Brief Report of JSPS Alumni Association Chairs’ Meeting
Tokyo, Japan
14 December 2025 – 16 December 2025

Prepared by: Ranjan Kumar Dahal, President, NJAA

1. Background and Purpose of the Meeting

The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) organized the JSPS Alumni Association Chairs’ Meeting primarily as an introductory platform for the Presidents and Chairs of JSPS Alumni Associations from different parts of the world. The central objective of the gathering was to promote mutual acquaintance among the leaders of alumni associations and to provide an opportunity to share general organizational activities and experiences. The official sessions were held on 15–16 December 2025 in Tokyo, where participants delivered self‑introductions and brief activity reports. The overall structure of the meeting remained formal and ceremonial in nature. Although the agenda mentioned strengthening research exchange, no specific collaboration mechanism, funding scheme, or joint scientific framework was introduced during the discussions.

2. Participation

Representatives from numerous national and regional alumni associations attended the meeting, including associations from Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and Oceania. The President of the Nepal JSPS Alumni Association (NJAA) actively participated in the sessions and presented the activities and achievements of NJAA along with perspectives on regional cooperation. The participation created a diverse international environment and enabled participants to understand the operational structures of different associations worldwide.

3. Nature of Discussions

The sessions mainly consisted of self‑introductions, activity presentations, and informal networking opportunities among alumni leaders. The meeting did not function as a scientific conference, nor did it involve technical sessions, academic debates, or formulation of resolutions. Many participants expressed interest in potential collaboration opportunities with JSPS; however, JSPS officials did not present concrete plans or commitments regarding collaborative research programs, funding opportunities, or structured partnerships. Consequently, the meeting remained primarily introductory and networking‑oriented.

4. Observations on Alumni Structures

During formal and informal discussions, an implicit institutional preference was observed regarding leadership continuity in alumni associations. Associations such as Germany and India, where leadership positions have remained stable for long periods and where presidents often reside in Japan, were presented as effective operational models. Conversely, associations where leadership rotates periodically, including Nepal and some other countries, were indirectly suggested as less desirable organizational practice. Although this viewpoint was not formally declared, it was clearly implied in discussions with JSPS regional representatives.

5. Specific Discussion Incident

During the interaction sessions, the Indian JSPS Alumni Association proposed the idea of launching a journal titled “SAKURA” under JSPS. The proposal was immediately declined by JSPS officials. The situation was noteworthy because JSPS is an organization dedicated to promoting scientific activities, yet publication support through alumni initiatives was not encouraged in this context.

6. NJAA Presentation

The Nepal JSPS Alumni Association presented its concept of cross‑border collaboration and emphasized the importance of regional scientific cooperation in South Asia. The presentation outlined NJAA’s activities and achievements and attracted interest from several participants. However, no formal follow‑up framework or collaborative mechanism was proposed by JSPS following the presentation.

7. Financial Support

JSPS supported international airfare and three nights of hotel accommodation for participants. Expenses outside the official program, including airport transportation, meals during non‑program days, and additional local logistics, were not covered. Therefore, a significant portion of the visit required personal financial support.

8. Overall Evaluation

The meeting was well organized and provided valuable networking opportunities among global alumni leaders. It allowed participants to understand the functioning of different alumni associations and to present their national activities at an international platform. However, the program did not include scientific sessions, collaborative planning discussions, or development of actionable outcomes. No funding mechanisms, policy discussions, or formal resolutions were produced. As a result, the gathering functioned mainly as a ceremonial and introductory meeting rather than a strategic or research‑oriented forum.

9. Conclusion

The JSPS Alumni Association Chairs’ Meeting served as a global alumni introduction platform with cordial interactions and positive engagement among participants. Nevertheless, the absence of concrete collaboration initiatives or structured dialogue limited its practical outcomes. Overall, the meeting remained symbolic and networking‑focused rather than outcome‑oriented or scientific in nature.

