German Research Fair 2025 - for ECRs from Japan

© DAAD Tokyo / DWIH Tokyo

You want to do research at a German university or research institute and would like to find out more about doctoral programmes, post-doctoral positions, scholarships and research funding? Join the virtual German Research Fair on April 10 (from 16:00-21:00 JST) to get in contact with representatives from many universities, research institutes and funding organisations from Germany!

Online Seminar Timetable →
LoungeTimetable →
Participating institutions →

★Link to the Platform & Registration

Register

Event Information

April 10, 2025, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Online
Organizer(s): DAAD Regional Office Tokyo / Co-Organizer: DWIH Tokyo (German Centre for Research and Innovation Tokyo)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Regional Office Tokyo and the German Centre for Research and Innovation Tokyo (DWIH Tokyo) are organizing the virtual “German Research Fair” for the third consecutive year. The aim is to foster academic connections between students and researchers in Japan and universities and research organizations in Germany. Information on funding opportunities will also be provided.

Those interested in conducting research in Germany and learning about doctoral programs, postdoctoral positions, or funding opportunities will find this event ideal. It offers a valuable chance to interact with representatives from German academic organizations. Live chats will be available at each booth, along with opportunities to participate in informative seminars.

Participation is free of charge. Register now!

Online Seminar Timetable (Start and end times may be subject to change depending on the situation)

Universities & Institutions Time (JST/CEST)  
Forschungszentrum Jülich 16:20-16:30 / 09:20-09:30
2 Leibniz Association 16:30-16:40 / 09:30-09:40
3 Max Planck Society 16:40-16:50 / 09:40-09:50
4 University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU) 16:50-17:00 / 09:50-10:00
5 Technische Universität Berlin 17:10-17:20 / 10:10-10:20
6 Technische Universität Braunschweig 17:20-17:30 / 10:20-10:30
7 Technical University of Munich 17:30-17:40 / 10:30-10:40
8 Karlsruhe Institute of Technology 17:40-17:50 / 10:40-10:50
9 University of Stuttgart 18:00-18:10 / 11:00-11:10
10 Ruhr University Bochum 18:10-18:20 / 11:10-11:20
11 Friedrich Schiller University Jena 18:20-18:30 / 11:20-11:30
12 Heidelberg University 18:30-18:40 / 11:30-11:40
13 University of Bayreuth 18:50-19:00 / 11:50-12:00
14 University of Bonn 19:00-19:10 / 12:00-12:10
15 National Contact Point for Horizon Europe in Japan (EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation) 19:10-19:20 / 12:10-12:20
16 JSPS Bonn Office/German JSPS Alumni Association 19:20-19:30 / 12:20-12:30
17 German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Regional Office Tokyo 20:00-20:15 / 13:00-13:15
18 Alexander von Humboldt Foundation 20:15-20:30 / 13:15-13:30
19 German Research Foundation (DFG) 20:30-20:45 / 13:30-13:45

LoungeTimetable

In addition to one-on-one consultations via chat, some institutions also offer a “Lounge” feature, where participants can join group sessions with representatives. In the Lounge, up to 10 participants can speak and ask questions as speakers. It is also possible to join as a listener without speaking. If you are interested in attending group information sessions hosted by each institution, please join the Lounge during the time slots listed below.

Universities & Institutions Time (JST/CEST)   
Forschungszentrum Jülich 17:00-17:30 / 10:00-10:30
2 Leibniz Association 17:00-17:30 / 10:00-10:30
3 Technical University of Munich 17:00-17:30 / 10:00-10:30
4 Friedrich Schiller University Jena 18:30-19:00 / 11:30-12:00
5 University of Bonn 19:10-19:40 / 12:10-12:40
6 Heidelberg University 19:30-20:00 / 12:30-13:00

Participating universites, research institutions and funding organisations

Universities

Friedrich Schiller University Jena

Profile:
Well known for Goethe, Schiller, Hegel, Haeckel, Zeiss and Schott, JENA provides the unique combination of a beautiful setting, strong cultural and philosophical traditions, high-tech industry, and, above all, a modern research-oriented university.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
More than 20 Research Training Groups and Graduate Schools, are impressive indicators of what you can expect for your career at the Friedrich Schiller University. Its focal research areas are united under the slogan Light, Life, Liberty. Light includes Optics and Photonics as well as Innovative Materials, Technologies and Energy Storage; Life includes Microbiology, Infection Biology, Biodiversity, Bio-Geo-Interactions and Aging Research. Liberty includes Social Change, Enlightenment, Romanticism and Contemporary History. Doctoral candidates at Uni Jena benefit from excellent support. Responsible for this excellent support and one-stop agency for all questions of (future) doctoral candidates is the Graduate Academy.

