BACKGROUND

During FY 2004, The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) decided to end the “General Exchange Program” and modified the “Inter-University Exchange Program” to implement it as new program called the “Joint Research Program”. The Joint Research Program (JRP) under the Joint Scientific Cooperation Program between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) is a bilateral exchange program jointly conducted by Filipino and Japanese researchers in accordance with their mutual agreement on international scientific collaboration.
PURPOSE

The JSPS-DOST bilateral exchange program aims to provide support for research to be jointly conducted by Japanese and Filipino researchers.
Specifically, JRP aims to:

1.Contribute to scientific advancement by conducting bilateral research (including seminars) in the specific research field.
2.Provide opportunities for young researchers of Japan and the Philippines to meet, interact, and exchange ideas to build a robust S&T community in the region.

The Program is open to young Japanese and Filipino researchers in universities or research institutions based on a principle of equal partnership.

GENERAL POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Duration of each Project

Each Project should run for a maximum of three (3) years, with an annual evaluation of the project to be conducted by the two organizations
Project Funding

JSPS will provide a set amount of funds (approximately 2.5 million yen per year) in support of each selected project.

DOST will also support each project with a set amount of funds as presented in the Line-Item- Budget (LIB) of the project proposal and approved by the DOST Executive Committee (DOST EXECOM). Approval of LIB is done during the project proposal review.

Japanese researchers will indicate, “desired funding from JSPS” in the JSPS-JRP application form. Filipino researchers will indicate “desired funding from DOST” in their proposal application. In this way, JSPS and DOST can judge that each principal researcher made the project proposal in close consultation with his/her counterpart researcher.

SELECTION CRITERIA (FOR FILIPINO RESEARCHERS SEEKING DOST FUNDS)

A. Eligibility of Proponent

1. Any Filipino scientists with proven competence may apply for GIA support of DOST, provided that projects are based in the Philippines and that Filipinos may benefit from the project.
2. The eligibility of project proponents shall be determined by the DOST Sectoral Council based on his/her readiness in terms of technical, managerial, and financial capabilities. As such the proponent shall submit documents/ proof of the following: credentials/proof of capability, track record, and endorsement of his/her institution. R&D program/project leader shall posses, at least, an MS degree in a relevant field.
3. Proponents should have no previous accountabilities with DOST.

B. General Criteria

1. Research topics should be within the DOST Priority Areas.
2. Capacity of the Proponent – competence of the proponent to undertake the project based on experience/ training and track record.
3. Scientific Merit – commitment to generate new knowledge or apply existing knowledge in an innovative manner.
4. Technical and Financial Feasibility – tenability of the undertaking both technically and financially.
5. Environmental Impact – project should not have adverse effect on the environment and public health.
6. Cultural Sensitivity – adaptability of the project to Philippine culture and tradition.
7. Reasonable Timeframe – duration of the project and its activities should be within reasonable limits or consistent with the nature and complexity of the proposed activity.
8. Plans for Research Utilization – proposal should include plans on how R&D results will get to end-user/s.
9. Institution Capacity – commitment to upgrade/ modernize S&T facilities and database infrastructure.

C. Application Requirements

The Filipino proponent shall submit documents that are required by DOST Sectoral Councils. These shall include, among others, the following:

1. Complete proposal following the DOST Format (Form 1B, 2B, 2B-1 and 2B-2).
2. Detailed breakdown of the required fund assistance to indicate counterpart of the proponent’s institution and other fund sources, if any (Line-Item Budget).
3. Curriculum vitae of proponent/ proof of capability of proponent to undertake research.
4. Accomplishment reports and audited financial reports of previous DOST-GIA funded projects, if any.
5. Endorsement letter from head of institution of the proponent.
6. Research Contract specifically on the proposed Intellectual Property sharing scheme cognizant of DOST policies on IPR protection (refer to IPR Section).

Procedure for Selecting Projects

Simultaneous recruitment will be done in Japanese and Philippine universities and research organizations by JSPS and DOST, respectively. Japanese university researchers will submit their proposals to JSPS while their counterparts in the Philippines are to submit the same proposal to DOST. The proposal of the Filipino researcher should be endorsed by his/her agency head. It should be submitted following the application format of JSPS and the DOST format for Research and Development Project Proposal (DOST Form 1B, 2B, 2B-1 and 2B-2), including Line-Item-Budget (LIB).

JSPS and DOST will verify each other’s list of applicants before independently reviewing, evaluating and prioritizing the proposals. JSPS and DOST will mutually agree on which proposal/s to support for each fiscal year.

For further inquiries, please contact:
DOST-JSPS Secretariat
Department of Science and Technology
Rm. 301, DOST Main Bldg.,
DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Ave.
Bicutan, Taguig City

Contact Details:
Telephone: (632) 838-8376, 837-2071 local 2001
Fax: (632) 838-8376
E-mail: itcu-mail@dost.gov.ph / jsps@dost.gov.ph