The Canon Foundation-Kyoto University Japan-Africa Exchange Program represents a significant initiative aimed at fostering collaboration, cultural exchange, and academic partnership between Japan and African nations.
Launched as a joint effort between the Canon Foundation and Kyoto University, this program is designed to support scholars and researchers from Africa to engage with Japanese academia and vice versa.
The program underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development. Its offers fellowships to highly qualified researchers in fields of research related to African Studies.
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Japan-Africa Exchange Program
Based on the Memorandum of Understanding concluded between the Canon Foundation in Europe (CFE) and Kyoto University (KU), the Canon Foundation-Kyoto University Japan-Africa Exchange Program started in 2018.
The Foundation has been pivotal in supporting research and educational projects that bridge cultural and national divides. Kyoto University, one of Japan’s premier institutions of higher learning, shares a similar vision. With its rich history of academic excellence and innovation, Kyoto University has been at the forefront of various international research collaborations.
The program is intended to support:
- Fellows from KU who want to do research in Africa
-  For scholars from Kyoto University’s partner institutes in Africa who want to do research in Kyoto.
The fellowships are for a minimum period of six weeks up to maximum of one year between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026.
Stipend and Travel Expenses
- The financial support for successful applicants ranges from 22,500 Euro to 27,500 Euro per year and is pro-rated for different periods. CFE will directly administer the payments and notify the detailed payment procedure to each successful applicant.
The primary objectives of the Canon Foundation-Kyoto University Japan-Africa Exchange Program are:
- Promote Academic Collaboration: By facilitating exchanges between Japanese and African scholars, the program aims to enhance research collaborations, share knowledge, and develop innovative solutions to global challenges.
- Cultural Exchange and Mutual Understanding: The program seeks to foster mutual respect and understanding between Japan and African countries through cultural exchange, thus promoting global peace and cooperation.
- Capacity Building in Africa: By providing African researchers access to advanced research facilities and expertise in Japan, the program aims to build research capacity and contribute to the development of higher education and research infrastructure in Africa.
- Addressing Global Challenges: The program focuses on collaborative research in areas critical to global development, such as sustainability, health, technology, and environmental conservation.
Eligibility
- Applicants need to be holding at least an MA degree and employed either at KU or KU’s partner institutions[1] as post-doctoral fellows or faculty members at the time of applying
- In addition, as long as African applicants can submit one of the two reference letters received from their prospective host from Kyoto University and prove their existing partnerships, they are eligible to apply for the program.
Program Structure
The Canon Foundation-Kyoto University Japan-Africa Exchange Program is structured to support various types of academic activities and collaborations. Key components of the program include:
- Fellowships and Scholarships
The program offers fellowships and scholarships to African researchers and students to pursue advanced studies and research at Kyoto University. These fellowships cover a range of disciplines, enabling participants to engage in cutting-edge research and gain valuable academic experience.
- Collaborative Research Projects
The program encourages joint research projects between Kyoto University and African institutions. These projects are designed to leverage the strengths of both partners, addressing critical issues such as climate change, public health, and technological innovation.
- Academic Conferences and Workshops
The exchange program organizes academic conferences and workshops in both Japan and Africa. These events serve as platforms for knowledge exchange, networking, and the dissemination of research findings. They also facilitate discussions on future collaborative opportunities and strategic directions.
- Â Faculty and Student Exchanges
Faculty and student exchanges are integral to the program, allowing Japanese and African academics to spend time at each other’s institutions. These exchanges promote direct engagement, collaborative teaching, and firsthand cultural experiences.
Impact and Achievements
Since its inception, the Canon Foundation-Kyoto University Japan-Africa Exchange Program has made significant strides in achieving its objectives. Some of the notable impacts and achievements include:
- Enhanced Research Collaboration
The program has facilitated numerous collaborative research projects, resulting in high-impact publications and innovations. For instance, joint research in sustainable agriculture has led to the development of new farming techniques that improve crop yields and resilience in African regions prone to climate variability.
- Capacity Building
African scholars participating in the program have benefited from exposure to advanced research methodologies and technologies available at Kyoto University. This experience has equipped them with the skills and knowledge needed to advance their research careers and contribute to the development of their home institutions.
- Cultural Exchange
Through the program, participants have gained a deeper appreciation of each other’s cultures. This cultural exchange has fostered mutual respect and understanding, breaking down stereotypes and building lasting friendships and professional networks.
- Addressing Global Challenges
Collaborative research projects supported by the program have addressed pressing global challenges. For example, research in public health has led to better understanding and management of diseases prevalent in Africa, while environmental studies have contributed to conservation efforts and sustainable development.
Application Japan-Africa Exchange Program
The deadline for applications is October 15th, 2024.
Consideration of the applications takes place first at KU and then at CFE. The Selection Committee of CFE will make final decisions and email the results to applicants before the end of March of that year. Therefore, the earliest possible date to begin the fellowship is April 1 of the same year. Please submit the following documents to Kyoto University Africa Unit (canon_caas@jambo.africa.kyoto-u.ac.jp):
- Your research plan including a clear title at the top of the page as well as starting/ending dates of the proposed research. The research plan needs to include a general cost estimate, including living, travel, research costs, insurance, and etc. (maximum 2 pages)
- 2 reference letters (maximum 1 page each) from 2 persons. One letter should be from someone in a position to comment on your academic qualifications and professional work while the other should be a confirmation letter from your prospective host who can provide research or work facilities to you during the proposed period.
- Your Curriculum Vitae
- 1 copy of your doctoral certificate or your highest academic degree
- 1 passport size photograph of yourself
- 1 list of your academic publications or professional achievements in chronological order containing information on all authors, place and year of publication and page references.
For information: Visit Canon Foundation