Short message to participants:
We offer plenty of opportunities to enter exciting doctoral projects and provide excellent support for early career researchers. Join us at the German Research Fair!

Institution Website:
https://www.uni-jena.de/en/academic-career/doctoral-phase/your-doctorate-in-jena

Social Media:
LinkedIn / Facebook

Heidelberg University

Profile:
Heidelberg University is an international research university that emphasizes cross-disciplinary research that transcends the boundaries of conventional academic disciplines. With more than 30,000 students and over 6,000 researchers and faculty members organized in 13 faculties, it is ranked among the top universities in Germany and Europe and has formed a network with research and educational institutions around the world.

Numerous great minds have learned, taught and conducted research at Heidelberg University. Therefore, the oldest German university has played an important part in shaping science and society since its founding in 1386.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
Heidelberg University offers challenging PhD Programs and individual PhD supervision in various fields of study and encourages interdisciplinary research approaches. Students and early career researchers benefit from a strong network of local research facilities, e.g., Max-Planck-Institutes, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center). On the MA level Heidelberg University offers several programs taught in English. On the PhD and Postdoc Level studying and conducting research in English is possible in most subject areas. Heidelberg University provides a wide range of resources as well as counseling to PhD candidates and postdocs for professional skills and career development in the early academic career phases.

Short message to participants:
“Learn about Heidelberg University’s opportunities for advanced students, PhD candidates, and Early Career Researchers! We look forward to meeting you at the German Research Fair!”

Institution Website:
https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en

Social Media:
Facebook / Bluesky / Mastodon / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube / Instagram (Graduate Academy)

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Profile:
KIT – The Research University in the Helmholtz Association – combines university tradition with program-oriented research. The framework conditions presently offered to KIT researchers are accordingly unique in the German science system. Nowhere else can researchers use the infrastructure of a large-scale research center and collaborate at a university of excellence across the disciplines of natural sciences, engineering, economics, the humanities and social sciences. Research at KIT is aimed at creating new findings, applications, and solutions to master the global challenges facing humankind with pathbreaking contributions – in particular in the areas of energy, mobility, and information.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
• Excellent research environment (large-scale research and university research)
• Excellent national and international networking
• Close collaborations with industrial companies
• International setting
• Very good supervision and a culture of scientific exchange
• Interdisciplinary research and scientific qualification within structured doctoral programs
• Comprehensive services for early-stage researchers, in particular by Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS)
• Large range of offerings for cross-disciplinary qualification, networking, and career development

Short message to participants:
From graduation to professorship: KIT consistently promotes young scientists in all career phases. Meet us at the German Research Fair!

Institution Website:
https://www.kit.edu/english
https://www.khys.kit.edu

Social Media:
LinkedIn / Instagram / YouTube / Bluesky / Mastodon

Ruhr University Bochum

Profile:
Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) is one of Germany’s leading comprehensive research universities. We host the entire spectrum of disciplines in 21 faculties—from the Humanities, Social Sciences to Engineering, Natural and Life Sciences incl. Medicine.

RUB has a long-standing and close relationship to Japan, illustrated by 20 partnerships with Japanese universities and one unique feature: Germany’s only Faculty of East Asian Studies with its doctoral school “East Asian Future”.