Submitted by:

President,

Nepal JSPS Alumni Association (NJAA)
Tokyo Visit Report, December 2025

Meeting Photographs:

Nepal JSPS Alumni Association (NJAA) Annual Plan for 2026

Prepared by: NJAA Executive

Introduction

The Nepal JSPS Alumni Association (NJAA) will continue its established tradition of promoting scientific cooperation between Nepal and Japan while expanding participation of young researchers and strengthening national visibility. The activities planned for 2026 follow the same structure practiced in previous years, focusing on academic exchange, fellowship support, collaboration, and institutional strengthening.

Academic and Scientific Activities

In 2026 October, NJAA will organize its Annual Symposium with participation of Japanese experts, national researchers, and young scholars. The symposium will include keynote lectures, thematic technical sessions, poster presentations, and recognition of outstanding research contributions. In addition to the symposium, NJAA will conduct a quarterly online seminar series where members share research experiences, discuss emerging technologies, and connect academia with industry.

Fellowship and Capacity Building

NJAA will continue organizing JSPS Guidance Seminar programs in multiple regions of Nepal to guide applicants on awareness about JSPS international program, selection process proposal writing, supervisor communication, and research planning. The association will also support interested researchers on research proposal writing and research ethics to enhance success rates of JSPS grant applications.

International Collaboration

To strengthen global scientific networks, NJAA will organize joint webinars and interactions with JSPS alumni associations of other Asian countries. Visiting professor Lectures from Japanese universities will be arranged virtually. The association will also coordinate annual interaction programs with the Embassy of Japan and relevant organizations to explore collaborative research opportunities and policy engagement.

Institutional Strengthening and Outreach

In 2026 NJAA will expand its membership by actively inviting new JSPS fellows and young researchers. The website and database will be improved to provide research directories and fellowship information. A biannual newsletter will publish member achievements and opportunities.

Implementation Timeline

The first quarter will focus on orientation programs and young researcher engagement. The second quarter will emphasize fellowship preparation and seminars. The third quarter will focus on international collaboration activities. The final quarter will include the annual symposium, general assembly, and publication of the yearly report.

Expected Outcomes

The planned activities are expected to increase the number of JSPS applicants from Nepal, strengthen research collaboration between Nepal and Japan, engage young scientists, and enhance the national and international visibility of NJAA.

HOPE Meeting Participants Selected

The Nepal Japan Alumni Association (NJAA) is pleased to announce that two outstanding Nepali researchers have been selected to participate in the 17th HOPE Meeting, organized by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), to be held in March 2026 in Japan.

Selected Participants:

1. Dr. Priti Regmi

Assistant Professor, Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Dr. Regmi is an accomplished educator and researcher specializing in yeast metabolic engineering, genetic modification, and molecular docking for antimalarial drug discovery. She leads multiple research projects and has completed her PhD in Molecular Bioscience from Goethe University, Germany.

2. Dr. Ajay Kumar KC

Project Coordinator, ICIMOD

Dr. KC is a specialist in environment, climate resilience, energy, water and sanitation, and disaster risk management, with over 14 years of leadership experience across national and international agencies. He holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering and has contributed extensively to national policies, climate adaptation assessments, and sustainable development initiatives.

These two distinguished candidates will represent Nepal among young scientists from the Asia-Pacific region, engaging with Nobel laureates and global leaders in science.

NJAA congratulates both participants and wishes them a successful and enriching experience at the 17th HOPE Meeting.

JSPS BRIDGE Fellowship Program 2026: call for applications

(Date of posting: 08 December 2025)

We are pleased to inform you that JSPS will be providing one awardee to NJAA, under the JSPS BRIDGE Fellowship Program for 2026.

Under this Fellowship, the selected candidate will be allowed to conduct a research in Japan with a host researcher to be proposed by the applicant, for which an agreement has to be sought from the host researcher. The Fellowship allows for a visit to Japan for the research work for a period of 14 to 30 consecutive days. Under this fellowship, revisit to Japan is to start during the period July 1, 2026 through March 31,2027.

