Frontiers of Science Symposium
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. What is the FoS Symposium?
A.
The Frontiers of Science (FoS) Symposium is a lodge-style symposium where outstanding young researchers from Japan and other countries engage in cross-disciplinary discussions on cutting-edge scientific topics in a variety of research fields.
The symposia aim to provide young researchers participating in them with a broader academic perspective, while further developing their ideas freely beyond the boundaries of existing academic fields. As such, these symposia contribute to the development of new academic fields, foster the next generation of leaders, and form wide, interdisciplinary networks.
For more information about this program, please see “Frontiers of Science Symposium Outline.”
The Frontiers of Science (FoS) Symposium is a lodge-style symposium where outstanding young researchers from Japan and other countries engage in cross-disciplinary discussions on cutting-edge scientific topics in a variety of research fields.
The symposia aim to provide young researchers participating in them with a broader academic perspective, while further developing their ideas freely beyond the boundaries of existing academic fields. As such, these symposia contribute to the development of new academic fields, foster the next generation of leaders, and form wide, interdisciplinary networks.
For more information about this program, please see “Frontiers of Science Symposium Outline.”
Q. Which countries are the partners in FoS Symposia?
A.
It varies from year to year. For details, please refer to the “Call for the Applicants of Discussants.”
It varies from year to year. For details, please refer to the “Call for the Applicants of Discussants.”
Q. What kind of researchers participate in FoS Symposia?
A.
Researchers who have accrued outstanding achievements and who are broadly interested in and capable of discussing a wide range of research outside their own fields are invited to participate.
Researchers who have accrued outstanding achievements and who are broadly interested in and capable of discussing a wide range of research outside their own fields are invited to participate.
Q. Are interpreters available in FoS Symposia?
A.
All the symposia are conducted in English without simultaneous interpretation. All speakers are required to present and discuss in English.
All the symposia are conducted in English without simultaneous interpretation. All speakers are required to present and discuss in English.
Q. I am enrolled in a university or other institution in Japan but have not yet obtained a doctoral degree. Can I apply to participate in a symposium?
A.
If you have not obtained a doctoral degree as of April 1 of the year the symposium is held, you will not be eligible to apply.
If you have not obtained a doctoral degree as of April 1 of the year the symposium is held, you will not be eligible to apply.
Q. Can foreign researchers affiliated with a university in Japan apply?
A.
Yes, foreign researchers can apply as long as they are affiliated with a university or other institution in Japan. However, researchers who are only affiliated with an overseas institution are not eligible to apply, even if they are Japanese nationals.
Yes, foreign researchers can apply as long as they are affiliated with a university or other institution in Japan. However, researchers who are only affiliated with an overseas institution are not eligible to apply, even if they are Japanese nationals.
Q. I have participated in a FoS symposium before. Can I apply for another symposium from a country different than the one before?
A.
So as to provide opportunities for many researchers, you may only participate in one symposium.
So as to provide opportunities for many researchers, you may only participate in one symposium.
Q. Can I participate in a symposium even though I have moved away from the Japanese institution where I applied?
A.
Yes, it is possible. However, if you no longer meet the application requirements, you will not be able to participate even when you have been selected. For example, if you have moved to a foreign research institution.
Yes, it is possible. However, if you no longer meet the application requirements, you will not be able to participate even when you have been selected. For example, if you have moved to a foreign research institution.
Q. What happens if I find out after being selected that I cannot participate on some of the symposium dates?
A.
If you are unable to attend even a portion of the symposium, you will not be eligible to participate in the entire symposium program.
If you are unable to attend even a portion of the symposium, you will not be eligible to participate in the entire symposium program.
Q. If there are multiple Frontiers of Science symposia held during the same year, is it possible to apply for more than one of them?
A.
Yes, it is possible. You may indicate your preferences in your application form, which will be considered during the selection process. But you will not be selected to participate as a discussant in more than one symposium.
Yes, it is possible. You may indicate your preferences in your application form, which will be considered during the selection process. But you will not be selected to participate as a discussant in more than one symposium.
Q. Can foreign researchers enrolled at universities in Japan be recommenders?
A.
Yes, a foreign researcher can be a recommender as long as s/he is enrolled in a university or other research institution in Japan. However, a researcher affiliated with a foreign university cannot be a recommender even if s/he is a Japanese citizen.
