with academic and socio-economic significance.

Applications must be submitted to both JST and PMU-B. Proposals received by one agency but not the other will be considered ineligible. The deadline for submission is 2:00 PM JST/12:00 PM THA on September 26, 2025. Applicants are advised to begin preparing at least one week before the deadline. The selection results are expected to be announced in March 2026, with projects starting in July 2026.

JST Support Eligibility

The Japanese applicant must be an independent researcher affiliated with a Domestic Japanese research institution. The PI is not allowed to submit more than one proposal, but a Co-PI can be involved in multiple proposals. A research ethics training program must be completed and declared to JST. Japanese applicants must register their applications on the e-Rad system.

JST will support each Japan-based team with up to 24 million JPY in direct expenses over a 36-month period for international joint research. An optional component for researchers' capacity building can provide up to an additional 66 million JPY for international joint research, and up to 11.7 million JPY per person for Thai early-career researcher candidates to attain a doctoral degree in a Japanese institution. International joint research with an option of researchers’ capacity building: Up to 90 million JPY.

Eligible costs for JST support include direct expenses such as equipment, travel, personnel, and miscellaneous costs. If the proposal includes the researchers’ capacity building component, eligible expenses can also cover airfare for Thai candidates coming to Japan, personnel costs for research assistantships, and costs for holding lectures and seminars. Indirect expenses, equal to 30% of the direct expenses, will also be added.

PMU-B Support Eligibility

The Thai applicant must be a researcher or university professor/instructor (Thai or non-Thai) working at a public or non-profit research institute or university in Thailand. The project must include researchers from at least two different institutes or universities. Neither the project leader nor any participants should be involved in research misconduct. Thai applicants must register their applications on the NRIIS system.

The maximum funding for a PMU-B supported project is 5 million THB for the 36-month duration, which includes indirect costs.

Eligible costs for PMU-B support include personnel costs (not to exceed 30% of the total budget excluding equipment), honorarium costs (not to exceed 30% of the total budget), travel costs for round-trip economy class tickets, equipment on a limited scale, and consumables (excluding office supplies). Indirect costs, not to exceed 10% of the total budget (excluding equipment and international travel), are also covered.

The Principal Investigator from Japan must submit the joint proposal to JST, and the Principal Investigator from Thailand must submit an identical copy to PMU-B. The proposal must be written in English, following the instructions in the Joint Application Form. A separate Japanese application form is required for Japanese applicants, and a Thai or English form is needed for Thai applicants via the NRIIS system.

The general review criteria for proposals include consistency with the research field of the call, the capability of the research leaders, expected scientific results, and the synergy effects of international collaboration. Reviewers will also assess the validity of the research and exchange plans, the expected economic and social impact, and the feasibility of implementation, considering the proposed plan, participants, budget, facilities, and means of cooperation.

For more information, visit JST.