Japan's government to subsidize universities accepting foreign researchers
In response to the moves in the US to cut research personnel and financial aid, universities and other institutions in Japan are stepping up efforts to lure talented researchers abroad to improve their capabilities.
The education ministry will provide a total of 3.3 billion yen, or about 23 million dollars, over a period of three years starting this fiscal year, to support such efforts financially.
Domestic universities that plan to accept young talented researchers and Ph.D. students, including Japanese nationals based abroad, will be eligible.
The ministry plans to take emergency measures to use some of the profits generated from what is known as the University Fund.
Ministry officials say the subsidies can be used to pay salaries for researchers and research expenses, as well as to cover the costs of lab equipment.
They say they will screen plans submitted by universities to improve their research capabilities. They plan to complete the selection process by September.
They also say they will consider taking additional measures, depending on such factors as the contents of universities' plans.
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