Call for Proposals for the FY2026 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI)

Call for Proposals for the FY2026 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI)
Categories: Scientific Research (A, B, C), Challenging Research (Pioneering, Exploratory), Early-Career Scientists, Transformative Research Areas (A) (Publicly Offered Research), Encouragement of Scientists, and Publication of Scientific Research Results

Submission Deadline：Monday, September 1, 2025, by 5:00 PM (strictly enforced)

Application Procedures for Hiyoshi Campus

１．Eligibility Check

Please obtain the application guidelines from the JSPS website (or the MEXT website for Transformative Research Areas) and confirm your eligibility.
Also, check the restrictions on overlapping applications.

２．Confirmation of e-Rad Registration Information

You will need your e-Rad researcher number, login ID, and password to access the electronic application system.
If you do not have these, please contact the Office of RD & Sponsored Projects, Hiyoshi Campus.
If you have forgotten your login ID or password, please refer to page 27 of the e-Rad operation manual.

３．[For Non-Full-Time Researchers Only] Submission of Application and Recommendation Forms

At Keio University, non-full-time researchers (such as honorary professors, part-time lecturers, specially appointed faculty/researchers) must submit an application and a recommendation form before applying, in accordance with the "Guidelines on Eligibility for KAKENHI Applications."

Please refer to the guidelines linked here, and complete the forms according to the provided examples. Submit the signed and sealed documents to the Office of RD & Sponsored Projects, Hiyoshi Campus.
If your primary affiliation is another institution, please also submit an official consent form from that institution.

４．[For Applicants for "Encouragement of Scientists" and "Publication of Scientific Research Results" Only] Obtaining Application ID and Password

For these two categories, you must obtain an application-specific ID and password via the KAKENHI electronic application system.
Please apply through the applicant page by 5:00 PM on Friday, August 29, 2025.

５．Preparation of the Research Proposal Document

The system has two parts: input fields and a Word file upload section.
In addition to the official JSPS instructions, please refer to the checklist for the Research Proposal Document.
Be sure to use the latest Word template available on the JSPS website.

From FY2024, all Principal Investigators and Co-Investigators must register their declaration status on e-Rad to ensure research integrity.
Applications will not be accepted if this has not been completed. Please refer to the guide and complete the necessary steps.

６．Preliminary Review by the Office of RD & Sponsored Projects, Hiyoshi Campus

Before final submission, please send a draft PDF of the Research Proposal Document ("Version 0") to the Office of RD & Sponsored Projects, Hiyoshi Campus.
This must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Monday, September 1, 2025.
After the review, we will return the PDF with comments.

７．Submission via the KAKENHI Electronic Application System

After reviewing the comments from our office, submit your final version via the KAKENHI electronic application system.
Deadline: Monday, September 8, 2025, by 5:00 PM
Please also submit the final PDF version to our Office.
The Mita Office will compile all applications and submit them to JSPS.

Application Support

• FY2026 KAKENHI Information Session

  Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 14:00
  Please see the flyer for details. Pre-registration deadline: Thursday, July 24, 2025

• Workshop on Securing External Research Funding

  Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 17:00 (Hosted by Shiba-Kyoritsu Campus)
  See the flyer for more details. Advance registration is required at least two business days prior to the event.
  Those who have not registered in advance will not be allowed to enter on the day.

• Reference Access to Successful Applicants’ Proposals

  Research proposal documents from newly selected FY2025 KAKENHI awardees will be available for reference to assist in your own proposal writing.

  • Viewing period: Wednesday, July 23 – Monday, September 8, 2025

  • Hours: Weekdays 9:00–11:30, 12:30–17:00

  • Location: the Office of RD and Sponsored Projects, Hiyoshi Campus (1st floor, Raiosha)

  • Rules: You must submit a signed pledge form before viewing. No copying, photography, or removal of documents is permitted.

Official Application Guidelines

• Scientific Research (A, B, C), Challenging Research (Pioneering, Exploratory), Early-Career Scientists:

　https://www.jsps.go.jp/j-grantsinaid/02_koubo/kiban.html

• Transformative Research Areas (A) (Publicly Offered Research):

　https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shinkou/hojyo/boshu/1394559_00019.htm

• Encouragement of Scientists:

　https://www.jsps.go.jp/j-grantsinaid/11_shourei/koubo.html

• Publication of Scientific Research Results (Presentations, International Information Dissemination, Academic Books, Databases):

　https://www.jsps.go.jp/j-grantsinaid/13_seika/keikaku_dl.html

• KAKENHI Electronic Application System – User Manuals

Japanese: https://www-shinsei.jsps.go.jp/kaken/docs/manual1ka.pdf

English: https://www-shinsei.jsps.go.jp/kaken/docs/manual1ka-E.pdf