The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) and The New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) are inviting applications for the Interstellar Initiative.
Receive funding of up to 1.92 million JPY for your research proposal addressing challenges in basic research seeking to elucidate the complex mechanisms of living organisms.
OVERVIEW
Join the Interstellar Initiative!
Strengthen your scientific potential! The Interstellar Initiative is a unique opportunity that connects Early Career Investigators (ECIs) with peers from diverse scientific disciplines and pairs them with world-leading mentors. Through this international collaboration, scientists will expand their research potential, build powerful networks, and develop innovative research proposals that push the boundaries of basic scientific understanding.
Expert Guidance
Build a Global Network
Ready-to-Submit Proposals
Work directly with renowned senior scientists to refine your research proposal.
Connect with exceptional researchers from across the globe, expanding your professional reach.
Develop a research proposal that is stress-tested, ready for submission, and backed by a solid mentorship framework.
ELIGIBILITY
Who Should Apply?
We invite researchers who meet the following criteria. Exceptions to these requirements may be made on a case-by-case basis.
Questions about eligibility can be sent directly to our team at interstellar@nyas.org.
Experience and Awards
Hold atenure-track or equivalent faculty position
- OR -
Have obtained a research grant to carry out their research projects for more than two years
Background
Hold a doctoral degree (or equivalent)awarded no earlier than May 2016
Up to 10 years of active research experience since obtaining doctoral degree or equivalent
English Proficiency
Be proficient in speaking and writing inEnglish for the purpose of professional science communication.
Applications are open to Early Career Investigators from across the world. Selected applicants will work in interdisciplinary teams, guided by experienced mentors, and will receive funding of up to 1.92 million JPY for their research proposal.
The selection process is competitive, and up to 24 applicants will be chosen.
TESTIMONIALS
Hear from Alumni!
The intellectual change [of the Interstellar Initiative] was the advantage I preferred. Having to meet colleagues from other fields and brainstorming together with the total availability of expert mentors was a great experience. I am sure it is impacting my methods, my career and my network.
Luisa V. Lopes, PhD
Lisbon, Portugal
I have met an amazing team member. While we started from very different backgrounds, we have found a solid basis of common interests and theoretical approaches to apply to our respective organisms of interest. We will both boost our aging research thanks to this program.
The Academy drives innovative solutions to society’s challenges by advancing scientific research, education, and policy. Since its inception in 1817, the Academy has played a critical role in shaping public discourse around science by providing an inclusive forum for the exchange of ideas.
AMED (The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development) is the funding agency for Japanese medical research, analogous to the NIH in the USA and the MRC in the UK. Established in April 2015, AMED reports directly to the Prime Minister and four cabinet ministers.