Join our amazing science community of more than 4,000 doctoral and postdoctoral researchers and benefit from offers of the university-wide RUB Research School: dedicated support and guidance, internationalization programs, and advanced academic qualification.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
 RUB Research School provides funding for international doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, from 2-week to 6-month visits. We help you find a research host.
• Profit from our offers on career guidance and our broad workshop program to enhance your personal competencies such as writing or presenting.
• Our Welcome Centre helps you onboard with visa and insurance issues, finding an accommodation, etc.
• 9 Interdisciplinary Research Departments: Solvation Science & IT-Security (Both Clusters of Excellence), Materials Research, Neuroscience, Religious Studies, Protein Research, Plasmas with Complex Interactions, Subsurface Modeling and Engineering, Closed Carbon Cycle Economy.
• Common language of research is English.

Short message to participants:
Ruhr-Universität Bochum is the perfect place for young Japanese researchers, not only because of its Faculty of East Asian Studies! Let us become your career booster!

Institution Website:
https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en
https://www.research-school.rub.de/

Social Media:
X : Ruhr-Universität Bochum / RUB Research School
Instagram: Ruhr-Universität Bochum / RUB Research School
Facebook: Ruhr-Universität Bochum / RUB Research School
LinkedIn: Ruhr-Universität Bochum / RUB Research School

Technical University of Munich

Profile:
Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Europe’s top universities. It is committed to excellence in research and teaching, interdisciplinary education and the active promotion of promising young scientists. The university also forges strong links with companies and scientific institutions across the world and international collaborations. TUM was one of the first universities in Germany to be named a University of Excellence and regularly ranks among the best European universities in international rankings. It combines top-class facilities for cutting-edge research with unique learning opportunities for students, doctoral candidates and early-career researchers.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
Research at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) spans diverse fields, including Computer Science, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Medicine, Management, and Social Sciences. TUM offers English-taught programs, free language services and one can benefit from TUM’s excellent scientific environment. The TUM Global Postdoc Fellowship is a funding opportunity for two years that supports outstanding young researchers. While collaborating with TUM’s renowned professors, Fellows conduct their projects with great autonomy and scientific independence to sharpen their research profiles for their future careers. During their stay, students, doctorates, postdoctorates, and professors benefit from diverse support programs to expand their skill sets.

Short message to participants:
The TUM Talent Factory for Postdocs provides support and trainings for all early-career researchers at TUM and to international postdocs who want to conduct a research project at TUM – come and meet us at the German Research Fair!

Institution Website:
https://www.tum.de/en/

Technische Universität Berlin

Profile:
TU Berlin has a long and rich tradition. Our goal is to continue to develop science and technology for the benefit of our society. TU Berlin is wholly committed to the principle of sustainable development which tackles contemporary challenges without further burdening future generations. Research and teaching are inseparably linked.
It is against this background that research and teaching in the natural, planning and engineering sciences are inextricably linked with the humanities and social sciences. All our research and teaching activities serve civilian purposes exclusively.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
The Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) is renowned for its research strengths in engineering, natural sciences, and economics. The university offers a variety of English-taught programs, particularly at the master’s level, in fields such as Computational Neuroscience, Energy Engineering, and Urban Development. Regarding financing, TU Berlin offers various scholarships and financial aid options for international students, and support from external organizations. Additionally, researchers may explore job opportunities within the university or across Berlin’s diverse and globally significant research landscape.

Short message to participants:
We look forward to assisting you in identifying suitable partners for your research and helping you to start your scientific career at TU Berlin.

Institution Website:
https://www.tu.berlin/en/international

Social Media:
LinkedIn

Technische Universität Braunschweig

Profile:
Technische Universität Braunschweig is one of the strongest research universities in the state of Lower Saxony and is located in the centre of Europe’s most active R&D region.
With a strong focus on engineering, TU Braunschweig addresses global challenges within the framework of four interdisciplinary core research areas: Mobility, Metrology, Engineering for Health & Future City.
We are looking for graduates and postgraduates from all academic areas, in particular from the STEM field.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
We offer Bachelor and Master degree programs in German and English in a broad variety of academic fields.
Furthermore, individual and structured PhD options are available as well as postdoctoral positions and professorships.
All students and researchers benefit from excellent infrastructures, such as a research airport or one of the world’s largest wave channels.
Research positions are usually fully funded with the option of applying for further external research funding.

Short message to participants:
A warm welcome to Technische Universität Braunschweig – come work and research with us in one of the densest research regions in Europe!

