The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) is inviting Indian researchers to apply for the prestigious Sakura Science Exchange Programme 2025, which is designed to promote collaboration between Indian and Japanese scientists. The programme offers a unique opportunity for young researchers to participate in various science and technology fields, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information Technology (IT), biotechnology, energy, materials science, quantum science, semiconductors, telecommunications, and more. This initiative aims to deepen the scientific exchange between Japan and India and support the development of innovative solutions in diverse sectors.

The Sakura Science Exchange Programme offers several courses, each catering to specific research interests and activities. Applicants can choose from Course A: Science and Technology Experience, Course B: Collaborative Research Activities, Course C: Science and Technology Training, and Course D: Annual Mutual Exchange. The programme encourages collaboration between Indian and Japanese researchers, fostering an environment for joint research projects and cross-border scientific innovation.

Eligible candidates for the Sakura Science Exchange Programme include university students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty members who are under the age of 40. Those engaged in work related to science and technology at public institutions are also invited to apply. However, the programme is not open to high school students for Course D. Additionally, applicants must not have previously stayed in Japan for more than short-term visits, typically lasting less than 10 days, or for stays in their childhood.

The main goal of the India Young Researcher Fellowship Programme 2025 is to facilitate collaborative research between Indian and Japanese researchers. This fellowship is aimed at graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in India who are working or planning to work in joint research with Japanese institutions. Successful candidates will undergo a document review process conducted by external experts, and they will be notified of their results within a few months.

The schedule for the fellowship program is as follows: around May 2025, a call for proposals will be issued and will remain open for approximately three months. The selection of successful proposals will take place around November 2025, followed by contract signing between JST and the Japanese host institution in January 2026. Successful candidates will then be able to stay in Japan for up to one year to conduct joint research, with the possibility of internships at Japanese private companies, provided a suitable match can be found.

The programme provides financial support for successful applicants, covering essential expenses such as airfare, transportation, accommodation, meals, and admission fees for science museums and cultural facilities. Additionally, the programme covers costs related to essential events and activities, ensuring that participants can fully engage with their research and cultural exchange during their stay in Japan.

Japanese institutions such as Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, University of Tsukuba, The University of Tokyo, Keio University, and several research institutes like the National Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) have been involved in the programme in previous years, offering a wide range of opportunities for collaboration across different scientific disciplines.

The programme also emphasizes the importance of involving both public and private sectors in the exchange, allowing participants to experience Japan’s thriving academic and research environment. Institutions in Japan, including universities, technical colleges, and national research agencies, are eligible to host participants. In the case of private enterprises, JST will cover only airfare, ensuring that there are no barriers to collaboration between academia and industry.

To apply, candidates must submit their proposals through the Japanese host research institutions. The Sakura Science Programme headquarters can be contacted for further information at [email protected]. The application guidelines will be finalized after the national budget deliberations, and updates will be provided on the official website when the call for applications is announced.

This exchange programme is a remarkable opportunity for Indian researchers to expand their knowledge, build international networks, and contribute to cutting-edge research in a wide variety of scientific fields. With its strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and cross-cultural learning, the Sakura Science Exchange Programme is an ideal platform for fostering international cooperation and advancing global scientific progress.