2026 JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme in The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability
Deadline: 31 January 2026 (23:59 JST)
Fellowship Start: September–November 2026
The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is now accepting applications for the 2026 JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme, jointly organized with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). This prestigious fellowship supports exceptional early-career researchers seeking to advance cutting-edge sustainability research in collaboration with leading scholars in Japan.
Since 1996, more than 250 fellows—70% from the developing world—have benefited from this multidisciplinary research opportunity.
About the Fellowship
The JSPS–UNU Fellowship provides highly qualified young scholars with the opportunity to conduct advanced, policy-relevant research in one of the UNU-IAS thematic areas:
- Governance for Climate Change & Sustainable Development (GCSD)
- Biodiversity & Society (BDS)
- Water & Resource Management (WRM)
- Innovation & Education (IVE)
Fellows will be affiliated with a Japanese university or research institution under a confirmed host researcher and may conduct research at UNU-IAS when mutually agreed.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD awarded on or after 2 April 2020 (extensions granted for maternity/paternity leave), or be scheduled to complete their doctoral degree by July 2026.
- Be citizens of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Not be Japanese citizens, dual nationals, Japanese permanent residents, or previous recipients of JSPS Standard/Pathway Postdoctoral Fellowships.
- Have a confirmed host researcher at a Japanese institution prior to applying.
Applications must be submitted in English.
Benefits & Award Terms
Fellows receive generous financial and institutional support, including:
- Round-trip airfare (per JSPS regulations)
- Monthly maintenance allowance: JPY 362,000
- Settling-in allowance: JPY 200,000
- Overseas travel insurance
- Additional JSPS Research Grant, applied for by the host researcher
Note: Candidates already residing in Japan at the fellowship start date are not eligible for airfare or settling-in allowances.
The fellowship duration is 24 months, with all fellows required to begin by 30 November 2026 and remain in Japan throughout the term.
Research Areas & Required Qualifications
Governance for Climate Change & Sustainable Development (GCSD)
Topics include climate governance, SDGs, decarbonization, food systems transformation, loss & damage, and climate-security nexus.
Required: PhD in sustainability-related fields; strong publication record; policy-oriented research skills.
Biodiversity & Society (BDS)
Focuses on biodiversity–well-being linkages, landscape approaches, biocultural diversity, food systems, and green infrastructure.
Required: PhD in environmental or social sciences; fieldwork experience; strong publication record.
Water & Resource Management (WRM)
Covers SDG 6 topics such as water security, climate-water linkages, WASH, water governance, ecosystems, and urban water challenges.
Required: PhD in relevant fields; strong research and organizational skills; excellent English proficiency.
Innovation & Education (IVE)
Explores education for sustainable development (ESD), inclusive digital learning, AI and sustainability, teacher training, and climate competency frameworks.
Required: PhD in education, ed-tech, computer science, or related areas; capacity for field and desk research; strong communication skills.
Application Process
To apply, candidates must:
- Identify and secure a host researcher at a Japanese institution
- Complete and submit the online application form by 31 January 2026 (23:59 JST)
- Participate in online interviews if shortlisted
- Await nomination results from UNU-IAS (expected May 2026)
- Submit official documents to JSPS after nomination
The final selection by JSPS may take up to three months.
Why Apply?
The JSPS–UNU Fellowship offers:
- A world-class research environment
- Access to Japan’s leading universities and labs
- Strong policy influence through UNU’s UN system platform
- A multicultural, interdisciplinary research community
- Exceptional opportunities for academic growth and impact
Researchers committed to sustainability, policy innovation, and international collaboration are strongly encouraged to apply.
For full details and application guidance, visit the Postdoctoral Fellowships page on the UNU-IAS website.
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