Institution Website:
https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/en/

Social Media:
LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook

University of Bayreuth

Profile:
The University of Bayreuth (UBT) is a research-orientated young and dynamic campus university with an outstanding staff-student ratio. Its mission focuses on furthering interdisciplinary research and science as well as profile creation and the development of interdisciplinary subjects.
UBT has a tightly knit network of strategically selected, international partner universities and research project partnerships. The research programmes and offered courses encompass nature and engineering sciences, law and economics as well as language, literature and cultural studies. Several undergraduate and graduate study programmes and numerous individual courses and seminars are offered in English. Research and PhD programmes are generally conducted in English.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
At UBT, you can expect all the pre-conditions to be in place for your research. Thanks to our excellent research performance, we obtain a considerable share of our budget from third-party funding, in addition to our state budget. The University of Bayreuth offers support in applying for funding and in financing research stays through several of its offices. The UBT Office of Research Support advises and supports researchers from all disciplines in preparing and applying for their research project proposals. The International Office supports researchers from all disciplines in initiating and carrying out international research projects.

Short message to participants:
Excellent research thrives where great minds have freedom to think and adventurous spirits find inspiration – like at the University of Bayreuth. Come and meet us at the German Research Fair 2025!

Institution Website:
https://www.uni-bayreuth.de/en

Social Media:
LinkedIn / X / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

University of Bonn

Profile:
The best minds have been able to develop their potential at the University of Excellence in Bonn for over 200 years. Within our transdisciplinary research areas and clusters of excellence, outstanding researchers collaborate across faculties and focus on key scientific, technological and social issues of the future. We want to promote talented researchers at all stages of their careers. Get to know us and our programs!

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
Doctoral students and postdocs from Japan can benefit from the following programs:
Argelander Program for Early-Career Researchers: combines in-depth training, personalized guidance and financial support
Bonn International Graduate Schools: guarantee doctoral training at the highest level and in outstanding research contexts with attractive international collaborations and a tailored qualification program
Santander International Exchange Grants: offer doctoral students from Japan the possibility to visit Bonn for a research stay of one to three months
Argelander Grant “Stepping Stone”: for Postdocs transferring to Bonn for up to two years

Short message to participants:
Come meet us at the German Research Fair to learn more about the excellent research opportunities at the University of Bonn!

Institution Website:
https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/about-the-university

Social Media:
Instagram / X / Facebook / LinkedIn

University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU)

RPTU Chat Schedule: Information About Chat Partners

Profile:
RPTU is a research-driven institution with a strong interdisciplinary focus. Our key research areas include high-performance materials, digital transformation, sustainability, bioanalytics, and mathematical modeling. With 296 professors and a diverse academic community, we foster collaborations across engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences. Supported by €109 million in third-party funding, RPTU is committed to advancing knowledge through fundamental and applied research. We actively engage in international partnerships and knowledge transfer, bridging academia and industry. Our research environment offers opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and scientific exchange.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
RPTU offers Junior Professorships, doctoral, and postdoctoral positions across its 16 academic departments, with research strengths in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum physics, cognitive sciences, bioanalytics and systems biology, digital transformation, high-performance materials, sustainability, mathematical modeling, commercial vehicle technology, and smart cities. As home to one of Europe’s leading AI research centers, RPTU provides cutting-edge opportunities in machine learning, robotics, AI-driven innovation, quantum technologies, and urban mobility solutions. Research positions are conducted in English. Funding options include third-party research grants, scholarships, and research contracts. RPTU supports early career researchers with structured supervision, access to state-of-the-art research facilities, and strong international networks, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence.

Short message to participants:
RPTU offers Junior Professorships, doctoral, postdoctoral positions in AI, quantum physics, cognitive sciences, smart cities, and more—funded research, international collaboration, and cutting-edge facilities await you!

