The chance to push your research across continents is back. Each year, the Canon Foundation in Europe funds up to fifteen brilliant minds—European scholars heading to Japan and Japanese scholars heading to Europe—for immersive projects that last from three months to a full year. There are no disciplinary limits and no requirement to be formally enrolled or employed when you apply, meaning post-docs, industry scientists, NGO analysts, and independent scholars are equally welcome.
Benefits that Let You Focus on Discovery
Successful Fellows design their own budget and may draw up to €30,000 for a twelve-month stay (pro-rata for shorter projects). Because the grant is fully flexible, you decide how much to allocate to flights, accommodation, family expenses, insurance, bench fees, archival access, books, or even language courses.
Accommodation and host-institution arrangements are negotiated freely between you and your chosen host—no pre-set list of universities and no extra hidden costs.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone who holds European citizenship (including the UK, Turkey, the Balkans, and the Baltics) may apply to conduct research in Japan; Japanese citizens may apply to come to Europe. You must have earned at least a Master’s or PhD within the past decade.
If you graduated earlier, you can still be considered—just attach a short note explaining your career path. First-time movers get priority: the Foundation especially encourages researchers making their very first professional visit to Europe or Japan.
Program Tracks on Offer
- Core Research Fellowships (Europe → Japan or Japan → Europe).
- Co-Sponsored Research Fellowships (jointly funded placements arranged with partner institutions).
- Japan-Africa Programme (projects with a tri-continental dimension, strengthening Europe–Japan–Africa collaboration).
All tracks share the same application portal and funding envelope; simply outline your preferred host lab or department and upload the agreed research plan.
Application Timeline & Selection
Apply: https://www.eu-japan.eu/news/canon-foundation-research-fellowships
The last date to apply for the Canon Foundation Research Fellowships is 15 September 2025. Applications for financial assistance for the Canon Foundation Research Fellowships are also due by 15 September 2025 (funding is integral to every award, so no separate form is required).