Grants and funding opportunities in SEA

• Japan

  1. EMBO Short-Term Fellowships (Scientific Exchange Grants)

  EMBO Short-Term Fellowships (Scientific Exchange Grants) are fellowships available to scientists involved in the field of molecular biology research to fund visits of up to three months to laboratories in Europe and elsewhere in the world. They are awarded for research exchanges between laboratories in the EMBC Member States, Associate Member States, or Cooperation Partners. The grants are not awarded for exchanges between two laboratories within the same country.

  The Short-Term Fellowships are designed to cover the cost of travel for visits to laboratories in different countries for research collaborations (joint work rather than consultations) that utilise techniques that are unavailable in the applicant's laboratory. The awarded rate depends on the country being visited. 

  Eligibility criteria	Eligible applicants must be active researchers at any stage in their career with a minimum of one year of research experience at the PhD-student level, or equivalent at the time of application.
  Duration of visit	The duration of the visit should be between one week and three months. Awarded applicants can stay on their research visit for an additional three months (maximum), however, EMBO will not provide funding for this extended period.
  Application deadline	Applications are accepted at any time and the completed form must be submitted online.

  2. EMBO Core Facility Fellowships

  Facility Fellowships are intended for the training of core facilities staff, including scientists and technicians, in specific techniques used in core research facilities that provide services to research institutions or universities. The fellowships contribute towards travel plus the subsistence of the fellow.

  Eligibility	• The applicant must be an active research scientist or technician working in a core research facility with at least one year of laboratory experience. There is no age limit. • EMBO Core Facility Fellowships are awarded for training exchanges between institutions in the EMBC Member States, Associate Member States, or Cooperation Partners. EMBO Core Facility Fellowships are not awarded for exchanges between two institutions within the same country.
  Duration of support	The fellowships are intended for visits of one week (seven days) up to one month (30 days).
  Application	There is no deadline for applications, however, it is recommended to apply three months before the proposed starting date or, at minimum, applications must be submitted 30 days before the start date of the research visit. Find more information here.

  3. Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship Programme

  The Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship Programme includes research fellowships for non-Japanese postdoctoral researchers to spend six months conducting research at a host institute in Japan. Research proposals in the fields of engineering, medicine and natural science are given priority.

  Eligibility	Applicants must: 1. Be of non-Japanese nationality. 2. Hold a PhD or equivalent academic qualifications and have a firm position of employment in their home country to which they should return. 3. Be no older than 45 years of age. 4. Have sufficient ability in English or Japanese language. 5. Have no past or current experience of staying in Japan (other than short-term visits for conferences or sightseeing). 6. Applicants are free to select the host institution in Japan (eg university, national research institution or corresponding facility in the private sector) in which to carry out their research. Applicants will be responsible for securing an offer of invitation from the proposed host institution.
  Application requirement	The application must be submitted from the applicant's home country.
  Funding for the fellowships includes	1. A monthly allowance of JPY 220,000 is provided to cover expenses for research activities (including materials) and living expenses in Japan. 2. Overseas travel insurance, medical insurance and death benefit. 3. An economy class return ticket to/from Tokyo. 4. A JPY 120,000 start-up fund on arrival for initial costs.
  Application deadline and details	Applications for the 2026/27 Fellowships can be submitted via email : application@mif-japan.org Application Period: 1 June 2025 to 30 June 2025 (Japan time).

  4. Japanese government support programmes

  Please find an overview of Japanese government support programmes related to research, student exchange and funding opportunities here.

  5. MIRAI Programme

  The Government of Japan invites European undergraduate and graduate students in the Netherlands to participate in JAPAN’S FRIENDSHIP TIES PROGRAM “MIRAI” (“future” in Japanese), a short-term youth exchange program. 

  The objectives of the programme include: deepening the understanding of Japan and its policy, promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Europe and building a foundation for future friendship and cooperation. The main contents of the programme are lectures on theme-related topics and discussions with Japanese students and visits to local areas.

  Applicants from the Netherlands may apply for: Group 2: Diplomacy & Security Policy or Group 3: SDGs Business & Innovation. The period of stay in Japan is 14-20 January 2026. The programme will be conducted in English. For details, please visit the website.

