Call for Applications for the AY2025 RARA Challenging Research Program for Next-generation Researchers with Soaring Ambition

This program is open to all doctoral students and Senior Researchers affiliated with Ritsumeikan University, and provides support, including research grants, for their original, challenging, and ambitious research activities.

■Application period　 Between Friday, January 10 and 13:00 on Friday, January 31, 2025

■Application eligibility
- Doctoral students at Ritsumeikan University (doctoral students enrolled at Ritsumeikan University and students enrolled in the third year or higher of an integrated doctoral program), Senior Researchers, or JSPS Research Fellows (DC1, DC2, PD, RPD)
- For Senior Researchers and JSPS Research Fellows (PD, RPD), there must be less than eight years elapsed after obtaining their doctoral degrees. However, leave periods due to life events such as prenatal/postnatal leave, childcare leave, etc. shall be excluded.

■Support scale
- For doctoral students (including JSPS Research Fellows DC1 and DC2): Approximately two projects (up to 2.5 million yen per project)
- For Senior Researchers and JSPS Research Fellows (PD, RPD): Approximately two projects (up to 2.5 million yen per project)

■Application Guidelines … pdf
■Application Form … word

Q. Can those currently receiving other research grants apply for this program?
A.Yes, they can apply. However, please be sure to check with the funding source(s) to confirm whether or not you are allowed to receive grants from this program.

Q.Is there an age limit for this program?
A.There is no age limit for this program.

Q.Can I apply for this program even though I am enrolled in a Graduate School beyond the standard course duration?
A.Yes, you can apply for this program even if you are over the standard course duration.

Q.I am currently a 3rd-year PhD student and will receive my degree in September 2025. Can I apply for this program in this case?
A.No. This program is for those who will be enrolled for the entire AY2025.

Q.May I alter the size of the columns on the first page, such as awards received?
A.You may adjust the size of the columns, but please do not delete any columns.

Q.May I explain my research plan using diagrams?
A.Yes, you may.

Q.Regarding the budget plan, is it necessary to prepare a separate detailed statement other than the usage column in the table? Or is it necessary to write everything down in the table?
A.We do not expect you to provide detailed information outside of the columns. In any case, the explanation is required within the limited space of no more than two pages for (1) through (5), so please use your own judgment as to how much detail to provide in your budget explanation, taking these conditions into consideration.

Q.Is it possible to spend the budget in AY2026 as well?
A.No, it is not possible. Please plan to use up the allocated budget in AY2025, i.e. by the end of March 2026.

Q.Is there any specification for file names?
A.There is no specific requirement for file names. However, file names in full-width characters may cause errors. Please be sure to use half-width characters before submitting the forms.