JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program FY2026 for Researchers from Developing Countries

The JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program FY2026 invites eligible researchers from developing countries to conduct research under the supervision of researchers at the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS). The one-year fellowship starts in November 2026 and offers research placements in Tsukuba, Japan, or at the JIRCAS project site in Thailand, depending on the selected research theme. Registration and document submission must be completed by Aug 31, 2026, 5 pm (JST).

Quick Overview

Programme: JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program FY2026
Opportunity Type: Research Fellowship
Host Organization: Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS)
Locations: Tsukuba, Japan; Thailand for Theme 5
Duration: One year
Start: November 2026
Eligibility: Researchers from developing countries who meet the programme requirements
Deadline: Aug 31, 2026, 5 pm (JST)

About the JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program FY2026

The JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program aims to accelerate scientific research and strengthen the expertise of researchers from developing countries.

Selected fellows conduct research under the supervision of JIRCAS researchers. The FY2026 programme focuses on research related to agriculture and associated scientific challenges.

The fellowship is available through five research themes. Most placements are based in Tsukuba, Japan, while Theme 5 is based in Thailand.

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Research Themes for FY2026

Applicants must apply for one of the research themes listed for the FY2026 programme.

• Theme 1: BNI-Release Mechanisms in Maize – Analyzing the role of plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity in genetic differences for BNI-capacity in maize
Location: Tsukuba, Japan

• Theme 2: Development of Methanogenic Microbial Consortia Adapted to Microbial Saccharification Conditions and Stable Cultivation Technology
Location: Tsukuba, Japan

• Theme 3: Screening and Mechanistic Evaluation of Mungbean Emergence under Soil Crust Conditions
Location: Tsukuba, Japan

• Theme 4: Isolation of Elite Phosphate-Solubilizing Rhizosphere Microorganisms and Elucidation of Their Synergistic Interactions with Rhizobia in Tropical Cropping Systems
Location: Tsukuba, Japan

• Theme 5: Evaluation of Physiological and Genetic Responses of Sugarcane under Multi-stress Conditions
Location: Thailand

Fellowship Benefits

The JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship provides financial and practical support during the fellowship period.

✓ Round-trip economy-class airline ticket
✓ Living allowance of JPY 7,700 per day, excluding housing allowance
✓ Housing allowance based on government housing regulations
✓ Living facility
✓ Overseas travel accident insurance covering injury, sickness, and damage

The round-trip airline ticket is not provided for dependents.

For fellows based in Tsukuba, the listed living facility is the Tsukuba International House (TIH). The facility for the Thailand placement has not yet been determined.

The insurance package does not cover chronic diseases, dental treatment, pregnancy, or childbirth.

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of a developing country.
• Be currently employed by a research organization or university in their home country.
• Be actively engaged in research relating to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
• Be willing to return to their home country after the fellowship and continue research at the same research institute or university.
• Hold at least an MSc degree in a field related to socio-economics, natural sciences, or technology.
• Be able to work exclusively on the research theme for which they apply.
• Be in good health.
• Have an adequate command of English and/or Japanese.
• Receive endorsement from the authority of the institution where they are employed or affiliated.

For Theme 5, the selected researcher will be based in Thailand. Therefore, preference will be given to applicants of Thai nationality or applicants who are eligible to stay in Thailand for one year.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the required application documents listed by JIRCAS.

• Summary of ongoing research at the applicant’s institute or university
• Summary of the proposed research to be conducted under the programme
• List of publications
• Endorsement letter signed by the authority of the applicant’s institute or university
• Curriculum vitae in any format, with a maximum length of two pages and no certificates attached
• Recent photograph
• Copies of the three most relevant publications

JIRCAS provides official templates for several of these documents on the fellowship page.

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Application Process

The application procedure consists of three stages.

• Step 1: Register the application through the official online registration form.
• Step 2: After registration, JIRCAS sends a confirmation email with guidance on submitting the required documents.
• Step 3: Submit the required application documents to JIRCAS by email.

Applicants should ensure that both registration and document submission are completed within the official application period.

Application Deadline

Registration and submission must be completed by:

Aug 31, 2026, 5 pm (JST)

Applicants will receive notification of the results by email by September 24, 2026.

Official Link

Submit your application through the official application link below.

Apply for JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program FY2026