  How to apply	Read the MIRAI Application Guidelines carefully. Complete the MIRAI Application Form on the official website. Application deadline: October 15 at 1:00 a.m. UTC / 10:00 a.m. Japan Standard Time. No extensions.
  Eligibility	20 years or older at the time of travel Citizen of an eligible country (other than Japan) Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student in an eligible country Strong academic record and good English proficiency Not eligible if you: Have lived in Japan for more than six months, or Previously joined MIRAI or similar Japan-funded exchanges
  Inquiries	Please review the guidelines first. If you still have questions, email the Cultural and Information Section of the Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands: info@hg.mofa.go.jp (Use subject line: “MIRAI Program 2025/2026 – [Your Name]”)

• China

  1. EMBO Core Facility Fellowships

  Facility Fellowships are intended for the training of core facilities staff, including scientists and technicians, in specific techniques used in core research facilities that provide services to research institutions or universities. The fellowships contribute towards travel plus the subsistence of the fellow.

  Eligibility	• The applicant must be an active research scientist or technician working in a core research facility with at least one year of laboratory experience. There is no age limit. • EMBO Core Facility Fellowships are awarded for training exchanges between institutions in the EMBC Member States, Associate Member States, or Cooperation Partners. EMBO Core Facility Fellowships are not awarded for exchanges between two institutions within the same country.
  Duration of support	The fellowships are intended for visits of one week (seven days) up to one month (30 days).
  Application	There is no deadline for applications, however, it is recommended to apply three months before the proposed starting date or, at minimum, applications must be submitted 30 days before the start date of the research visit. Find more information here.

• Taiwan

  1. MOE - Short Term Research Award (STRA)

  MOE - Short Term Research Award (STRA): The Ministry of Education in Taiwan (MOE) is inviting international scholars (excluding those from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao) to conduct short-term research in Taiwan. The aim is to foster mutual understanding and interaction between Taiwan and the global community. 

  Research should focus on Taiwanese humanities, social sciences, culture, arts, or related comparative studies and last between two to six months within the period of 1 March to 31 December.  Approximately 20 awards are available annually, with applications due by 30 September 2024 to the host institution. 

  PhD students receive a monthly research subsidy of NTD $25,000; a postdoctoral fellow will receive NTD $40,000.

  Recipients will also be reimbursed for an economy class round trip airfare for the most direct route between their place of residence and Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, or Matsu. The maximum airfare subsidy available for traveling to and from Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, or Oceania respectively will be determined in accordance with Ministry of Education regulations. Applicants are responsible for any expenses exceeding the set maximum. For more details about the STRA, please see the Directions Governing Ministry of Education Subsidies for Short Term Research Awards.

  2. Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) fellowships 

  Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) fellowships were were created to help strengthen exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan’s nongovernmental organisations and foreign individuals involved in the development of democracy and human rights by encouraging them to undertake independent studies in Taiwan.

  Eligibility	There are four categories of fellowships namely:  1. Dissertation Fellowships, for Ph.D. candidates writing their thesis; 2. Postdoctoral Fellowships, for those who received PhD no more than seven years ago; 3. Democracy and Human Rights Service Fellowships, for those who are practitioners devoted to the promotion or building of democracy or human rights (and have an MA in a relevant field or at least two years of relevant work experience) at the time of application; 4. International Visiting Fellowship, for those who are well-established scholars or experts in the field of democracy or human rights.
  Financial assistance	1. Fellowship Grants will be evaluated and approved by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. 2. One round-trip economy-class flight ticket to Taiwan. 3. Monthly stipend.
  Restrictions	Taiwanese citizens are not eligible to apply.
  Application procedure	Candidates should download an application form from the TFD website which should be submitted by the appropriate deadline or email to fellows@tfd.org.tw.
  Application deadline	Applications for projects to commence between September and December 2024 should be submitted by 15 June 2024.

  More details are available on the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy website.

