Kyoto University Office of Research Acceleration

Fund your research

A Comprehensive Guide to Securing Research Funding

To sustain and further develop research activities, it is essential to obtain appropriate funding.
Kyoto University provides an environment where researchers can access a wide range of domestic and international funding sources, and offers support tailored to each phase of the research process.

The Office of Research Acceleration assists researchers throughout their long-term efforts, from preparing applications to coordinating with external funding agencies.

Find Research Funds You Can Apply For

There are various options for research funding, including competitive research funds from public institutions, grants from private foundations and companies, and internal funds provided by Kyoto University.

Understanding the characteristics of each funding source and using them strategically at the right time is the first step toward sustainable research activities.

Japanese Government-funded competitive research programs are generally categorized into two types: bottom-up and top-down.

  • Bottom-up: Researchers are free to define their own research themes.
    Example: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI)
  • Top-down: Research themes are determined by the funding agency based on societal or policy needs.
    Examples: JST, AMED, NEDO, JICA

In Japan, top-down competitive research funding is provided through a wide range of programs tailored to different project scales and durations. It is important to explore the available schemes and select one that matches your research goals.

Major Government Research Funding Programs in Japan and Application Support

We provide support for researchers applying to the following major government-sponsored funding programs in Japan:

Find Other Grants

You can search for additional government research funding programs, as well as research grants offered by private companies and foundations, through the YARI system.

【YARI】KU Grants Information Database (Primarily in Japanese)

International funding Opportunities

Many international funding programs offered by governments and foundations are also open to Japanese researchers. We encourage you to explore these opportunities to engage in international joint research and expand your global research network.

For researchers seeking international funding

Utilize crowdfunding

Kyoto University supports researchers in raising research funds through crowdfunding platforms.
Crowdfunding not only provides an alternative funding source, but also helps communicate the value and social significance of research to a wider audience and attract support from those who resonate with its goals.

We encourage you to explore this new funding approach as a way to connect your research challenges with society.

Learn more about crowdfunding (Japanese only)

Receive Support to Obtain Research Funding

Applying for research funding involves more than simply filling out forms—it requires a clear strategy to effectively communicate the value and significance of your research in order to stand out in the selection process.
The Office of Research Acceleration provides the following support services.

Conceptual Interviews with URAs

Based on your research theme and future vision, URAs will work with you to identify appropriate funding opportunities and formulate an effective application strategy. Through in-depth discussions from both academic and programmatic perspectives, you will refine your research concept and positioning.

Application Review and Feedback by URAs

URAs will help you refine your application by checking the following points through one-on-one feedback:

  • Does your proposal align with the review criteria?
  • Is the originality and significance of your research clearly conveyed to reviewers?
  • Does your application effectively communicate the impact and relevance of your project as a whole?

Constructive comments will be provided to improve the overall clarity and persuasiveness of your application.

Mock Interviews and Presentation Support

We offer support for the interview selection process, including feedback on your slide presentation and conducting mock interviews to help you prepare for the actual hearing.

Registration for individual review services (Internal Access only)

Obtain Research Funding Within the University

Kyoto University offers a variety of internal funding programs that support ambitious and advanced research activities.
These programs are especially valuable for promoting interdisciplinary and international collaboration, as well as for cultivating emerging research areas.

Supporting the challenge of competitive research funding

  • Internal funding program for KAKENHI Aspirants ISHIZUE.
  • HFSP Application Support Program: Kyoto University × Daiichi Sankyo Flap Next Generation Program

Support for International Research Networking

Kyoto University provides internal funding for travel and research activities to facilitate both international collaboration and interdisciplinary networking.

Learn more: Building a global research network

Support for Interdisciplinary Research and Team Building

  • SPIRIT2
    This program encourages the creation of “small island-type research areas”—budding research expected to develop into new research areas with a global presence.
  • [Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research] Cross-Sectoral Research Platform Development Program
    Projects aimed at building platforms for initiating interdisciplinary research, encouraging collaboration across various fields.