In 1977, JSPS entered into an agreement with The National Foundation for Scientific Research of Belgium, the predecessor of The Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO), to initiate a program of researcher exchange between the two countries. On 22 December 2004, a new MoU introducing a joint research framework into the bilateral program was signed by representatives of JSPS and FWO.

Based on the memorandum, joint research spanning the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences is scheduled to begin between Japanese and Belgian (Flemish speaking) researchers in the 2005 fiscal year. Though the old program of researcher exchange is to be abolished, such visits and interactions will continue within the joint research framework. This new package of initiatives is expected to advance yet another step research cooperation between the two countries.