JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026
Fully Funded Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Sustainability
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
International research partnership supporting advanced, policy-relevant sustainability research
Location / Coverage
• Japan
• Host universities and research institutions across Japan
• Collaboration with UNU-IAS (Tokyo)
• International candidates supported with relocation funding
The JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded international fellowship designed to support outstanding early-career researchers pursuing advanced research in sustainability-related fields.
The program enables postdoctoral fellows to conduct independent research at leading Japanese universities or research institutions, while maintaining close collaboration with UNU-IAS. Fellows are encouraged to produce interdisciplinary, policy-relevant research that contributes to global sustainable development challenges.
This opportunity is ideal for researchers seeking to build a strong international academic profile, gain experience in Japan’s world-class research environment, and contribute to impactful sustainability science.
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply:
• Non-Japanese citizens from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
• PhD holders who obtained their doctorate on or after 2 April 2020, or those completing by July 2026
• Early-career researchers with a strong academic and research background
• Applicants must secure a confirmed host researcher in Japan before applying
• Must not have previously received a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Applications must be submitted in English
Not eligible:
• Japanese citizens, dual nationals with Japan, or permanent residents of Japan
Focus Areas / Fields
Applicants must align their research proposal with one of the following UNU-IAS thematic areas:
• Governance for Climate Change & Sustainable Development
• Biodiversity & Society
• Water & Resource Management
• Innovation, Education & Sustainability
• Climate policy, ecosystems, education for sustainable development, AI & sustainability, food systems, and related fields
Program Level
• Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Advanced academic research
• Policy-relevant and interdisciplinary focus
• Early-career researchers
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
• Monthly stipend of JPY 362,000
• 24-month fellowship duration
• Round-trip international airfare (as per JSPS regulations)
• Settling-in allowance: JPY 200,000
• Overseas travel and health insurance
• Access to research facilities at host institutions
• Research support and mentoring from leading Japanese and UNU scholars
• Opportunity to engage in international policy-oriented research networks
31 januari 2026