JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program 2026 in Japan and Thailand: Fully Funded Research Opportunity for Developing Countries

Applications are now open for the JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program FY2026, an international research fellowship offering qualified researchers from developing countries the opportunity to undertake advanced scientific research in Japan or Thailand.

Organized by the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), the fellowship is designed to accelerate scientific research while strengthening the expertise and research capabilities of selected researchers from developing countries. Successful fellows will work on designated research themes under the supervision and guidance of JIRCAS researchers.

For the FY2026 intake, JIRCAS is accepting applications for five research themes covering areas including maize and biological nitrification inhibition, methane fermentation and microbial systems, mungbean genetics, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, and sugarcane responses to climate-related stresses.

Depending on the selected research theme, successful fellows will undertake their research either at JIRCAS in Tsukuba, Japan, or at a JIRCAS project site in Thailand.

The fellowship will run for one year beginning in November 2026 and provides significant financial and logistical support, including a round-trip economy-class airline ticket, a daily living allowance of JPY 7,700, housing support and overseas travel accident insurance.

Interested researchers should pay particular attention to the application timeline. Both registration and submission of the required application documents must be completed by the official deadline.

Application Deadline: August 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM Japan Standard Time (JST).

About the JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program

The JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program is one of the initiatives implemented by the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences to promote scientific research and strengthen the expertise of nominated researchers from developing countries.

Rather than functioning solely as a financial award, the program provides selected researchers with an opportunity to actively conduct research under the supervision of JIRCAS scientists. This structure gives fellows the chance to participate directly in specialized research while developing their expertise through collaboration with researchers working in relevant scientific fields.

For FY2026, applicants must select from the research themes officially identified by JIRCAS. Each theme has its own research focus, host scientist and location.

JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship 2026 Research Themes

There are five research themes available for the FY2026 fellowship program.

Theme 1: BNI-Release Mechanisms in Maize

The first research theme is titled:

BNI-Release Mechanisms in Maize – Analyzing the Role of Plasma Membrane H+-ATPase Activity in Genetic Differences for BNI-Capacity in Maize.

Research toward developing BNI-enabled maize has involved maize lines demonstrating contrasting Biological Nitrification Inhibition capacities, particularly the high-BNI line CML-133 and low-BNI line CML-484. A total of 164 doubled haploid lines have been developed from these parental lines.

The research examines differences in rhizosphere nitrogen dynamics and growth responses between the parental lines. The release of BNI compounds is enhanced primarily under NH4+ conditions, and the research investigates the hypothesis that activation of plasma membrane H+-ATPase plays an important role in the release mechanism.

The project seeks to clarify the functional relationship between H+-ATPase activity and the release of BNI compounds.

The resulting research is expected to contribute fundamental knowledge toward developing BNI-enabled maize. The selected JIRCAS fellow will be expected to participate actively in ongoing BNI research and contribute to evaluation of the doubled haploid population being investigated by the host researcher.

Host Scientist: Guntur Venkata Subbarao
Research Location: Tsukuba, Japan

Theme 2: Development of Methanogenic Microbial Consortia and Stable Cultivation Technology

The second research theme focuses on the:

Development of Methanogenic Microbial Consortia Adapted to Microbial Saccharification Conditions and Stable Cultivation Technology.

This research aims to develop an integrated saccharification-methane fermentation biomethane platform by combining microbial saccharification with methane fermentation.

Researchers are screening methanogens capable of functioning under conditions suitable for saccharifying microorganisms. The evaluation seeks to identify new methanogenic microbial communities and determine methanogenic systems that demonstrate greater compatibility with the saccharification process.

The project also investigates technologies relating to the immobilization and stable cultivation of methanogens. The broader objective is to establish an efficient technological foundation connecting the decomposition of solid biomass with methane production.

The selected fellow will be involved in activities including:

• Screening methanogenic strains;
• Characterizing methanogenic strains and microbial communities derived from environmental samples;
• Assessing their suitability under saccharification conditions;
• Evaluating interactions with saccharifying microorganisms;
• Measuring methane-production performance;
• Investigating immobilization characteristics;
• Investigating granule formation; and
• Assessing the stability of methane production during cultivation.

Host Scientist: UKE Ayaka
Research Location: Tsukuba, Japan

Theme 3: Screening and Mechanistic Evaluation of Mungbean Emergence Under Soil Crust Conditions

Theme 3 focuses on identifying mungbean (Vigna radiata) genetic resources capable of demonstrating superior emergence under soil crust conditions and understanding the physiological and genetic mechanisms responsible for this ability.

Soil crusting can create a major challenge for establishing legume crops in semi-arid tropical environments. Heavy rainfall followed by rapid drying can produce a hard surface layer that physically restricts seedlings from emerging successfully.

Under this research program, a core collection consisting of 96 mungbean accessions will be screened under controlled crust conditions.

Researchers will evaluate factors including:

• Emergence rate;
• Hypocotyl thrust;
• Seedling vigour; and
• Related seed characteristics, including phytic acid content.

Accessions displaying contrasting responses will subsequently undergo more detailed examination to determine which traits govern their ability to penetrate crusted soil.

