Japan International Award for Young Agricultural Researchers 2018

The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) was established in 1993, through the reorganization of its predecessor, the Tropical Agriculture Research Center (TARC), in order to include overseas forestry and fisheries research in its mandate. It was again restructured in 2001 as an Incorporated Administrative Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Its objectives include:

[1] Undertaking comprehensive experimental research for technological advancement of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and related industries in tropical and subtropical zones of developing regions.

[2] Collecting, analyzing and publishing information of domestic and international researches which are relevant to agriculture, forestry and fisheries as well as farming systems in these developing areas.

[3] Seeking to contribute solutions to global food and environmental problems as well as to the stable supply of agricultural, forestry and fishery products and resources.

The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences invites young researchers to participate in the Japan International Award for Young Agricultural Researchers 2018, in order to increase motivation among them to contribute to research and development in agriculture and other related industries. The award covers research areas in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and other related industries in developing regions, including the industry sector of food and the field of environment. The jury will evaluate research based on originality, level of research and development, and dissemination and practicality. It will also consider the research having potential for significant development and leading to future technological and methodological innovations, and being currently at a basic stage of research for future commercialization. In the case of collaborative research results, the participant’s contribution to the research will be evaluated in relation to that of the other collaborators. Research results created through business activities will also be properly evaluated as long as they meet the selection criteria, and consideration may be given to participants’ relationship with Japan, such as research experiences in Japanese institutes and experiences of joint research with Japanese institutes.

Applicants must:

[1] Be researchers who have the nationality of developing countries and under the age of 40 as of January 1, 2018

[2] Not belong to a Japanese research institute or a Japanese university

[3] Be engaged in research and development in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and related industries in developing regions

[4] Show an outstanding performance in research and development and show great promise

[5] Be able to attend the commendation ceremony and deliver a lecture in November 2018

Up to 3 winners will be awarded and invited to Japan to receive their awards personally, as well as present their research results and achievements. The winners will be bestowed a testimonial by the Chairman of the AFFRC during the commendation ceremony and will also receive a cash prize of $5,000 each from JIRCAS.