We are thus pleased to invite the interested candidate(s) to apply for this fellowship. Details are available here: https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-alumni/bridge/application.html

Application Guideline is available here: https://www.jsps.go.jp/file/storage/e-alumni/bridge/application/BRIDGE_guidelines_FY2026.pdf

If you are interested, please complete Form A (application), which can be downloaded from <here>; and Form B (Agreement by the Host Researcher in Japan), which can be downloaded from <here>. Completed Form A and Form B, along with your CV should be sent by email to njaa.nepal@gmail.com with a copy to poudelpuspa@gmail.com. The deadline for submission is 10th January 2026.

While preparing and submitting your application, please refer to the guidelines (refer to the link <here>)by the JSPS, which includes details regarding the eligibility of the applicant, eligibility of the host researcher, terms of the fellowship and entitlements.

Following are the criteria for selection of candidate for this purpose:

1) The applicant should demonstrate concrete evidence of his/he active involvement in our association. Applications who have not participated in any activities of the association will not be preferred for the selection.

2) Applicants who have come back and spent at least three years in our country after completing the JSPS fellowship will be given preference.

3) The applicant must be an active researcher engaged in research work working at a university or a research institute.

4) The applicant should amply prove through his/her application that he/she will significantly contribute to creating, sustaining and/or strengthening scientific network between our country and Japan.

5) The applicant should show proof of pre-visit communication between the applicant and the proposed host researcher and provide a concrete activity plan established between them.

6) The letter of acceptance by the host researcher to host the applicant must be submitted with the application.

7) The applicant should preferably provide a No Objection Certificate for the visit from his/her current employer/organization.

8) The research proposal should not be related to military affairs.

9) No preference shall be given to the applicant’s age, specialty or destination institution.

10) Utmost care shall be taken not to leak the applicant’s personal information.

11) If required, the nominating committee will have authority to prepare, approve and implement the necessary framework and guidelines.

NJAA Annual Meeting and Symposium 2025

Dear Valued Members of NJAA:

📢 NJAA Annual Meeting and Symposium 2025

🗓 Date: October 31, 2025 : 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM

📍 Venue: Hotel Shankar, Lazimpat, Kathmandu

🎯 Theme: Radiation Safety and Protection Practices in Nepal

Dear Members and Colleagues,

The Nepal JSPS Alumni Association (NJAA) is organizing annual meeting and a One-Day Symposium on October 31, 2025, 11:30 am to 9:00 pm! This event will bring together experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss radiation safety and its practical applications in Nepal.

🔗 Please confirm your participation through the Google Form by October 25, 2025.

https://forms.gle/7GtXERpoySTo3Znx9

Let’s come together to share knowledge and strengthen collaboration within our scientific community!

Call for Applications from Ph.D. students and/or young researchers to participate in the 17th HOPE meeting in Yokohama-city, Japan (2 to 6 March 2026)

Deadline for applications: September 6, 2025

The 17th HOPE Meeting with Nobel Laureates is being organized by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) from 2 to 6 March 2026 in Tsukuba-city, Japan. An overview of the HOPE meeting and other details are available at the following links:

https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-hope/index.html
https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-hope/overview.html
https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-hope/meetings/hope17/outline17.html
3-minute Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c8g6nGPGIM

Nepal JSPS Alumni Association (NJAA) is going to nominate up to two excellent PhD students and/or young researchers (who received their PhDs within the past 5 years as of 1 April 2025). Those interested and eligible to participate in the 17th HOPE Meeting are invited to apply by August 25, 2025 with the following content:

1, Fully completed Application Form: Download the Application Form from <here>. The instructions to fill the Application Form can be downloaded from <here>.

2. Your CV with academic achievements and publications along with the application

Please send your application and CV to njaa.nepal@gmail.com with cc to poudelpuspa@gmail.com

You may also write to these addresses in case you have difficulty in downloading any of the documents.