The findings will also be compared with parallel soybean data to investigate whether these mechanisms are conserved across different legume species.

Ultimately, the research is expected to produce validated screening protocols and identify promising germplasm that could contribute to breeding varieties better adapted to soils susceptible to crusting.

Host Scientist: NAKAGAWA Andressa
Research Location: Tsukuba, Japan

Theme 4: Isolation of Elite Phosphate-Solubilizing Rhizosphere Microorganisms

The fourth research theme is:

Isolation of Elite Phosphate-Solubilizing Rhizosphere Microorganisms and Elucidation of Their Synergistic Interactions with Rhizobia in Tropical Cropping Systems.

This research focuses on isolating and selecting elite phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms from the rhizosphere of tropical legume and cereal crops.

Researchers will evaluate the microorganisms’ ability to promote plant growth when used together with rhizobia.

Major areas of investigation include:

• Phosphate-solubilizing activity;
• Effects of co-inoculation with rhizobia;
• Molecular mechanisms associated with microbial performance;
• Physiological mechanisms underlying microbial performance; and
• Plant-microbe interactions.

The expected results should contribute fundamental scientific knowledge that could help improve the functionality of microbial materials used for sustainable soil fertility management.

The research is closely connected to the B6 project concerning African rice-based agriculture, which aims to develop sustainable technologies using beneficial microbial resources.

JIRCAS provides facilities necessary for activities including nutrient analysis, molecular biological experiments, greenhouse trials and growth chamber experiments.

Host Scientist: Papa Saliou Sarr
Research Location: Tsukuba, Japan

Theme 5: Physiological and Genetic Responses of Sugarcane Under Multi-Stress Conditions

Theme 5 focuses on the:

Evaluation of Physiological and Genetic Responses of Sugarcane under Multi-stress Conditions.

Climate change is intensifying multiple abiotic stresses affecting sugarcane production across Southeast Asia, particularly salinity, drought and flooding.

This research will examine the growth, physiological and genetic responses of sugarcane exposed to combined stress conditions.

The objective is to develop robust evaluation indices that could help strengthen multi-stress tolerance within sugarcane breeding programs.

Working alongside researchers from JIRCAS and the Khon Kaen Field Crops Research Center (KKFCRC), the selected fellow will undertake comparative assessments examining sugarcane responses under both individual and combined stress conditions.

Beyond generating scientific knowledge, the initiative also aims to develop researchers capable of contributing to and potentially leading regional sugarcane research networks throughout Southeast Asia.

Host Scientist: TAKARAGAWA Hiroo
Research Location: Thailand

Applicants interested in Theme 5 should carefully note that the researcher will be based in Thailand. JIRCAS states that Thai nationals or applicants eligible to stay in Thailand for one year will be given preference for this particular theme.

List of Research Themes JIRCAS Fellowship Program FY2026.pdf

Eligibility Requirements for the JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship 2026

Applicants must satisfy several requirements established by JIRCAS.

1. Citizenship Requirement

Applicants must be citizens of a developing country.

2. Current Employment and Research Requirement

Applicants must currently be employed by a research organization or university in their home country and must be actively involved in research related to:

• Agriculture;
• Forestry; or
• Fisheries.

After completing the fellowship, the researcher must be willing to return to their home country and continue their research at the same research institute or university.

3. Academic Qualification

Applicants should possess at least a Master’s degree (MSc) in a relevant field connected to:

• Socio-economics;
• Natural sciences; or
• Technology.

4. Research Commitment

Applicants must be able to work exclusively on the research theme for which they apply during the fellowship.

5. Health Requirement

Applicants should be in good health.

6. Language Requirements

Applicants are required to possess an adequate command of English and/or Japanese.

7. Institutional Endorsement

Candidates must receive endorsement from the appropriate authority at the institution where they are employed or affiliated.

8. Special Condition for Theme 5

Theme 5 will be conducted in Thailand. Consequently, applicants who are Thai nationals or otherwise eligible to remain in Thailand for one year will receive preference for this research theme.

Duration of the JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship 2026

The JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship has a duration of one year.

The FY2026 fellowship is scheduled to begin in November 2026.

Applicants should therefore consider their professional responsibilities, institutional commitments and ability to dedicate themselves exclusively to the selected research theme before applying.

Financial Benefits of the JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship 2026

The fellowship provides several important benefits to successful researchers.

1. Round-Trip Airfare

JIRCAS will provide a round-trip economy-class airline ticket.

However, airfare is not provided for dependents accompanying the fellow.

2. Daily Living Allowance

Successful fellows will receive a living allowance of:

JPY 7,700 per day

The stated daily living allowance excludes the housing allowance.

3. Housing Support

A housing allowance will be provided according to government housing regulations.

Living facilities will also be provided.

For fellows undertaking their research in Tsukuba, Japan, the listed accommodation facility is:

Tsukuba International House (TIH)
2-1-9 Kannondai
Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856
Japan

For fellows based in Thailand, the source states that the accommodation facility is yet to be determined.

4. Insurance Coverage

The fellowship provides an overseas travel accident insurance package covering injury, sickness and damage.

