Joint projects with Japan

The aim of Finnish-Japanese project cooperation is to support long-term systematic research collaboration, researcher mobility and the creation and strengthening of research collaboration networks between Finland and Japan. The themes of calls for joint projects are different in every call and the themes must be approved by both countries. Themes to be selected for joint project calls shall be researcher-driven, topical and benefit both countries.

The Academy of Finland funds Finnish-Japanese joint projects with two Japanese research funding organisations: the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). Academy funding covers the costs of Finnish researchers, and Japanese researchers receive their research funding from the JSPS or the JST.

Cooperation with the JSPS covers all scientific fields. Joint projects are supported through a core programme. Joint calls are carried out every odd year in September and the theme of the call is different in each call. A detailed description of the call is given in connection with the call for applications.

Themes of previous and future joint calls:

• 2004: all disciplines
• 2005: all disciplines
• 2006: life sciences and medical sciences
• 2008: ubiquitous computing
• 2010: the future of living
• 2012: biosciences and the environment

Negotiations are underway on the following themes:

• 2014: culture and society (TBC)
• 2015–: natural sciences and engineering (TBC)
• 2016–: health research (TBC)

Besides the Academy, the cooperation with the JST also involves Tekes. Finnish researchers can apply for funding from either the Academy, Tekes or both. The cooperation is carried out in multi-year periods and each call will be defined more narrowly within the theme each year and a detailed description is given in connection with the call for applications.

Themes of previous and future joint project calls:

Functional materials

• 2008: functional materials
• 2009: materials for photonics, optoelectronics, solar cells and batteries

ICT and technology in medicine and health sciences

• 2012: application of medical ICT devices (e.g. e-health, ambient assisted living, smart homes, educational issues, device and software development, data transfer, data organisation, test development, service systems)
• 2013: (TBC)
• 2014: (TBC)