The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) invite applications for the FY 2026 Joint Call for Research Proposals. This program aims to foster sustained networks through social scientist exchanges between India and Japan.

Program Overview

The ICSSR-JSPS program supports bilateral joint research projects and seminars between research teams from India and Japan. The goal is to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among social scientists. This initiative encourages the development of lasting partnerships and the exchange of expertise.

ICSSR provides financial support to Indian Social Scientists for implementing joint research projects and seminars. The program emphasizes the importance of networking and collaboration between researchers from both countries. It aims to facilitate mutual research advancement and address pressing social issues.

The program supports two main activities: Joint Research Projects (up to two years) and Joint Seminars (up to one week). These activities are designed to encourage in-depth collaboration and the exchange of ideas between Indian and Japanese researchers.

Eligibility and Participation

For Indian participants, applicants must hold a full-time faculty position in social sciences at a public-funded university or research institute in India. Japanese participants must be researchers at a university or research institute under the jurisdiction of JSPS, Japan. There is no limitation on the number of participants.

Researchers from third countries may participate in seminars, provided they cover their own expenses. Applications must be submitted to both ICSSR and JSPS by the specified deadlines. Ensure that both Indian and Japanese team leaders submit matching applications.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• Holding a full-time faculty position in social sciences at a public-funded university or research institute in India.

• Counterpart researchers must be affiliated with a university or research institute under JSPS, Japan.

Funding Details and Expenses

ICSSR provides financial support for international and domestic travel, consumables, honoraria, printing, communication, and meeting expenses. For Joint Research Projects, it is recommended that more than 50% of the total funding be used for international/domestic travel. The maximum funding available is ₹ 7,00,000 per fiscal year for Joint Research Projects and ₹ 7,00,000 for each seminar.

For Joint Seminars held in India, ICSSR covers domestic travel expenses for Indian team members and meeting expenses. For seminars held in Japan, ICSSR covers international airfare between India and Japan, as well as domestic travel expenses and meeting expenses incurred in India for preparatory and debriefing meetings.

JSPS covers the expenses incurred in Japan, including maintenance allowance for researchers. Costs for holding the seminars in Japan are covered by JSPS. ICSSR consigns the administration of projects to the Indian team leader’s affiliated institution, and funds must be used according to ICSSR’s rules.

Application Procedure and Deadlines

Indian researchers must submit their applications through email and hard copy to ICSSR on or before 3rd September 2025. The application form and guidelines are available on the ICSSR website. Japanese researchers should submit their applications to JSPS according to their guidelines.

Applications should be submitted on the prescribed Application Form to ICSSR for Indian scholars and to JSPS for Japanese scholars. Ensure that the counterpart submits a matching application, as applications submitted by one side only will not be accepted.

The complete application must include a detailed research proposal, budget plan, and relevant supporting documents. Submit the application to: Mr. M.P.Madhukar, In-charge, IC Division, Indian Council of Social Science Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi – 110 067.

Selection Criteria and Review Process

The selection process is based on several criteria, including the scientific excellence of the projects/seminars, the necessity of cooperation, and the added value gained through knowledge transfer. The impact of outcomes on improving the quality of life and contributing to socioeconomic development is also considered.

Other important factors include the participation of young researchers, the feasibility and concreteness of the research plan, and the policy impact of the study. The appropriateness of the budget plan and the venue (in the case of seminars) are also evaluated. ICSSR and JSPS conduct separate reviews and make joint selections based on the review results.

Key selection criteria include:

• Scientific excellence of projects/seminars

• Impact of outcomes on improving the quality of life

• Feasibility and concreteness of the research plan

Obligations and Other Instructions

Project funds allocated by ICSSR are to be administered by the publicly funded university/college or research institute. Team leaders must submit a report by the designated due date, which will be given public access. Due acknowledgement of support by ICSSR and JSPS should be made in any publication resulting from the projects/seminars.

ICSSR will take appropriate measures in cases of misuse of research funds, improper practices, or violation of laws. Researchers participating in research activities are obligated to complete a research ethics education course. ICSSR does not support the issuing of visas or the arrangement of accommodations.

Ensure the protection and proper distribution of intellectual property resulting from projects/seminars, in accordance with the laws and regulations of both countries. Contact Mr. M.P.Madhukar at ICSSR or Ms. HORIUCHI Yumemi at JSPS for any quer