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Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
May 23, 2006

The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has selected a first series of projects to be implemented during FY 2006 as part of “The Asia S&T Strategic Cooperation Program.” The program was created as a new funding scheme under MEXT’s “Special Coordination Funds for Promoting Science and Technology,” taking into account the importance of strengthening S&T cooperation with Asian countries as stated in Japan’s Third Science & Technology Basic Plan (approved by the Cabinet on March 28, 2006). 1. Summary of the program This program is meant to strengthen S&T cooperation with Asian countries such as China, Korea, India and ASEAN members by promoting international R&D efforts and the construction of a human network through the exchange of researchers and joint research. It will promote initiatives that focus on global and regional issues such as environment protection, energy, disaster prevention and infectious diseases. 2. Targets of the program A public call for proposals was launched between Dec.27, 3005 and Feb. 24, 2006 on the following subjects. General conditions included that projects be initiated by Japan, that they take advantage of Japan’s S&T capability, and that they be carried out in equal partnership with other Asian countries. (1) Strategic international exchanges Projects supporting R&D-related international exchange (researcher mobility, international conferences, etc.) among Asian universities, research centers, academies and funding agencies in accordance with policy needs. These activities are to cover a five-year period between FY 2006 and FY 2010. (2) Joint R&D on common regional issues Projects supporting international joint research efforts to solve common regional issues identified through intergovernmental negotiations or other means, with a particular focus on supporting the initial stage of such efforts. These activities are to cover a three-year period between FY 2006 and FY 2008. (notes) Examples of potential R&D projects:   . S&T contributions to urgent socio-economic issues a) response to natural disasters b) fight against infectious diseases . Medium to long-term challenges a) development of sustainable environmental and energy technologies b) development within Asia of new ICT-related international standards 3. Selection process The evaluation of proposals was carried out by MEXT’s Council for Science and Technology on the basis of criteria stated in the call for proposals. Following confirmation from the cabinet office, the selection results were announced on May 23, 2006. notes) The program calls for proposals application from all Japanese researchers who plan to cooperate with partners in the Asian region. List of Adopted Subjects in JFY2006 Adopted Subjects(PDF:105KB)   Top of this page