Shanghai Japan Studies and Communication Center (SJSC) is pleased to announce the opening of its 2026 Research Programs. We invite scholars and research institutions worldwide to submit innovative research proposals. The 2026 Research Programs aim to promote open and inclusive academic exchange based on mutual respect, trust, and reciprocity. As a think tank, SJSC seeks to support both established and emerging researchers in area studies, fostering rigorous, policy-relevant research that contributes to global stability and prosperity.
1. Eligibility
This call is open to universities, social science research institutes, and other accredited academic organizations globally.
Applicants are invited from faculty members, full-time researchers, or professional staff with specialized academic training.
Proposals may be submitted by individuals or joint research teams. For joint applications, one applicant must be designated as the Principal Investigator (PI).
2. Applicant Qualifications
l Applicants must possess a strong academic foundation, relevant research experiences, and linking up theory with practice. and be capable of assuming responsibility as the actual organizer and implementer of the research program.
l Applicants must demonstrate an established academic or research track record related to the proposed topic.
l Each individual is permitted to submit only one proposal under this call.
l To ensure fairness and impartiality, staff of the SJSC are ineligible to apply.
3. Research Scope and Requirements
I. This call identifies three research areas (see Appendix). Applicants are expected to propose a clearly defined and original research program within these fields. Proposals should demonstrate a strong problem-oriented approach, articulate specific research objectives, and highlight both academic and practical relevance. We encouraged in-depth empirical or field-based research. While conducting the research, applicants are expected to focus on bilateral and multilateral dynamics, integrate analyses of the latest international developments, and identify a precise analytical entry point. Expected outcomes should demonstrate clear policy relevance or applied value.
II. Upon acceptance, SJSC will enter into a Research Project Commission Agreement with the successful applicant(s). While authorship of the research remains with the researcher(s), the legal intellectual property rights shall vest in the SJSC. Research findings may not be publicly disseminated without the Center’s prior consent.
III. Principal Investigators are required to submit research outputs in accordance with the agreement and participate in project evaluation. Final research outputs must be submitted no later than November 15, 2026. Written outputs must be submitted in Simplified Chinese, Japanese, or English.
4. Funding and Awards
The number of research programs to be supported under this call will be determined by the Center based on overall program considerations. Research funding will be allocated based on the specific needs of each approved project, with a maximum funding limit of RMB 30,000 per research program.
5. Academic Integrity
SJSC upholds the highest standards of research ethics. Any instance of academic misconduct—including but not limited to fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or other violations—will result in immediate disqualification. Individuals found in violation will be ineligible to apply for any SJSC research programs for a period of three years.
6. Application Process
Stage 1: Pre-Application
Prospective applicants are required to complete a pre-application. The SJSC Project Pre-Application Form (Overseas Version) is available for download at: www.sjsc.org.cn. Completed form (Word Format) must be submitted by 24:00 (Beijing Time), February 26, 2026.
Stage 2: Full Proposal Submission
SJSC will review all pre-applications and may conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates. Selected applicants will be notified around March 20, 2026. Shortlisted applicants must then submit a completed SJSC Project Application Form. Full application must be:
l Completed electronically and printed on A4 paper;
l Endorsed by the applicant’s affiliated institution or signed by the applicant;
l Mailed to the Center (please mark “Research Project” on the envelope);
l Submitted simultaneously in Word format via email.
7. Contact Information
Shanghai Japan Studies and Communication Center
Room 8B, Jinzuo Building
258 Tongren Road, Jing’an District
Shanghai 200040, China
Tel: +86-21-6279-0606 (ext. 812)
Email: newsletter@sjsc.org.cn
Shanghai Japan Studies and Communication Center
January 26, 2026
Appendix: 2026 Research Areas
l Politics: Political institutions, diplomacy, and international relations.
l Economics: Economic policy, trade, and finance.
l Non-Traditional Fields: Law, sociology, environmental studies, science and technology, and related areas
Research should primarily focus on Japan-related studies while adopting a global and comparative perspective. We welcome studies incorporating analyses of the United States, Europe, Africa, and other regions.
Download: SJSC Project Pre-Application Form