Institution Website:
https://rptu.de/en/research

Social Media:
Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / LinkedIn

University of Stuttgart

Profile:
University of Stuttgart – Intelligent systems to benefit society. The University of Stuttgart counts among the outstanding research universities in Germany and the world. Its scientists have for years carried on internationally competitive high quality research and continue to prove their mettle in the competition for funding and Excellence Initiative projects. The Stuttgart Way means the interdisciplinary integration of engineering, natural sciences, humanities, management, economics and social sciences on a foundation of top-flight disciplinary research. Thanks to its research-guided teaching and interdisciplinary research profile, the University of Stuttgart has positioned itself as an in-demand place to study both nationally and internationally.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
The Graduate Academy of the University of Stuttgart is the central institution for the promotion of early career researchers at the University of Stuttgart. It offers a wide range of services that will prepare them for various career paths in science, industry, and society and are tailored to their respective career stage. Aerospace Technologies, Architecture and Adaptive Buildings, Biomedical Systems and Robotics for Health, Digital Humanities, Production Technologies, Quantum Technologies, and Simulation Science are the main fields of research addressed by Stuttgart scientists.

Short message to participants:
University of Stuttgart – Intelligent systems to benefit society. Welcome to one the leading research universities in Germany

Institution Website:
https://www.uni-stuttgart.de/en

Social Media:
Facebook / Instagram / Bluesky / Mastodon / YouTube / LinkedIn

Research Institutions

Forschungszentrum Jülich

Profile:
Conducting research for a changing society: This is what drives us at Forschungszentrum Jülich. We aim to tackle the grand challenges of our times. How can we make a success of the energy transition and mitigate the effects of climate change? What challenges are emerging due to the increasing digitization of our society? Will we succeed in understanding the human brain? And how can we facilitate the transition to a bio-based sustainable economy? Come and work with more than 7,000 colleagues at one of Europe’s biggest research centres and help us to shape change!

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
We offer excellent research opportunities for doctoral reseachers and postdocs: a broad range of interdisciplinary research topics, highly specialized research infrastructures (e.g. supercomputers, the Helmholtz Quantum Center, a specialized centre for microscopy and spectroscopy with electrons, an imaging core facility, a 1,000 m² cleanroom facility and an atmospheric simulation chamber), state-of-the-art scientific methods, cooperation with top-class institutes and internationally renowned scientific experts as well as excellent career and networking opportunities. Advertised positions are already funded and you will receive a salary for your research activities. English is the everyday language in science.

Short message to participants:
Every year we have several hundred researcher positions to fill and we are particularly happy to receive applications from candidates from Japan!

Institution Website:
https://www.fz-juelich.de/en

Social Media:
LinkedIn

Leibniz Association

Profile:
The Leibniz Association connects 96 independent research institutions that range in focus from natural, engineering and environmental sciences to economics, spatial and social sciences and the humanities. Leibniz Institutes address issues of social, economic and ecological relevance.
They conduct basic and applied research, and provide research-based services. They include both research institutes and facilities that mainly provide infrastructure for research and society. One special feature of the Leibniz Association is its eight research museums.
The Leibniz Association advises and informs policymakers, science, industry and the general public.
The Leibniz Institutes employ around 21,400 people, including 12,200 researchers.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
Early career researchers can find a variety of research areas within the 96 research institutes that the Leibniz Association brings together. They are divided into five sections: A- Humanities and Educational Research, B- Economics, Social Sciences, Spatial Research, C- Life Sciences, D- Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Engineering and E- Environmental Sciences. Over all, the Leibniz Association supports researchers at all stages of their careers through programmes such as: Leibniz ScienceCampi, a Leibniz PhD Network, a Leibniz Postdoc Network, Leibniz-Junior Research Groups, and a Leibniz Programme for Women Professors.

Short message to participants:
The Leibniz Association has a variety of career opportunities in its 96 research institutes throughout Germany. Meet us at the fair for more information!

Institution Website:
https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/

Social Media:
Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Max Planck Society

Profile:
The Max Planck Society is one of Germany’s leading research organizations in the field of basic research. Ours is a principle of excellence – in the natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

More than 13,000 researchers at 84 Max Planck Institutes (MPIs) strive to extend frontiers and advance into new dimensions of knowledge. More than half of our scientists hold a foreign passport. The working environment at MPIs is open, stimulating and international.

