JST-DFG 2026: Japanese-German Joint Call for Proposals on “Advanced Fundamental Research toward the Establishment of Next-Generation Energy Technologies”
JST-DFG 2026 supports Japanese and German research teams pursuing fundamental research on energy conversion and storage to advance next-generation technologies and build lasting research networks.
Funder: German Research Foundation
Due Dates: December 18, 2026 (Recommended JST prior notice) | January 7, 2027 (elan registration) | January 14, 2027 (JST and DFG applications)
Funding Amounts: JST: up to JPY 380 million over five years, plus 30% indirect costs; DFG: needs-based funding for 36 months, renewable for 24 months
Summary: Supports Japanese–German fundamental research partnerships advancing next-generation energy conversion and storage technologies.
Key Information: Each consortium needs eligible teams in Japan and Germany, with parallel submissions to both agencies.
Description
The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and German Research Foundation (DFG) jointly support bilateral fundamental research toward next-generation energy technologies. Japanese teams receive support through JST’s ASPIRE programme, while German teams receive DFG standard research grants. The call seeks internationally competitive research and lasting research networks, connecting leading researchers while developing early-career researchers through international mobility.
Research may address degradation mechanisms in energy conversion and storage devices, or charge, heat, and mass transport and conversion processes that improve storage efficiency and safety. German proposals must fall within DFG Review Boards 4.22 (Fluid Mechanics, Technical Thermodynamics and Thermal Energy Engineering) or 4.32 (Materials Science). Both agencies must approve a project for funding.
