The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), India, in partnership with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Japan, has officially announced the Joint Call for Research Proposals FY 2027. This prestigious bilateral research funding initiative aims to strengthen academic cooperation between India and Japan by supporting high-quality collaborative research projects and joint seminars in the fields of Social Sciences and Humanities.

The program is designed to build sustainable international research networks, promote knowledge exchange between leading scholars, encourage the participation of early-career researchers, and address pressing social and economic challenges through collaborative research.

Successful Indian research teams can receive funding of up to ₹14,00,000 over two years for Joint Research Projects or up to ₹7,00,000 for Joint Seminars.

The application deadline for Indian applicants is 3 September 2026.

About the ICSSR-JSPS Joint Research Program

The ICSSR-JSPS Joint Research Program is a bilateral academic cooperation initiative established under an agreement between the Indian Council of Social Science Research and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

The initiative seeks to foster long-term collaboration between researchers from India and Japan through:

• Joint Research Projects
• Joint Academic Seminars
• Research networking
• Exchange of expertise
• Development of young researchers
• International academic partnerships

Rather than supporting isolated research activities, the program focuses on building sustainable collaborations capable of generating long-term academic and societal impact.

Objectives of the Program

The program has several important objectives, including:

• Promoting collaborative research between Indian and Japanese scholars.
• Strengthening academic cooperation between universities and research institutions.
• Supporting innovative social science and humanities research.
• Encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to solving social problems.
• Facilitating international exchange of knowledge and research expertise.
• Developing long-term international research networks.
• Supporting the participation and professional growth of young researchers.
• Producing research that contributes to policy development and socioeconomic advancement.

Types of Research Activities Supported

The FY2027 call supports two categories of collaborative activities.

1. Joint Research Projects

These projects involve collaborative research conducted by teams from India and Japan.

Key features include:

• Duration of two years
• Maximum of 3 projects expected to be funded
• Projects begin on 1 April 2027
• Funding of up to ₹7,00,000 per fiscal year
• Maximum total funding of ₹14,00,000 per project

The research must fall within:

• Social Sciences
• Humanities

2. Joint Seminars

The program also funds collaborative seminars involving researchers from India and Japan.

Features include:

• Duration of up to one week
• Maximum of 2 seminars
• Seminars must take place between 1 April 2027 and 31 March 2028
• Funding up to ₹7,00,000 per seminar

Seminars may be hosted in either:

• India
• Japan

Research Fields

The call is specifically intended for research in:

• Social Sciences
• Humanities

Researchers working across interdisciplinary themes within these fields are encouraged to apply.

Who Can Apply?

Indian applicants must satisfy several eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• Hold a permanent research or academic position.
• Be employed at a recognized institution.
• Hold a PhD or equivalent qualification.
• Demonstrate strong research capability.
• Have an established publication record or academic achievements.
• Be interested in conducting high-quality collaborative international research.

Eligible Indian institutions include:

• Publicly funded universities
• Publicly funded colleges
• UGC-recognized deemed universities
• Public research institutes
• ICSSR research institutes
• ICSSR-recognized research institutions

Visit HERE to learn more about the ICSSR-JSPS Joint Call for Research Proposals FY 2027.

Eligibility for Japanese Researchers

Japanese participants must belong to:

• Universities
• Research institutes

operating under the jurisdiction of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

Participation Rules

For Joint Research Projects:

• No limit on the number of participants.
• Researchers from third countries are not permitted.

For Joint Seminars:

• No restriction on participant numbers.
• Researchers from third countries may participate only if they cover their own expenses.

Funding Available

Joint Research Projects

ICSSR provides financial support for Indian research teams.

Supported expenses include:

International Travel

• Airfare between India and Japan

Maintenance allowances are provided by JSPS.

Domestic Travel

Support includes:

• Travel expenses for Indian researchers
• Domestic travel costs for Japanese researchers while in India
• Maintenance allowances for Japanese researchers in India

Other Research Costs

Funding may cover:

• Consumables
• Printing
• Communication
• Honoraria
• Meetings
• Administrative research expenses

ICSSR recommends that more than 50% of the project budget be allocated toward international and domestic travel.

Joint Seminars in India

Funding includes:

• Domestic travel
• Meeting expenses
• Communication
• Printing
• Reception
• Excursions
• Honoraria
• Seminar logistics

Japanese researchers’ domestic expenses and maintenance allowances are covered during their stay in India.

Joint Seminars in Japan

ICSSR funds:

• International airfare
• Domestic travel within India for preparation meetings
• Communication expenses
• Printing
• Preparatory meetings

Seminar organization costs in Japan are covered by the Japanese counterpart.

Application Process

Indian researchers must submit their applications to ICSSR.

Japanese researchers must separately submit matching applications to JSPS.

Applications submitted by only one side will not be considered.

Applicants should therefore coordinate carefully with their international research partners before submission.

APPLY HERE

Application Requirements

Applicants should complete the prescribed application forms provided by ICSSR.

Required documents include:

• Completed application form
• Research proposal
• Institutional affiliation details
• Supporting documents required under ICSSR guidelines

Researchers previously funded under ICSSR international programs during the past five years must also explain:

• Results achieved
• Expected outcomes
• Relevance to the new proposal

Selection Criteria

Applications undergo rigorous evaluation.

Assessment criteria include:

1. Scientific excellence.
2. Quality of research proposal.
3. Importance of international collaboration.
4. Knowledge transfer potential.
5. Contribution to solving social challenges.
6. Socioeconomic impact.
7. Participation of young researchers.
8. Feasibility of implementation.
9. Research methodology.
10. Policy relevance.
11. Budget appropriateness.
12. Suitability of seminar venue (where applicable).

Review committees from ICSSR and JSPS may conduct separate evaluations before jointly selecting successful proposals.

Obligations of Selected Researchers

Successful Indian team leaders must:

• Submit implementation plans.
• Request project funding using prescribed forms.
• Administer funds through their affiliated institutions.
• Submit final reports.
• Publicly acknowledge ICSSR and JSPS support in publications.
• Complete research ethics education (for research projects).

Ethical Responsibilities

ICSSR maintains strict standards regarding research integrity.

Funding may be terminated if researchers engage in:

• Fabrication
• Falsification
• Plagiarism
• Misuse of funds
• Harassment
• Discrimination
• Violations of applicable laws

Researchers are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards throughout the project.

Intellectual Property

Project leaders from both countries must ensure:

• Proper protection of intellectual property
• Fair distribution of research outputs
• Compliance with national regulations

Institutions are encouraged to establish appropriate intellectual property policies before the project begins.

Important Notes

Applicants should keep the following in mind:

• Matching applications are mandatory from both India and Japan.
• Projects start from 1 April 2027.
• Selection numbers may change depending on available budgets.
• ICSSR does not arrange visas or accommodation.
• ICSSR is not responsible for accidents or medical emergencies during project-related travel.
• Reports submitted may be published on the ICSSR website.

Application Deadline

Deadline for Indian researchers: 3 September 2026

Late applications are not expected to be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with their Japanese counterparts well in advance to ensure both submissions are completed before the deadline.

Conclusion

The ICSSR-JSPS Joint Call for Research Proposals FY 2027 represents an outstanding opportunity for experienced researchers in India and Japan to establish meaningful international collaborations in the social sciences and humanities. Beyond financial support, the initiative promotes long-term academic partnerships, interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, and the development of early-career researchers. Institutions and scholars seeking to address important societal challenges through collaborative research should take advantage of this prestigious bilateral funding opportunity by preparing strong proposals and ensuring coordinated submissions from both partner countries before the application deadline of 3 September 2026.

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