In addition, the Max Planck Society boasts the highest number of women on scientific staff in Germany – even in leading positions.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
We care about supporting early career researchers. We are continuously refining our support structures for career paths, and offer binding contracts of employment, even for the early stages of a career:

• Master students
• PhD students
• Postdocs
• First time Group Leaders

The working language at our institutes is English. This also applies for all of our programs and courses. A thorough knowledge of English is therefore inevitable. Knowledge of the German language is not mandatory.

Most of our students and researchers receive a working contract with all social benefits. If funding differs, this will already be clarified in the application process.

Short message to participants:
Become a pioneer in science and meet us at the German Research Fair 2025!

Institution Website:
https://www.mpg.de/en

Social Media:
X (Max Planck Society) / X (Planck Academy) / Mastodon / YouTube / Facebook / Instagram

Funding organisations

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

Profile:
The Humboldt Research Fellowship for researchers of all nationalities and research areas: We support you – postdoctoral and experienced researchers – with your research in Germany. Through the Humboldt Research Fellowship, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe. As a fellow, you will benefit from individual support from the Humboldt Foundation and our diverse sponsorship portfolio. Looking ahead to the upcoming meetings of the selection committee, we expect that 20 – 25% of the applications received will be approved.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
In providing Research Fellowships for postdocs, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables highly qualified scientists and scholars from abroad who are just embarking on their academic careers and who completed their doctorates less than four years ago to spend extended periods of research (6–24 months) in Germany. Scientists and scholars from all disciplines and countries may apply. The Foundation enables also for experienced researchers who completed their doctorates less than twelve years ago to spend extended periods of research (6-18 months; may be divided up into a maximum of three blocks) in Germany.

Short message to participants:
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, equivalent to JSPS in Japan, offers scholarships for postdoc researchers and experienced researchers who wish research in Germany.

Institution Website:
https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/

Social Media:
YouTube / X / Mastodon

DWIH Tokyo (German Centre for Research and Innovation Tokyo)

Profile:
Stay up to date about open calls, Japanese-German research collaboration and meet experts from Germany at our numerous events in Japan!
DWIH Tokyo (Deutsches Wissenschafts- und Innovationshaus Tokyo) is a platform for German research and innovation in Japan. With its unique network of German organizations from science, research and innovation, it holds numerous events throughout the year, connecting stakeholders from Japan and Germany. DWIH Tokyo is part of a global network of six German Centres for Research and Innovation. Since its establishment in 2010, it has been supported by the German Federal Foreign Office and it is currently managed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Interested in joining our events?
Register here for our newsletter:  www.dwih-tokyo.org/newsletter

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
DWIH Tokyo is the co-organizer of the German Research Fair. We would be happy if you use this opportunity to get in touch with many research institutions and funding organisations from Germany!
It would be great to see you at one of our other events. To receive our invitations, please register for our newsletter.
More information: www.dwih-tokyo.org

Short message to participants:
Stay up to date about Japanese-German research funding calls and enhance your international network at our events in Japan!

Institution Website:
English / Japanese

Social Media:
X / LinkedIn

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Regional Office Tokyo

Profile:
The DAAD is the world’s largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers. The Regional Office Tokyo has been providing information about studying and researching in Germany since 1978. Our activity includes offering free consultations for students interested in Germany and hosting monthly YouTube live events on studying and conducting research in Germany.

We offers various funding programs for researchers from Japan, ranging from individual scholarships to financial support for scientific projects, university collaborations and conferences. If you have any questions about studying or researching in Germany – feel free to contact us!

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
DAAD presents various scholarship options for individual PhD students and postdocs:

  • Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes in Germany
  • Research Grants – Short-Term Grants
  • University Summer Courses offered in Germany for Foreign Students and Graduates
  • Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience (P.R.I.M.E.)
  • DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme

The DAAD Funding Guide provides an overview of all scholarship programs: http://www.funding-guide.de/

For more information, visit the DAAD Tokyo Office website and follow us on social media!

Short message to participants:
Do you want to learn more about scholarships and research opportunities in Germany? We are happy to help!