• Philippines

  Asian Development Bank (ADB) Visiting Fellow Programme

  The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Visiting Fellow Programme provides an opportunity for researchers and academics to work with ADB staff and share their ongoing economic research in ADB headquarters in Manila. 

  The programme offers visiting fellows the opportunity to:

  1. Interact with ADB staff to discuss research ideas on the selected topic and give advice on ongoing or future research in ADB.

  2. Give a presentation or lecture on a research topic that is of mutual interest and relevance to both ADB and the visiting fellow. 

  ADB's ongoing research topics are: Poverty and inequality; Jobs, skills and future of work; Digital economy; Economic integration; Climate change; Macro and financial stability

  Eligibility	Candidates must have a PhD or its equivalent, or be a PhD candidate, in economics or a related field. He or she must also have ongoing research or a research proposal on a topic of relevance to ADB. Female applicants and applicants from ADB developing member countries are especially encouraged to apply.
  Selection	A selection committee chaired by ADB’s Chief Economist will meet quarterly to review applications and make the final selection. Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant’s background and expertise, as well as quality of research and its relevance to ADB.
  Applications	Applications will be reviewed each calendar quarter and responses will be sent out a month after the end of each quarter (e.g. by 31 July for applications received in the second quarter of the year). If you do not hear from ADB within 1 month after the calendar quarter when your application was sent, then your application was not favorably considered.
  Renumeration and other benefits	The visiting fellow will be entitled to some or all of the following, with benefits to be decided by the selection committee on a case-by-case basis: 1. Reimbursement of airfare via the most direct and cost-effective route on economy class; 2. An office space for the duration of his/her visit; and 3. Per diem and allowance to cover hotel costs, daily subsistence and other travel-related expenses. 4. A modest honorarium

  To know more, click here or for questions related to the fellowship, please email visitingfellowprogram@adb.org.

• India

  1. HORIZON-EUROHPC-JU-2023-INCO-06-01

  HORIZON-EUROHPC-JU-2023-INCO-06-01, aims to reinforce collaboration between the European Union (EU) and India in the field of High-Performance Computing (HPC). 

  It aligns with the India-EU Intent of Cooperation Agreement and targets priority areas identified within this agreement, including biomedical and life sciences, natural hazards and weather and climate modeling. Proposals should focus on optimising and co-developing specific applications and codes, with a detailed software development plan. 

  Activities include performance measuring, test and optimisation as well as promoting researcher and engineer exchange between India and the EU.

  Proposals should demonstrate a clear link with existing European HPC Centers of Excellence and outline how the exchange of researchers and engineers between India and the EU will be facilitated. Reciprocal access to supercomputing resources, such as India's 'AIRAWAT - PSAI' and EU/EuroHPC's LUMI, Leonardo and MareNostrum 5 supercomputers, is expected. Indian partners are expected to participate with their own funding and proposals should ensure a balanced consortium with appropriate resource distribution. 

  The grant budget for this call is €5 million and it falls under HORIZON-JU-RIA (Research and Innovation Actions). The deadline for applications is June 6, 2024, and the expected duration of the action is 36 months. For more details, click here.

  2. RES Award for Early Career Entomologist

  RES Award for Early Career Entomologist

  Award criteria	For an early career contribution to entomological science that is judged to be outstanding or exemplary with a single or ongoing impact on the science. The award is ‘open’ and not restricted to any particular discipline or specialised area of entomological science.
  Prize	£1,250 and Certificate
  Eligibility	Any person who is within ten years of completing their undergraduate degree or with less than ten years working in entomology whose work, or contribution, meets the criteria. There are no geographic restrictions.
  Cycle	Annual; nominations are accepted until 31st December in any year, winner announced in the following year.
  Entry	By letter of nomination from a Fellow of the Society, or, a person of standing in the field of entomological science. Additional letters of support are welcome. The nomination should give as full a profile of the nominee as possible with special emphasis on relevance to the Award Criteria. All entries to info@royensoc.co.uk.  It is a condition of entry that the winner of the Award shall attend the annual Ento (or other nominated) meeting to receive it, at the Society’s expense.

