Africa-Japan Collaborative Research (AJ-CORE) 5th Call for Proposals

The Africa-Japan Collaborative Research (AJ-CORE) programme is a partnership between the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). It supports joint research and innovation projects involving institutions from South Africa, Japan, and selected African countries participating in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI).

The 5th Call invites proposals under the theme of Environmental Science, addressing issues like climate change, water quality, sustainable agriculture, ecosystems, and more, while contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2, 3, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15).

Eligibility Criteria

Consortium Requirements

• Minimum of three institutions: one each from:
  • South Africa
  • Japan
  • One SGCI African country
• Institutions may include research organisations, public/private sector practitioners, and NGOs (as associated partners).
• All Principal Investigators (PIs) must hold a PhD or equivalent qualification.

By Country

South Africa

• PI must be based at a recognised public higher education/research institution.
• Must hold a PhD.
• If from a historically advantaged institution, must include a co-PI from a historically disadvantaged institution.

Japan

• PI must be based at a MEXT-recognised domestic research institution.
• Must complete and declare a research ethics training programme.

SGCI African Countries (e.g., Kenya, Ethiopia, Botswana, etc.)

• Must be based at public research or higher education institutions.
• Must have at least a PhD.
• Must hold a valid employment contract throughout the project duration.

Funding and Duration

• Total Budget: ~USD 1.96 million
• Duration: Up to 36 months
• Max Funding:
  • South Africa: R2,040,000 per project
  • Japan: 18.2 million JPY per project
  • Kenya: USD 45,000
  • Botswana: P1,150,000
  • Ethiopia: 5,000,000 ETB

Key Aspects of the Proposal

• Must demonstrate scientific excellence, societal impact, and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Include an Impact Plan, Theory of Change, and Impact Pathway with measurable indicators.
• Incorporate knowledge sharing activities and budget provisions for science engagement and AJ-CORE workshops.
• All proposals must be submitted via both:
  • NRF Connect (South Africa)
  • e-Rad System (Japan)

Click here to get framework guide and application form