The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026 offers up to US$10,000 to young researchers from Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine, and Türkiye to conduct postgraduate research in Japan in areas such as heritage conservation, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence.
By UNESCO/Government of Japan
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme 2026, also known as the UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme, is a long-standing initiative that has been supported by the Government of Japan since 2001. Its primary goal is to enhance research capabilities and foster international knowledge exchange within fields aligned with UNESCO's mission. Since its inception, the program has provided opportunities for 291 young researchers from 101 countries to pursue postgraduate research, thereby contributing to academic collaboration, capacity-building, and knowledge development in areas of global significance. The program aims to support high-quality research that addresses shared international challenges. For the 2026 cycle, UNESCO, in partnership with the Government of Japan, will award 10 fellowships. These fellowships are specifically designed for highly qualified young researchers hailing from Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine, and Türkiye. This focus aims to bolster research capabilities in these regions. Fellows will engage in innovative postgraduate research related to heritage conservation and management, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence. Special emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary research that connects these themes with social, ethical, governance, and contextual dimensions. The program facilitates research stays at Japanese universities and institutions, allowing fellows to develop their work and engage with Japan's academic community.
Postgraduate research related to heritage conservation and management, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence. Particular attention is given to interdisciplinary research that connects these themes with social, ethical, governance, and contextual dimensions.
Applicants must be nationals of one of the invited Member States or Associate Members. Applicants must be no more than 40 years old at the time of application. Applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent in a field relevant to the proposed research and demonstrate strong academic and research potential. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in reading and writing in the language of instruction or supervision at the proposed host institution in Japan. Applicants must have obtained acceptance from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution, who will oversee the proposed research.