Outline of the JSPS Core-to-Core Program

From February 2004, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(JSPS) has initiated a new program for the purpose of building and expanding a cooperative international framework in leading-edge fields of science among universities and research institutions in Japan and the following 15 western nations: The US, Canada, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

This program is given two implementation components: "Strategic Research Networks" and "Integrated Action Initiatives." The objective of the first is to expand and strengthen research networks that will from a relatively long-term perspective sustain and advance cooperative relations between researchers and research institutions in Japan and in other scientifically advanced nations. The second component is provided to support short-term collaborations among such researchers that will lay the foundations for establishing cooperative research networks. Based on an evaluation of the results of these short-term collaborations, they may be elevated to Strategic Research Networks projects.

As to the concrete activities to be carried out under the program, for each designated field co-chairs will be appointed in both Japan and the counterpart nations. Transcending their own affiliated institutions, the co-chairs will form research groups to advance collaborations that combine the three components of joint research activities , scientific meetings, and researcher exchanges.

Reference
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan
6 Ichmancho, Chiyoda-ku, TOKYO 102-8471, JAPAN
Tel: +81-3-3263-1726
Fax: +81-3-3263-1673