  3. EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships

  The European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) offers Postdoctoral Fellowships to young molecular life scientists, supporting research visits to laboratories worldwide for up to two years. Fellowships involve movement between countries and are open to applicants from EMBC Member States and Associate Member States.

  Eligibility	Applicants must hold a doctorate degree and have at least one first-author publication in an international peer-reviewed journal.
  Grant details	EMBO provides grants for host institutions in EMBC Member States and stipends for fellows in other countries, covering salary, taxes and social contributions. Fellows may also receive support for childcare costs and relocation.
  Duration of support	The fellowships are intended for visits of one week (seven days) up to one month (30 days).
  Application	Applications are accepted throughout the year, with evaluation rounds in February and July. Restrictions include limitations on returning to previous labs and reapplication. Applications are made online through EMBO's system.

  4. EMBO Core Facility Fellowships 

  Facility Fellowships are intended for the training of core facilities staff, including scientists and technicians, in specific techniques used in core research facilities that provide services to research institutions or universities. The fellowships contribute towards travel plus the subsistence of the fellow.

  Eligibility	• The applicant must be an active research scientist or technician working in a core research facility with at least one year of laboratory experience. There is no age limit. • EMBO Core Facility Fellowships are awarded for training exchanges between institutions in the EMBC Member States, Associate Member States, or Cooperation Partners. EMBO Core Facility Fellowships are not awarded for exchanges between two institutions within the same country.
  Duration of support	The fellowships are intended for visits of one week (seven days) up to one month (30 days).
  Application	There is no deadline for applications, however, it is recommended to apply three months before the proposed starting date or, at minimum, applications must be submitted 30 days before the start date of the research visit.

  5. Infinity Foundation CALL FOR GRANT PROPOSALS

  The Infinity Foundation provides funding to conduct research and/or develop educational materials with the objective to improve the authenticity of portrayal of Indic traditions in the educational system. While the foundation will consider all proposals dealing with the authentic portrayal of Indic traditions, it particularly wishes to receive proposals on the following topics:

  • The compilation and/or development of works detailing the contributions of India to world civilisation in math, science, technology, philosophy, religion, art, etc.
  • Explorations of India’s role in world history, including: the dissemination of literacy and/or spiritual values throughout Asia; the European exploration of the New World; the Rise of the Industrial Revolution; and the 'Aryanization' of German national identity.
  • The examination of India’s influence on modern and post-modern literature in the West, such on as the works of Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, Browning, Eliot, Isherwood, Hesse, Ginsburg, Kerouac, diPrima, etc., so as to enrich the literature curriculum.
  • The study of Indic contributions to modern psychology, cognitive sciences and the emerging worldview, including the influence on thinkers such as Schrodinger, Jung, Teilhard de Chardin, Wilbur, etc.
  • Bringing to light India’s influence on the development of European and Asian languages and linguistics.
  • The re-examination of the current social conditions of India, including women’s issues, caste, poverty, pollution, etc., in the light of its history over the past thousand years and imposition of foreign civilisation, as opposed to the prevailing Orientalist attitude of holding its religions and/or indigenous traditions solely responsible.
  • The critique of the portrayal of India in American educational materials such as textbooks, which might involve: pointing out stereotypes, inaccuracies, omissions, along with plans and activities to convince educational authorities and publishers to take corrective action.
  • Review of media portrayals about India and Indian civilisation and/or critiques of these.
  • The organisation of conferences or composition of conference papers on these topics.

  Eligibility criteria	Eligible applicants are scholars, teachers, visionaries and spiritual leaders. The grants are available to traditional and non-traditional educational, scientific, cultural, and religious institutions. There are no geographic restrictions. The size of the grant is determined on a case-by-case basis.
  Application procedure	Applications may be submitted to the foundation by standard mail or fax. Applications may be submitted at any time; there are no deadlines.
  All grant applications must contain the following items:	• A detailed C.V. highlighting your demonstrable commitment to the topic area • A typed proposal, 2 to 5 pages in length, detailing what is to be accomplished, the methodology that will be used, the time required for completion and the amount of funding requested.

