＜Overview, Application Guidelines and Recommendation form＞

Overview and Application Guidelines
Letter of Recommendation form A for Researcher outside Japan

　As a joint initiative of the Japan Association for Mathematical Sciences and the Mathematical Society of Japan (MSJ), the Research Fellowship for Promoting International Collaboration was launched in 2025. This program is designed to support young and active members of MSJ by enabling them to engage in collaborative projects with researchers abroad. Each year, four fellows are selected, and each receives a research grant for a period of two years. The list of selected fellows will be announced at the MSJ Spring Meeting. Please note that, starting in 2026, the application deadline has been moved earlier to allow for this announcement at the Spring Meeting. We welcome applications from young researchers, along with their research plans.

　Historically, research in modern mathematics in Japan began with the importation of foreign mathematics, but it has since grown into a major force, producing top researchers who lead the field on the global stage. It is noteworthy that many leading Japanese mathematicians have spent time abroad, where they encountered the diversity of mathematics and developed their own unique theories. While Japanese mathematics has developed in this way, there are concerns that young mathematicians today may be somewhat passive in seeking out such encounters with mathematical diversity. At the same time, it is also true that the current research environment does not always provide young researchers with sufficient opportunities to engage directly with mathematics internationally.

　In light of this situation, the MSJ, with the support of the Japan Association for Mathematical Sciences, has established this program to enable young members to go abroad and experience mathematics worldwide. Discussions between the two organizations confirmed the need for a system that encourages young researchers to study abroad, and this program was created in response. At its core lies the strong hope that the next generation of mathematicians will open up new horizons and discover new worlds.

　Although spending time abroad is invaluable—especially for experiencing firsthand an atmosphere that cannot otherwise be felt—new communication technologies have also made remote collaboration increasingly effective. Since collaborative research now takes many forms, this program has been designed with flexibility regarding the style of collaboration.

　The above is a message to young researchers, but we are also aware that many members of the Society play an important role in advising them. If you know someone who may be a suitable candidate for this fellowship, we would greatly appreciate it if you could keep the application period in mind, encourage them, and give them a supportive push.

　(*Note) The research grant will be 600,000 yen per year in 2025, and 1,000,000 yen per year from 2026 onward.