Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS)
J-PEAKS funds Japanese university consortiums to boost research excellence and international impact through large-scale, collaborative, and strategic science initiatives.
Funder: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2026 (Full application submission deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards: ~JPY 5.5–6 billion per consortium over 5 years; multi-institutional, large-scale funding
Summary: Supports Japanese university consortiums to enhance research capacity and international impact through collaborative, strategic research initiatives.
Key Information: Forecasted cycle; eligibility limited to Japanese universities forming consortia.
Description
The Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS) is a major national initiative aimed at strengthening the research capabilities of Japanese universities through the formation of multi-institutional consortiums. Overseen by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), J-PEAKS operates in parallel with the Universities for International Research Excellence program and provides substantial support to core regional universities and those with distinctive research strengths. The goal is to accelerate internationalization, foster societal implementation of research, and build environments where universities can collaborate strategically to drive innovation and address regional and global challenges.
Consortiums funded under J-PEAKS are expected to demonstrate leadership in academic excellence, contribute to solving global and regional issues, and promote innovation through strategic management and collaboration. Selected universities have included a wide range of research themes, from advanced technology and life sciences to sustainability and societal well-being.
