JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 and United Nations University, Japan

The JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for early-career researchers to engage in high-impact sustainability research within Japan. This fully funded initiative, jointly organized by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), specifically targets scholars from developing countries. Consequently, participants gain access to world-class research facilities and mentorship while contributing to policy-relevant global solutions.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title & Code	JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026
Organizing Institution	United Nations University (UNU-IAS) & JSPS
Dates & Duration	24 Months (Starting by 30 November 2026)
Mode of Delivery	On-site Research (Japan)
Monthly Allowance	JPY 362,000

Program Overview

The primary objective of the JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 is to foster multidisciplinary research that addresses urgent global sustainability challenges. This program bridges the gap between academic theory and practical policy by requiring research that is both scientifically rigorous and socially relevant. Furthermore, the initiative emphasizes the integration of gender perspectives into the research agenda. The target audience includes PhD holders from various disciplines, particularly those from nations with diplomatic ties to Japan, aiming to host approximately 70% of its fellows from developing countries.

Eligibility Criteria

Aspiring candidates must meet stringent academic and professional requirements to be considered for this competitive fellowship:

• Academic Qualification: Applicants must hold a PhD degree received on or after 2nd April 2020. Candidates scheduled to receive their degree by 31 July 2026 are also eligible.
• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Japan. Japanese nationals and permanent residents are not eligible.
• Exclusions: Individuals who have previously held a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (Standard or Pathway) cannot apply.
• Maternity/Paternity Leave: Periods of leave can be subtracted from the six-year post-PhD limit, with every four weeks counted as one month.

Curriculum & Research Areas

The fellowship focuses on four core thematic areas at UNU-IAS. Each candidate must align their proposal with one of the following:

• Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable Development (GCSD): Focusing on policy frameworks and climate action.
• Biodiversity & Society (BDS): Investigating the intersection of ecosystem services and human well-being.
• Water & Resource Management (WRM): Addressing global water scarcity, sanitation (WASH), and resource nexus.
• Innovation & Education (IVE): Exploring educational technology and sustainable learning systems.

Learning Outcomes

Participants in the JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 will achieve several professional milestones:

• Enhanced capability to design and implement policy-relevant research.
• Advanced skills in multidisciplinary collaboration within international academic networks.
• Deepened expertise in integrating gender-sensitive variables into scientific methodologies.
• Increased publication records in high-impact international journals.

Certification & Assessment

Fellows are assessed based on their research progress under the direct supervision of their host researcher. While there is no traditional “classroom” certification, the successful completion of the 24-month tenure is officially recognized by both JSPS and UNU. Specifically, fellows must submit periodic progress reports and a final technical report detailing their findings and policy recommendations.

Registration Details

Requirement	Information
Application Deadline	31 January 2026 (23:59 JST)
Host Confirmation	Must be confirmed prior to application
Registration Fee	Nil
Selection Criteria	Research Quality, Academic Merit, Policy Relevance
Official Portal	Apply Here
Brochure Link	Download Official Notice

Contact Information

For technical queries regarding the application process or thematic eligibility:

• Contact Email: fellowships@unu.edu
• Nominating Authority: UNU-IAS Fellowship Committee
• Host Institution: Various Japanese Universities/Research Institutes

Additional Information

The fellowship package is comprehensive, providing JPY 362,000 as a monthly maintenance allowance. In addition, selected fellows receive a settling-in allowance of JPY 200,000 and round-trip airfare. Furthermore, a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (JSPS Research Fellow grant) is available to cover specific research-related expenses, which must be applied for by the host researcher.

Key Highlights

This program is unique because it combines the academic prestige of JSPS with the global policy reach of the United Nations. Notably, UNU-IAS acts as the nominating authority, ensuring that the research conducted has a direct pathway to influencing international development agendas and UN sustainability goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for the JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 if I am currently in Japan
Yes, you may apply; however, if you already possess resident status or are living in Japan before the fellowship begins, you will not be eligible for the settling-in allowance or the outbound airfare.

Do I need to find my own host researcher?
Specifically, yes. Applicants are solely responsible for identifying and securing an agreement with a host researcher at an eligible Japanese institution before submitting their application.

Is there an age limit for the fellowship?
There is no specific age limit; however, you must have completed your PhD within the last six years (on or after April 2, 2020) to meet the eligibility requirements.

What language is required for the application?
All application materials and the research proposal must be submitted in English. Fluency in English is essential for the interview and research phases.

How long does the selection process take?
The UNU-IAS Fellowship Committee reviews applications in February and March. Successful candidates are typically notified by May, with the final JSPS approval taking an additional three months.