The Network Joint Research Center (NJRC) for Materials and Devices is a system of research institutions established by Research Institute for Electronic Science, Hokkaido University, Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science,  Institute of Integrated Research,  Institute of Science Tokyo, SANKEN, Osaka University, and Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University as a cooperative usage and research center for investigators to conduct joint studies beyond their own institutes.

The advantages include the opportunities to collaborate with a diverse pool of excellent researchers and to utilize facilities and equipment of five different institutes.

There are five research areas.
Materials-Light-Life-Mathemathematics Complex Science Research Area (Research Institute for Electronic Science, Hokkaido University)
Material Creation and Advanced Measurements Research Area (Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University)
Chemistry for Material Systems Research Area（Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Integrated Research, Institute of Science Tokyo)
Nanoscience and Devices Research Area (SANKEN, Osaka University)
Materials and Functions Research Area (Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University)

There is a logo consisting of five colored parts that represents the motif of “cooperating and enhancing each other”. If you would like to use it, please contact the headquarters of the NJRC (njrc*sanken.osaka-u.ac.jp, please replace “*” to “@”).

Regarding the use of facilities and equipment, please refer to the ‘List of Equipment and Research Area information’ under the ‘Open Call Information’ on the website. Additionally, if you are looking for collaborative research partners, please refer to the ‘Researcher Database.

Please apply through the NJRC’s application system on this website.

You will need to submit the research proposal and go through the selection process again. In the application form, there is a question regarding whether it is a new or continued project, so please select ‘continued’.

Yes, it is possible. Please submit a separate application for each project.

No, it is not permitted to apply for the same project in multiple research areas. If you wish to pursue collaborative research in multiple areas, please consult with host researchers and apply under the category of ‘Expanded Joint Research Program’ or ‘Crossover Joint Research Program.

Yes, it is possible to apply from overseas.

In that case, the host researcher can submit the application on behalf of the applicant using their email address and password. However, please note that all notifications such as selection result, request to submit an acceptance letter and achievement reports will be sent to the registered email address. Therefore, please handle them accordingly and stay alert to any correspondence.

In principle, applications should be made through the application system. However, if you encounter any difficulties, please contact the headquarters of the NJRC.

If you have the intention to proceed with collaborative research and agree with the contents of the acceptance letter, the seal cannot be omitted. If the applicant is a foreign national, a signature is acceptable.

For universities, it refers to the head of the department or division where the applicant belongs. For companies, it refers to the head of the section.

While the center does not conduct research ethics education as a base, by signing the acceptance letter, you agree to understand and adhere to the following:

• • • You acknowledge that academic research is entrusted by the public, and research funds are provided by taxpayers’ money. You promise to use the research funds appropriately and efficiently, and not engage in any misconduct during research.
    • You commit to studying the research ethics education materials specified by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ( such as the ” For the Sound Development of Science -The Attitude of a Conscientious Scientist–“ edited by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the APRIN e-Learning Program), or the “Guidelines for Responding to Misconduct in Research ” (adopted by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology on August 26, 2014) These will be provided by your host institution, and you promise to complete the research ethics education as required. 

You can’t conduct a joint research project. Please promptly contact the host researcher and submit a withdrawal notice to the administrative office of the host institution.

Not only researchers but also university students and graduate students can participate in the research (Principal investigators can add or remove participants at any time through the application system).

Even after the research has started, principal investigators can add coresearchers at any time through the application system. Please note that registration is obligatory.

Yes, university students and graduate students can also participate, but it is necessary to have insurance coverage equivalent to the Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research (abbreviated as ‘Gakken-sai’) and the accompanying Liability insurance coupled with “Gakkennsai (abbreviated as ‘Futai Baishou’)..

After submitting the acceptance letter, the joint research will begin. At the end of the project, you will be required to submit an achievement report.

If there is a change in the affiliation the principal investigator belongs to or their host researcher, “Notification of Change” will need to be submitted. Please contact the administrative staff at the host institution. Additionally, if there are changes in contact information due to changes in affiliation, please modify the researcher registration information through the application system. PIs can also add or modify coresearchers through the application system.

The budget (collaborative research expenses) is primarily used for travel expenses to visit the host institution for collaborative research. We request that you organize your visits according to the research plan. Other eligible expenses include publication fees for research papers and the purchase of necessary consumables such as reagents. For more information, please refer to the “Guide to Administrative Procedures” sent by the host institution and execute the budget in a planned manner.

You will receive a “Guide to Administrative Procedures”. Please follow the instructions provided in the document. If you have any questions, please contact the host institution.

The research budget can be used for travel expenses related to presenting research at conferences, attending academic societies and research workshops related to the research project. For more information, please refer to the “Guide to Administrative Procedures” sent by the host institution after your research proposal was accepted.

With the consent of the principal investigator, travel expenses of the host researcher can be covered, except for Next Generation Young Researchers Program. The main cases where this applies are as follows:
・Travel expenses for the host researcher to visit the PI’s affiliation for collaborative research.
・Travel expenses for the PI and the primary host researcher to visit the secondary host researcher at their research facility for collaborative research.
・Travel expenses when the PI and the host researcher visit at research facilities outside their respective affiliations to conduct collaborative research, such as measurements.

Yes, it is possible with the agreement of the principal investigator.

Yes, you can include it. The research period will be the one stated in the acceptance notification. Additionally, selected applicants receive a “Certificate of Distinguished   Researcher at NJRC,” and you can mention that as well.

Generally, it is possible, but please be sure to consult with the administrative staff at the host institution in advance and follow the necessary procedures.

You will receive instructions from the headquarters of NJRC, so please submit it through the application system by the specified deadline (around the end of March).

The achievement report will be made public on the website. The timing of the publication will be around the following autumn.

When presenting research achievements related to NJRC, please include the following acknowledgment.

・（example) This work was performed under the Cooperative Research Program of “Network Joint Research Center for Materials and Devices (MEXT).”
・（Shortened example) This work was performed under the Cooperative Research Program of “NJRC Mater. & Dev. (MEXT).”