• Indonesia

  1. NELLY REEF FUND

  The Nelly Reef fund aims to promote the study, scientific research, international relations and cooperation in ophthalmology. The Nelly Reef Fund pays out a modest budget per application, usually no more than € 3000.

  Proposals for research and/or study should focus on ophthalmic scientific research or training with international aspects. It may concern an internship at a renowned institute as an ophthalmologist, doctor of medicine, or student, for several months to six months. 

  Eligibility criteria	The candidate can be a Dutch citizen who is going abroad or an Indonesian who comes to the Netherlands. In exceptional cases, this may include a first acquaintance with an important conference for a very young researcher. An ophthalmic basic course should preferably take place in Europe. No subsidy is given for publishing a dissertation.
  Application procedure	Applications by email or letter must be accompanied by the usual information, such as plan, purpose, budget, curriculum vitae and recommendations from professors and those directly involved. They would like to know where more subsidies are being requested and whether or not they have been promised.

  Click here for more information and to contact the fund. 

  2. KITLV Adatrecht Fund

  The KITLV Adarecht Fund (Koninklijk Instituut voor Taal-, Land- en Volkenkunde (KITLV - Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies)) provides funding for projects in the field of 'adatrecht', the indigenous common law of the former Dutch East Indies.

  Eligibility criteria	Eligible applicants are researchers.
  Amount of grant	The size of the grant is determined on a case-by-case basis.
  Application procedure	The applications may be submitted to KITLV by email on email address: kitlv@kitlv.nl Applications may be submitted at any time. To download the form, click here.

  For more information on funds you might be eligible, kindly click here.

• Other useful fellowships and grants

  1. UArctic/Lloyd's Register Foundation Research Fellowships

  The UArctic/Lloyd's Register Foundation Research Fellowships are currently open for applications with a deadline of 15 June 2024. These fellowships aim to address maritime safety challenges in the Arctic Ocean by studying historical perspectives under three themes: ice histories, safely navigating new Arctic Sea routes and cruise ships in the cold.

  Researchers from various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, can apply. The programme encourages proactive research to tackle the evolving challenges of the Arctic Oceanic environment. The fellowship covers a two-year period from 2024 to 2026, with grants of up to £40,000 available for personnel costs, research-related expenses, project-related activities, communication and dissemination, and travel/accommodation.

  Eligibility criteria	Eligible applicants are researchers and Indigenous Knowledge holders employed by UArctic member organisations, spanning several countries.
  Application procedure	• Applications must include a signed letter of commitment from the host institution. Fellows will also gain access to the Foundation's ship surveys and wreck reports archive.  • Applications must be submitted electronically through the UArctic application portal by the specified deadline.
  Application deadline	15 June 2024

  2. L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) International Awards

  The L’Oréal-UNESCO FWIS International Awards recognise outstanding contributions to science by female scientists. Five annual awards, worth €100,000 each, are given across different regions, alternating annually between Life/Environmental Sciences and Physical/Computer/Engineering Sciences. For 2025, nominations are sought in physical sciences, mathematics and computer science.

  Eligibility criteria	1. Female scientists recognised for excellence in their field. 2. Actively involved in research. 3. Geographical eligibility based on work location over the past ten years. 4. Nominations must be made by eminent scientists (e.g., university heads, members of science academies, full professors). Self-nominations are not allowed.
  Application deadline	01-07-2024

  3. IBRO Meetings Support Programme

  The IBRO Meetings Support Programme offers funding up to €10,000 to assist in organising workshops, symposia, meetings and short courses concerning vital neuroscience research topics. 

  Applicants	• Organisers of the events stipulated above can apply. • Events must focus on significant neuroscience themes.
  Grant amounts	Grant amounts vary by region: up to €3,000 for Africa, €8,000 for Europe, €5,000 for Latin America and €2,500 for the Asia-Pacific region.
  General eligibility requirements for event funding in 2025 include	• Providing event details such as dates, format (in-person, virtual/hybrid) and venue, along with a detailed purpose for funding. • Invited speakers must be under 45 years old, with gender and regional representation balanced. • Applicants must outline plans to promote IBRO before and during the event, such as advertising and displaying the IBRO logo. • Organisers should demonstrate efforts to ensure gender and geographical diversity and provide a copy of the event programme.
  Application deadline	Applications must be submitted online via the IBRO website between 1 July and 31 August 2024. For any queries, please contact programs@ibro.org.