Institution Website:
English / Japanese

Social Media:
X / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

German Research Foundation (DFG)

Profile:
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) is the central self-governing research funding organisation in Germany. The DFG takes particular care to promote international cooperation, early career researchers, gender equality and diversity in science and the humanities. The DFG supports international cooperation in all its funding programs. In order to facilitate transnational research cooperation, it maintains relations with a large number of foreign partner organizations, including the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
We offer an overview of funding instruments for the time after your PhD with a focus on the Walter Benjamin Programme and Emmy Noether Programme. We will explain opportunities for doctoral training in International Research Training Groups (IRTGs).
PhD candidates and postdocs of all disciplines are welcome to join our session and visit our booth!

Short message to participants:
Find out about funding opportunities for research in Germany in our talk and at our booth!

Institution Website:
English / Japanese

Social Media:
LinkedIn (DFG) / LinkedIn (DFG Japan) / YouTube

JSPS Bonn Office/German JSPS Alumni Association

Profile:
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) is a Japanese governmental funding agency that supports research across the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Its Bonn Office fosters academic cooperation between Japan and Germany through various programs and events in Germany in collaboration with the JSPS Alumni Association in German-Speaking Countries (JSPS Club). As the first authorized JSPS alumni association in the world, the Club has over 450 members.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
JSPS offers the Overseas Research Fellowships, providing young Japanese researchers with the opportunity to conduct long-term research at overseas universities or research institutions across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This program grants postdoctoral researchers a two-year opportunity to pursue research abroad. Doctoral students currently enrolled in graduate programs in Japan are also eligible to apply for the Fellowship, to be used after obtaining their doctorate. This program fosters internationally minded researchers with broad academic experiences. The JSPS Club offers networking and exchange with researchers from both regions.

Short message to participants:
JSPS provides various opportunities for researchers from Japan – come and meet JSPS and Alumni at the German Research Fair!

Institution Website:
https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/
https://www.jsps-club.de/ja/about-us/the-jsps-club
https://www.jsps-bonn.de/ja/home/jsps-bonn-office

Social Media:
X (JSPS) / X (JSPS Bonn Office) / Facebook (JSPS Club) / Instagram (JSPS Club)

National Contact Point for Horizon Europe in Japan (EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation)

Profile:
The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is financed by European Commision DG GROW and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry (METI) and manages various services all designed to help bring European and Japanese businesses together. In the Science and Technology and Innovation Promotion service of the EU-Japan Centre, we were officially nominated by Japanese government as National Contact Point (NCP) Japan to promote Horizon Europe Programme to potential Japanese researchers and related people in their organizations. NCP Japan provides basic information, guidelines, events, reference documents in Japanese to support Japanese researchers, govenment officials, and people from industries who are engaged in Horizon Europe programme.

Opportunities for early career researchers from Japan:
The Horizon Europe program has a budget of €95 billion over seven years and is highly regarded within the EU and the international science, technology, and innovation community. One of the programs under Horizon Europe, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) European Fellowship, is a grant that allows postdoctoral researchers (PhD holders) to conduct research in their desired field at academic and research institutions across the EU and associated countries. The fellowship supports projects based in Europe, regardless of the researcher’s nationality.

Short message to participants:
If you are interested in Horizon Europe Programme, Please contact NCP Japan Portal or contact us by email ncp-japan@eu-japan.or.jp

Institution Website:
English / Japanese

Social Media:
XLinkedIn / Instagram / YouTube

Related information:

YouTube Live: Research in Germany (Recording)
How can you pursue a PhD or work as a postdoc in Germany? How do research environments in Japan and Germany differ? What does a typical day as a researcher look like?
At the YouTube Live on March 26, two Japanese researchers currently working at research institutes in Germany shared their experiences (in Japanese).
https://youtube.com/live/99Mk1LcpwB4

Website on doing research in Germany (in Japanese)
You’ll find valuable insights in Japanese on every step of the process—from PhD and postdoc to senior researcher—along with three interviews featuring Japanese researchers sharing their experiences in Germany.
https://www.dwih-tokyo.org/ja/ja-research-innovation/research-and-phd-in-germany/

How to obtain your PhD in Germany

How to obtain your PhD in Germany

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Announcement video: German Research Fair 2025 - for ECRs from Japan

Announcement video: German Research Fair 2025 - for ECRs from Japan

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