The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) invite proposals for the India-Japan Cooperative Science Programme (IJCSP) 2025. This initiative aims to foster scientific collaboration between Indian and Japanese researchers through Joint Research Projects and Joint Workshops/Seminars.

Areas of Cooperation

This program supports collaborations in a variety of scientific disciplines. The key areas include:

(a) Physical Sciences, (b) Chemical Sciences, (c) Life Science & Agriculture, (d) Mathematics & Computational Science, (e) Astronomy & Earth Science, and (f) Materials & Engineering. Proposals should align with these areas to be considered for funding.

These areas are broad, allowing for diverse research topics within each field. Applicants should clearly specify how their project fits within one or more of these areas.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must meet specific criteria from both India and Japan. The joint application requires one Indian and one Japanese Principal Investigator (PI).

• The Indian PI must be a scientist/faculty member in a regular position at a recognized institution.

• Japanese PIs must be full-time researchers at Universities or research institutions recognized by JSPS.

• Indian PIs should not be retiring or leaving their institution during the project duration.

It is essential that both Indian and Japanese PIs submit the same project proposal to their respective funding agencies. Proposals submitted to only one country will not be evaluated.

Project Duration and Funding Details

The projects selected under IJCSP have a defined duration and specific funding provisions. The duration of the projects is up to two years, with visits to be completed within one year and ten months.

Funding primarily covers the exchange of researchers. The sending side covers international travel costs, while the receiving side provides local hospitality, including accommodation, per-diem, and local travel.

DST provides support for Indian researchers, including international airfare, visa fees, medical insurance, and airport transfers. A contingency fund of Rs 25,000 per year is also available. No other support like consumables, manpower or equipment etc should be expected or proposed under the Mobility programme.

Proposal Submission Guidelines

Applicants must adhere to specific guidelines when submitting their proposals. Proposals must be submitted through the e-application system at www.onlinedst.gov.in in DST format ONLY.

The deadline for proposal submission is 3rd September, 2025 by 5.00 pm. Ensure that an identical application has been submitted by the Japanese counterpart to JSPS by the same date.

Required documents include duly filled application forms, curricula vitae of both research teams, and a letter of intent exchanged between the project coordinators. Proposals submitted only on one side will not be considered.

Evaluation and Selection Process

The evaluation process involves a thorough review at the national level by both DST and JSPS. Key criteria include the scientific relevance of the project, methodology, qualifications of applicants, and the added value of staff exchanges.

Preference will be given to applicants with ongoing national projects seeking collaboration to bridge research gaps. Decisions on funding will be mutually agreed upon based on the evaluations from both sides.

Coordinators will likely be informed of the evaluation results in April/May 2026, with jointly approved projects expected to start in June 2026. Only jointly submitted proposals to DST and JSPS will be considered.