  4. PADI Foundation Grants programme

  The PADI Foundation, a nonprofit organisation based in California, offers grants through the PADI Foundation Grants programme. These grants support projects aimed at enriching understanding of the aquatic environment, protecting underwater ecosystems from climate change, and advancing knowledge of sport diving physics and physiology. 

  Eligible applicants	Eligible applicants include university faculties, students, environmental educators, and marine researchers from any nationality or location.
  Grant amounts	The grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, with a maximum budget of $12,000 for proposals. However, proposals related to diving physiology and safety may exceed this limit.
  Not covered	Funding does not cover overhead expenses, salaries, dive training, or standard diving equipment.
  Application deadline	The application deadline for the ADI Foundation Grants is January 15, 2025. For more information, please email: grants@padifoundation.org

  5. The World Habitat Awards

  The World Habitat Awards are given to recognise projects that provide practical and innovative solutions to current housing needs and problems.

  Housing projects and approaches are sought that:

  1. Demonstrate practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to current housing issues faced by countries all around the world.
  2. Can be transferred or adapted for use as appropriate.
  3. Are already being implemented or are completed - i.e. not at design stage or very early stages of development.
  4. View the term habitat from a broad perspective and bring other benefits as well, such as energy or water saving, income generation, social inclusion, community and individual empowerment, health benefits, capacity building or education.

  Projects should:

  1. Focus on affordable and adequate housing.
  2. Have taken action to address the climate emergency.
  3. Be in progress or have been completed in the last ten years.
  4. Be taking steps to promote diversity, equality and inclusion.
  5. Have been designed and/or delivered in close collaboration with the residents/local community.
  6. While the housing element must be a key part of each submission, entrants are encouraged to submit projects and programmes that view the term 'habitat' from a broad perspective. Entries are encouraged that also address wider issues, for example: the climate emergency and environmental sustainability; social inclusion and income generation and gender, among others.

  Eligibility criteria	Any individual, organisation or government with an innovative and practical solution to housing needs and problems from around the world is eligible to enter. Entries must detail housing projects and/or programmes that are either completed or in progress. More than one entry can be made by the same individual or organisation in the same year. For the application procedure, click here!
  Prize and benefits	In addition to international recognition, awards of £10,000 will be made to each of the two Gold Award winning projects. Trophies will also be presented to the winning projects and travel and accommodation costs will be met for one representative of each winning project to attend the awards ceremony. Two Gold Awards are made each year, along with non-financial Silver and Bronze prizes.

  6. Alzheimer Netherlands - Subsidy for an international conference (For Ph.D.’s and Post Docs)

  As a dementia researcher, are you going to present your results at a conference, for example using a poster or presentation? Then you may be eligible for the Alzheimer Netherlands - subsidy for an international conference.

  Eligibility criteria	PhDs and post docs (no longer than two years after their promotion) engaged in Alzheimer’s research at an institute within the Netherlands.
  Maximum financial contribution for a conference visit	€500 within Europe and €750 outside Europe. Conferences within the Netherlands are not eligible for support.
  Submission	Applications can be submitted to Alzheimer Nederland throughout the year. To know more about the application process, click here. You can submit the complete and signed application by sending an email to: Onderzoek@alzheimer-nederland.nl. Mention "Application for a financial contribution for the conference" in the subject line.
  Application procedure	Applications must be received by us no later than 6 weeks before the start of the congress. You will receive our decision to grant or reject the application within 4 weeks after receipt of your complete and signed application.
  Conditions	Per the researcher, a grant application for a conference visit can be submitted no more than once a year. To know more, click here.

  Grant for international research internship

  This grant is intended for researchers and Master's students who are going to do a research internship at a top institute abroad. The maximum financial contribution for an international internship is €750 (for students) and € 3,000 (for Ph.D. students and post-docs). For an application form, click here.