Applicants should note, however, that the insurance does not cover:

• Chronic diseases;
• Dental treatment;
• Pregnancy; or
• Childbirth.

How to Apply for the JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship 2026

JIRCAS has established a three-step application procedure.

Applicants should carefully complete every stage because both registration and submission must be completed by the application deadline.

Step 1: Complete the Online Registration Form

Applicants must first register their application by completing the JIRCAS Online Registration Form for the FY2026 Visiting Research Fellowship Program.

Step 2: Wait for Registration Confirmation and Submission Instructions

Following registration, applicants will receive an email from JIRCAS confirming their registration.

This email will also provide guidance concerning the submission of application documents.

Step 3: Submit All Required Documents

Applicants must then submit the required documents to JIRCAS by email, following the instructions provided after registration.

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Required Documents for the JIRCAS Fellowship Application

Applicants are required to prepare and submit the following seven items:

1. Summary of Ongoing Research

Applicants must provide a summary of the research they are currently undertaking at their institute or university.

JIRCAS provides an official application template for this requirement.

2. Summary of Proposed Research

Applicants must submit a summary describing the research they propose to undertake through the JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program.

An official template is also available for this document.

3. List of Publications

Applicants must provide a list of their publications using the relevant JIRCAS application documentation.

4. Institutional Endorsement Letter

An endorsement letter signed by the appropriate authority at the applicant’s institute or university must be submitted.

This requirement corresponds with the program’s eligibility condition requiring institutional endorsement.

5. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must provide a CV of no more than two pages.

JIRCAS allows the CV to be prepared in any format but specifically states that certificates should not be attached to the CV.

6. Recent Photograph

A recent photograph of the applicant must be submitted.

7. Three Relevant Publications

Applicants must submit copies of the three publications most relevant to their application and proposed research.

Applicants should prepare these documents carefully and ensure that the information in their proposed research summary demonstrates clear relevance to the research theme they have selected.

JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship 2026 Application Deadline

The official deadline for the FY2026 JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship is:

August 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM Japan Standard Time (JST).

Importantly, JIRCAS states that both registration and submission must be completed by this deadline. Applicants should therefore avoid treating registration alone as completion of the application process.

When Will JIRCAS Announce the Fellowship Results?

Applicants are expected to receive notification regarding the outcome of their applications by September 24, 2026.

The results will be communicated to applicants by email.

Successful candidates should subsequently prepare for the fellowship, which is scheduled to begin in November 2026.

Important Points Applicants Should Remember

Before submitting an application for the JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program FY2026, prospective candidates should carefully consider the following:

1. The fellowship targets researchers from developing countries.
2. Applicants must currently work at a research organization or university in their home country.
3. Their active research must relate to agriculture, forestry or fisheries.
4. Applicants should possess at least an MSc in an appropriate field.
5. Candidates must select and commit to one of the specified FY2026 research themes.
6. The fellowship lasts for one year beginning in November 2026.
7. Most research themes are based in Tsukuba, Japan, while Theme 5 is based in Thailand.
8. Institutional endorsement is required.
9. Applicants must possess adequate English and/or Japanese language ability.
10. The application requires seven supporting items, including research summaries, publications, a CV, photograph and institutional endorsement.
11. Both registration and document submission must be completed by August 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM JST.
12. Results are expected to be communicated by email by September 24, 2026.

JIRCAS Fellowship 2026 Inquiries

Applicants who have questions about the fellowship should use the inquiry form available on the JIRCAS website and identify their inquiry as relating to the “Visiting Research Fellow.”

Prospective applicants should note that JIRCAS specifically states that inquiries relating to the research themes will not be answered.

See full description of the Fellowship Terms of Condition

About the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences

The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences is the organization administering the Visiting Research Fellowship Program.

Its headquarters are located at:

Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS)
1-1 Ohwashi, Tsukuba
Ibaraki 305-8686
Japan

The fellowship forms part of JIRCAS activities aimed at accelerating scientific research and advancing the expertise of researchers from developing countries.

Conclusion

The JIRCAS Visiting Research Fellowship Program FY2026 represents an important opportunity for qualified researchers from developing countries who are actively engaged in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and related scientific fields to strengthen their research expertise through an intensive one-year international research experience.

With five specialized research themes available, the program provides opportunities spanning sustainable agriculture, crop science, genetics, microbiology, biomethane technology and climate-resilient agricultural research. Four of the listed themes are based in Tsukuba, Japan, while the sugarcane multi-stress research theme is based in Thailand.

Successful fellows will receive substantial support, including a round-trip economy-class airline ticket, a daily living allowance of JPY 7,700, housing support, living facilities and specified overseas travel accident insurance coverage. The fellowship will run for one year beginning in November 2026.

Researchers interested in applying should carefully select the research theme that most closely aligns with their academic background, current research and professional expertise. They should also allow sufficient time to complete the online registration process, receive JIRCAS’s document-submission instructions and prepare all seven required application items.

Most importantly, applicants should remember that registration and submission of the required documents must both be completed by August 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM JST. Applicants are expected to receive their results by email by September 24, 2026.

Visit the OFY website for more Fellowship Opportunities.