Yes, a foreign researcher can be a recommender as long as s/he is enrolled in a university or other research institution in Japan. However, a researcher affiliated with a foreign university cannot be a recommender even if s/he is a Japanese citizen.
Q. May one applicant submit multiple recommendation forms?
A.
Only one letter of recommendation per applicant is accepted.
Only one letter of recommendation per applicant is accepted.
Q. If an applicant is planning to transfer to another university. Can the recommender be from either his/her current or new university?
A.
Yes, both are acceptable.
Yes, both are acceptable.
Q. Do you use an electronic application system?
A.
No, we do not use an electronic application system.
No, we do not use an electronic application system.
Q. Is it okay to send my application by postal mail?
A.
No, you do not need to mail your documents. Please submit your designated files via the online storage system "Proself" designated by JSPS.
No, you do not need to mail your documents. Please submit your designated files via the online storage system "Proself" designated by JSPS.
Q. What should I do if there is no session that corresponds to my field of expertise in the "Session subject close to your research field" column of Form 2?
A.
Please select the session that most closely aligns with your field of expertise. Please note, however, that session frameworks are subject to change based on arrangements with the counterpart country.
Please select the session that most closely aligns with your field of expertise. Please note, however, that session frameworks are subject to change based on arrangements with the counterpart country.
Q. What should I do if there are multiple sessions that correspond to my field of expertise in the "Session subject close to your research field" column of Form 2?
A.
Please select one session that most closely aligns with your field of expertise. Please note, however, that session frameworks are subject to change based on arrangements with the counterpart country.
Please select one session that most closely aligns with your field of expertise. Please note, however, that session frameworks are subject to change based on arrangements with the counterpart country.
Q. Regarding Form 3, (4) "Past and/or Present overseas research experience," can I include study abroad in foreign languages?
A.
You may include language study abroad, but please specify what language study abroad. Such experience in high school and/or undergraduate school is also acceptable.
You may include language study abroad, but please specify what language study abroad. Such experience in high school and/or undergraduate school is also acceptable.
Q. Regarding Form 3, (4) "Past and/or Present overseas research experience," how should I describe it if I am a foreign national?
A.
Please list your research history in countries other than Japan. You may include your home country.
Please list your research history in countries other than Japan. You may include your home country.
Q. If it is not possible to list all of my research experience within the frame of the form, can I enlarge the frame?
A.
No, you are not allowed to alter the form. Neither is it allowed to increase the number of pages or frames.
No, you are not allowed to alter the form. Neither is it allowed to increase the number of pages or frames.
Q. May I submit documents that can be used as references for my application separately?
A.
No. Only the prescribed documents and forms are accepted.
No. Only the prescribed documents and forms are accepted.
Q. How much is the fee for participation in the symposium?
A.
There is no participation fee for the symposium.
There is no participation fee for the symposium.
Q. What expenses will be covered?
A.
JSPS and the co-organizing organizations will pay for the participants' round-trip transportation expenses from their home institutions to the symposium venue (foreign and domestic travel expenses) as well as accommodations and meals during the symposium.
JSPS and the co-organizing organizations will pay for the participants' round-trip transportation expenses from their home institutions to the symposium venue (foreign and domestic travel expenses) as well as accommodations and meals during the symposium.
Q. Will the expenses be paid through the institutions?
A.
No. Accommodations and meals during the symposium will be paid directly to the symposium venue by JSPS and the co-organizing organizations.
Transportation expenses from the participant's home institution to the symposium venue and back (foreign and domestic travel expenses) will be paid directly to the participant or to the travel agency, in accordance with the JSPS's travel expenses regulations.
No. Accommodations and meals during the symposium will be paid directly to the symposium venue by JSPS and the co-organizing organizations.
Transportation expenses from the participant's home institution to the symposium venue and back (foreign and domestic travel expenses) will be paid directly to the participant or to the travel agency, in accordance with the JSPS's travel expenses regulations.
Q. When will I be notified of the selection results?
A.
For details, please refer to “Application Guidelines for Discussants.”
For details, please refer to “Application Guidelines for Discussants.”
Q. I would like to extend my trip for a few days before or after the symposium due to other business. Would that be possible?
A.
Yes, it is possible. However, please contact us in advance so that we can confirm your itinerary. Please note that you will be responsible for your own expenses related to the other business.
Yes, it is possible. However, please contact us in advance so that we can confirm your itinerary. Please note that you will be responsible for your own expenses related to the other business.