The Fully Funded JSPS UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship in Japan is open to all nationals. This international research fellowship is an initiative of the United Nations University (UNU) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). It aims to attract postdoctoral students, young scholars, and policymakers, especially from the developing world, to pursue research studies in Japan. It offers talented and highly qualified researchers the chance to engage in advanced sustainability research. This postdoctoral fellowship program facilitates their research by placing them with host researchers at various domestic universities and research institutions throughout Japan, all in collaboration with UNU-IAS (United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies). 

The fellowship by JSPS-UNU in 2024 targets individuals who have successfully obtained their doctoral degrees within the last six years and have relevant research experience. It offers fellows the chance to conduct research in one of its thematic areas under the guidance of their host researcher. The research proposed should be policy-relevant and include considerations for gender issues within the research agenda. The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science is a prominent and well-known organization in Japan dedicated to advancing and promoting scientific research. 

The benefits of the Fully Funded JSPS UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship in Japan are:

1. The JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship allows postdoctoral researchers to conduct advanced research in Japan.

2. JSPS-UNU fellows receive financial support, including a round-trip air ticket (by JSPS regulations).

3. They also receive a monthly maintenance allowance of JPY 362,000.

4. Similarly, applicants also get miscellaneous benefits such as a settling-in allowance of JPY 200,000 and overseas travel insurance.

5. However, if a fellow already resides in Japan or gets a residence status before the JSPS-UNU fellowship begins, they will not receive the settling-in allowance and the air ticket to Japan.

6. The fellowship program encourages international collaboration by developing relationships between postdoctoral fellows, host researchers, and institutions in Japan.

7. It is an excellent opportunity to pursue postdoctoral research in Japan.

The eligibility criteria for the Fully Funded JSPS UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship in Japan are stated below:

1. The JSPS-UNU fellowship is open to postdoctoral candidates interested in pursuing a research fellowship.

2. All candidates should have obtained a doctoral degree at the time of application, received on or after 2 April 2018 with maternity/paternity leave periods (considering four weeks as a month) subtracted, or applicants should be on track to receive their doctoral degree before the UNU-IAS fellowship begins.

3. Moreover, applicants must be citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with Japan. Palestinian and Taiwanese researchers are eligible to apply.

4. Japanese nationals, including those holding dual citizenship and permanent residents of Japan, are not eligible to apply for the JSPS fellowship for postdoctoral students.

5. In addition, all fellows must start their fellowship in Japan no later than 30 November 2024, and they should maintain continuous residence in Japan throughout the entire fellowship duration.

6. All JSPS fellows must undertake research in one of the thematic areas of the fellowship and meet the additional requirements of each theme.

7. For all the thematic areas, fellows must be fluent in English.

8. Individuals who have previously received a Standard or Pathway Fellowship under the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for research in Japan are not eligible to apply for this international fellowship program.

Fellowship Research Areas:

1. Innovation and Education (IVE)

2. Biodiversity and Society (BDS)

3. Water and Resource Management (WRM)

4. Governance for Sustainable Development (GSD)