The Canon Foundation-Kyoto University Japan-Africa Exchange Programme is a pioneering initiative that reflects the commitment of the Canon Foundation to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between Japan and African nations. In partnership with Kyoto University, one of Japan’s leading academic institutions, this program offers an exceptional opportunity for African researchers and scholars to engage in academic and research activities in Japan. It is designed to facilitate cross-cultural learning, research cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge and expertise.
One of the program’s core objectives is to promote academic excellence and strengthen the ties between Japan and African countries. African scholars selected for the exchange program have the opportunity to conduct research, participate in academic discussions, and collaborate with their Japanese counterparts at the University. This not only enhances their academic and research capabilities but also promotes a deep understanding of Japanese culture and society.
The Canon Foundation-Kyoto University Japan-Africa Exchange Programme covers a wide range of academic fields, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It encourages interdisciplinary research and collaborative projects, reflecting the diverse range of expertise and interests among the participants.
The program is a valuable stepping stone for African researchers and scholars who aspire to contribute to the development and advancement of their home countries. By fostering cooperation, mutual understanding, and knowledge sharing, it contributes to building stronger academic bridges between Japan and Africa, ultimately leading to long-term collaborations and academic excellence in the region.
Commencing in 2018, the Canon Foundation-Kyoto University Japan-Africa Exchange Program is a result of a Memorandum of Understanding established between the Canon Foundation in Europe (CFE) and Kyoto University (KU). This innovative program is dedicated to facilitating research and academic collaboration in the realm of African Studies. It extends fellowships to exceptionally qualified researchers, with the aim of promoting mutually beneficial exchanges of knowledge and expertise.
The program has a twofold purpose. Firstly, it provides support to scholars from Kyoto University (KU) who wish to embark on research endeavors within the African continent. Secondly, it extends its fellowship opportunities to scholars hailing from partner institutes in Africa affiliated with Kyoto University, enabling them to conduct research in Kyoto, Japan. This dual approach fosters cross-continental research collaborations and enriches the academic landscape for all involved.
Fellowships awarded under this program span a minimum duration of three months and can extend up to a maximum of one year, offering flexibility to researchers. The active fellowship period is scheduled between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. These fellowships provide scholars with the invaluable opportunity to engage in immersive and sustained research activities, ultimately contributing to the advancement of African Studies and strengthening the academic bonds between Kyoto University and its African partners.
The Canon Foundation-Kyoto University Japan-Africa Exchange Program is a visionary initiative that champions academic collaboration and knowledge sharing between Japan and Africa. By providing fellowships to qualified researchers, it fuels innovative research, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and fosters enduring academic partnerships between Kyoto University and its African counterparts.
Eligibility Criteria For The Canon Foundation-Kyoto University Japan-Africa Exchange Program.
- Applicants need to hold at least an MA degree and be employed either at KU or KU’s partner institutions as post-doctoral fellows or faculty members when 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.
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.
Application Procedure
The deadline for applications is November 15th, 2023. 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 ([email protected]):
- 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.
Application Deadline: November 15th, 2023.
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