Thoughts
The Science Moves Award is an award that honors and supports "moving" researchers who are driven by their curiosity, conviction, and passion to venture into unknown fields through funding and connections. We deeply understand that the history of science was born from unexpected chance encounters and exciting challenges, and we fully support researchers who are working on such "themes that move the heart, but we don't know what they will be useful for now."
This award aims to provide an environment where researchers can settle down and immerse themselves in their research based on their intrinsic motivation. We are committed to designing grants that put researchers first, such as "no application or report documents required," "free use of funds," and "separate overhead costs," eliminating unnecessary burdens. We support researchers so that they can focus purely on their research.
In addition, the award recipients will be given the opportunity to expand the possibilities for new support and collaboration through a network with philanthropists and supporting partners. In addition, we will provide a forum for researchers to communicate the appeal of their research to society in their own words, creating an opportunity to share the value of science with many people. We believe in the "moving" nature of science (the power to move hearts) and support researchers who continue to take on challenges to create the future together.
That is the mission of the Science Moves Award.
We hope that this award will be a new step in your research. We look forward to receiving your applications.
Features
1 million yen/person
Rather than focusing on a selective approach, we will support as many researchers as possible, including covering overhead costs.
No paperwork required
No need to prepare application documents or reports, so you can focus on your research to the fullest.
Free use of funds
We trust researchers and do not place any restrictions on how the data can be used, provided it is for research purposes only.
Providing encounters that open up new possibilities for research
We will invite applicants for the Science Moves Award to the Science Moves Pitch Conference, a special gathering of philanthropists who support science and fellow moving researchers. (Scheduled to be held in Tokyo on April 18, 2025)
Particularly moving researchers will be offered the opportunity to speak. This will be a great opportunity to directly communicate the appeal and potential of your research and gain the sympathy of philanthropists and supporters.
This meeting will provide a chance for researchers and supporters to envision the future together and connect with each other, leading to "serendipity-like encounters" that could lead to the next step, such as obtaining additional funding, conducting joint research, or commercializing. Please come and experience the moment when the moving nature of science opens up new possibilities.
Application Requirements
Requirements
Applicants must be a graduate student or a researcher engaged in research activities at an affiliated institution as of February 1, 2025, and must hold Japanese nationality or reside in Japan.
Welcome Requirements
・Those who have received their doctorate within the last 10 years or are currently enrolled in a doctoral program.
・Those who are working on pioneering basic research themes (including those that form the foundations of engineering in their respective fields).
Eligible expenses
Researchers are free to use the funds at their own discretion.
If indirect costs are required by the regulations of the researcher's university or research institution, please consult with the Foundation. The grant amount can be adjusted so that direct costs remain at 1 million yen.
Funds Use Period
The grant period will end on March 31, 2027.
However, if necessary during the grant period, it may be extended up to a total of three years. If there is an interruption in research due to maternity leave or childcare leave, an extension will be granted separately.
Our Statement
Our foundation considers research integrity to be a fundamental value.
We welcome applications from researchers who agree with our commitment to honest inquiry, ensuring reliability, and building a collaborative and respectful research environment.
Process
Enter via simple form
To enter, simply enter four items: name, email address, researchmap URL, and laboratory website URL.
AI-powered interviews
Tell us about your research and its moving aspects by answering questions from an AI interviewer. You can do this anytime, anywhere.
Online meetings
During the online meeting with the secretariat members, please tell us about your research and its moving points.
Grant decision
We will determine the Science Moves Award winners/grantees.
Held on April 18, 2025
We will invite applicants to special meetings, and especially active researchers will be given the opportunity to speak at the event.
