On 26 March 2025, an online information session was organized as part of STT Research Funding Support activities, focusing on the JST ASPIRE Program. For seeking long-term research collraboration between Sweden and Japan, it is a very important aspect for MIRAI to secure external funding resources. STT means the Specific Task Team, which is kind of working group for assisting research activities initiated by four Global Challnges Teams in MIRAI. MIRAI has three STTs and another twe is focusng on the a) Communication and Branding, and b) Innovationa and Entrepreneurship.
The event was held online from 08.00-09.00 (CET) / 16:00-17:00 (JST). 54 people participated in the event and heard about JST’s wide ranges of grant opportunities especially about ASPIRE (Adopting Sustainable Partnerships for Innovative Research Ecosystem).
After the useful presentations by JST Tokyo Office, other grant schemes were also provided by Harold Kusters at Kyushu University and Peter Lindblad at Uppsala University.
STT Research Funding Support will organize further similar events for MIRAI researchers, project managers as well as any other key players for long-term collaboration between Sweden and Japan.
Materials: Presentation Slides
Q&A: from during the Session and Pre/Post Survey
Q1. What research fields are eligible to apply for this grant? Any areas for economy and law?
Applicable research fields are the seven priority research fields (AI and Information, Biotechnology, Energy, Materials, Quantum, Semiconductors and Telecommunications) that are designated by Japanese government. For details, please see the call text on the ASPIRE 2025 Call for Japan based researcher’s website.
https://www.jst.go.jp/aspire/en/program_e/announce_e/announce_aspire2025_e.html
Q2. If a PI from Japan gets the funding from JST, is there any discussion with the Swedish financing agencies to support the Swedish
No, JST will not have a discussion with the counterpart FAs. Swedish researchers participating in an ASPIRE project can travel to Japan invited from the awarded Japanese research organization which will execute the travel and accommodation expenses and/or allowances by the ASPIRE budget.
Q3. Can current PhDs also be part of the grant? or is having a PhD a requirement?
Yes. The Japan-based team should consist of the below members, led by a Principal Investigator (PI). Swedish team may also include PhD students. For details, please see the call text on the ASPIRE 2025 Call for Japan based researcher’s website. Researchers without a PhD can also join the team if the research project requires them.
– PI
– Co-PIs *if necessary
– Outgoing Researcher
– Research Participants:
– Researchers, technicians, research assistants, students and others who will participate in the research project under the direction of the PI or Co-PIs.
Q4. Is there a clear definition for Top and Rising scientists?
Top: Researchers conducting internationally top-level research.
Rising: Researchers who are expected to accumulate international research achievements and expected to become top researchers in the future.
Q5. I have a question regarding “ASPIRE for Rising Scientist”. any age requirement for the applicants regarding this category?
No age restriction about “ASPIRE for Rising Scientist.”
Q6. Are post-docs eligible to apply?
Post-docs can apply if they are expected to become top researchers in the future. If they do not already have a significant research outcome as a top researcher, they are expected to apply for “ASPIRE for Rising Scientist.”
Q7. Could you reveal some statistics regarding the granting ratio for aspire?
In 2023 call, 152 submitted and 46 were adopted. In 2024 call, 131 submitted and 31 were adopted.
Q8. I have a question regarding this ASPIRE, for the interview, will it be in Japanese or English?
Interview in English is also O.K. welcome.
Q9. Is there any funding/grant for Swedish entrepreneurs that want to scale up in Japan?
There is no specific funding for Swedish entrepreneurs at this moment. But you may consider collaboration with JST’s spinoff-support program SUCCESS for example.
https://www.jst.go.jp/entre/en/index.html
Q10. It seems that this is the 3rd call this year. is it the last year to have call for ASPIRE?
Yes, the ASPIRE 2025 calls are the last funding opportunity and we are in the process of asking the Government for a budget for additional funding.
Q11. Can expenses be used for salary of students (PhD/master)?
It can be used to cover the employment costs of early career researchers (PhD/Master) to be dispatched to the counterpart research organizations.