FAQ for JSPS Invitation Fellowship Program for Research in Japan
(Short-term & Long-term)
| Q1. |
What is the difference between the short-term and long-term programs of the JSPS Invitation Fellowships for Research in Japan? |
| |
| |
A1. |
The differences are outlined as follows:
| Program |
Short-term |
Long-term |
| Purpose |
To invite researchers to Japan for short periods to conduct seminars, discussions and lectures in their fields |
To invite researchers for longer periods to conduct cooperative research with Japanese colleagues |
| Tenure |
From 14 through 60 days |
From 61 days through 10 months |
| Eligibility |
Senior researchers with excellent research records |
Mid-career researchers with excellent research records |
|
| Q2. |
Besides my research plan in Japan, what else should I discuss with my prospective host researcher before applying for a fellowship? |
| |
| |
A2. |
Normally, JSPS fellows are expected to follow the procedure set by their host institution and host researcher in carrying out their activities at the host institution. If this should be difficult, you will need to make a different arrangement with your host institution and host researcher. If they agree to the arrangement, you may follow it instead of the normal procedure.
There are two areas in which misunderstandings are most likely to occur: (1) cost sharing and (2) handling of research results (especially intellectual property rights).
| (1) |
Under this program, the fellowship is used to invite independent researchers who hold full-time positions in overseas research institutions to Japan. The allowance, therefore, is not meant to supplement joint research expenses. Fellows are advised to consult with their hosts before applying for the program as to how costs (e.g., experiment materials, helper salaries, utilities) incurred in conducting activities during their tenures will be shared. |
| (2) |
Many Japanese research institutions have a policy that requires researchers who make discoveries (etc.) to transfer all or part of the intellectual property rights to the institution. For example, some institutions require that income derived from discoveries be shared with the institution. There have also been cases when the JSPS fellow’s contribution to a discovery was significant of problems occurring with regard to the dispositions of intellectual property rights. How to handle such rights should be discussed and agreed upon by the host and fellow in advance. |
Please note that if an agreement was not made between the host and fellow with regard to cost sharing, intellectual property rights handling or other matters, and a problem should arise, it will need to be settled between the parties involved. |
| Q3. |
Can I be accept another grant during my tenure? |
| |
| |
A3. |
You are provided with international travel expenses, maintenance allowance, domestic research-related travel allowance, and a research grant (under long-term program) through this fellowship. You are not allowed to receive another research grant that duplicates any of these provisions. |
| Q4. |
Upon my accepting the Fellowship, what sort of procedure must my host carry out? |
| |
| |
A4. |
Your host scientist is responsible for handling the administrative procedures related to your Fellowship and for explaining them to you when necessary. He/she handles the procedures related to your visit and stay, including the preparation of various forms and documents. Your host also submits a final research report. |
| Q5. |
What is best way to obtain lodging during my stay? |
| |
| |
A5. |
Rent for private apartments is high, especially in big cities like Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto. Cheaper guest houses are available at some universities and other institutions, but their capacity is limited. Competition for these rooms can be intense, so it might not be possible to get one.
Various fee and deposits are required when you sign the rental contract for an apartment. These are called "key money," and add up to 4-6 months worth of rent.
The real estate agent's fee may also be as much as 2-3 months worth of rent. The amount of key money required may differ from landlord to landlord.
Japanese rental houses and apartments normally come unfurnished.
If you should decide to rent an apartment, it is advisable that you bring your host, a Japanese colleague, or an officer of your host institution along with you when you go to sign the rental agreement. The several months worth of key money must be paid when you sign the contract. JSPS does not cover these fees or deposits, nor can it be the guarantor for rental agreements. As a guarantor is normally required, you should ask your host well in advance whether he/she is willing to be one.
|
| Q6. |
What are the visa requirements for the fellowship? |
| |
| |
A6. |
To enter into Japan, Fellows must possess a valid passport and a visa obtained from an overseas Japanese Embassy or Consulate. Without the necessary visa, you may not be allowed to enter Japan upon your arrival.
However, Fellows whose countries have a reciprocal visa exemption agreement with Japan do not need to obtain a visa, but can apply for entry permission upon arrival so long as their stay is for a short-term.
Therefore, you should ask the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate whether or not you need to obtain an entry visa in advance. If you are required to obtain a visa, you must submit the necessary visa application.
Fellows on short-term stays are normally given a "temporary visitor" visa status, while those on long-term stays are assigned the status of either "cultural activities," "researcher," or "professor."
|
|