Eligibility and Criteria

1. Be a PhD student or young researcher (received PhDs within the past 5 years*; after 2 April 2020) with a record of excellent academic performance

*Past 5 years excluding periods of maternity/paternity, and childcare leave.

2. Have not been selected to participate in a past HOPE Meeting

3. Have an excellent record of research and a high level of interest in the societal influence of scientific knowledge and its application

4. Have a strong interest in a wide scope of science and research

5. Be expected to go on to advance future research in the Meeting’s subject field(s)

6. By participating in the meeting, be expected to initiate joint research and/or build collegial networks in the future

7. Have a strong desire to participate actively in the Meeting’s exchanges and discussions

8. Possess ample English proficiency to do so

9. Be able to participate in the entire Meeting program from 2 to 6 March 2026

Selection process:

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in an interview and deliver a presentation as part of the selection process.

About the Program (Short-term (PA)) |Postdoctral Fellowships for Research in Japan |Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Official Website of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)

We’re pleased to announce that recruitment for the Short-term (PA) Program for the 2026 fiscal year (Dispatch Period: April 2026 – March 2027) has officially started!

Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan “Short-term (PA) Program” FY2026 OJSPS

Website : https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/e-asean-africa-s/index.html

OASEAN University Network（AUN)

Website: https://www.aunsec.org/aun-action/scholarships/jsps-international-fellowships-research-japan

Application Form: https://forms.gle/c5eS9VuwDPuFRCRH6

Guidance Seminar Report – February 28, 2025

Location: Western Region Campus (named as Pashchimanchal Campus), Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara

On February 28, 2025, the Western Region Campus (WRC) of the Institute of Engineering, Pokhara, hosted a productive Guidance Seminar focused on the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowship. The event brought together faculty and students from various engineering disciplines to discuss international research opportunities and the benefits of the JSPS Fellowship. The seminar provided valuable insights into the fellowship’s application process and its relevance in different fields of research.

Program Schedule and Activities:

Opening Remarks

The seminar began with Assistant Prof. Deepak Thapa, Vice President of the Tribhuvan University Teachers' Association, Pashchimanchal Campus, who chaired the session. Assistant Prof. Dinesh Bastakoti, the host of the seminar, welcomed the attendees and outlined the seminar’s objectives. He emphasized the importance of international research collaboration and highlighted the unique opportunities the JSPS Fellowship offers to Nepali researchers, encouraging participants to explore the global research landscape.

Duration: 10 minutes

Team Introduction

Assistant Prof. Durga Bastakoti introduced the Nepal JSPS Alumni Association (NJAA) team. The team members introduced included Dr. Ram Chandra Tiwari (Secretary of NJAA) and Dr. Mandira Singh Shrestha (Member of NJAA).

Duration: 5 minutes

Presentation by Dr. Mandira Singh Shrestha

Dr. Mandira Singh Shrestha, from NJAA, delivered a 30-minute presentation titled "JSPS Guidance Seminar and Climate Change Impacts in the Himalayan Region." In her presentation, she highlighted the importance of research on climate change impacts in the Himalayan region, a crucial area of study for global environmental sustainability. She also provided an overview of the JSPS Fellowship, detailing its various research opportunities across multiple fields. She shared key insights about the history of NJAA, its goals, activities, and how the association is actively supporting Nepali researchers to engage with the JSPS Fellowship.

Duration: 30 minutes

Q&A Session

A lively 30-minute Q&A session followed the presentation. During this session, Dr. Mandira Singh Shrestha answered numerous questions posed by the participants. Attendees actively engaged with the speakers, asking about the JSPS Fellowship, the application process, and how to navigate the research landscape in Japan. The interaction was insightful, and she addressed the participants' concerns in detail, deepening their understanding of the fellowship program and piquing their interest in applying for it.

Vote of Thanks and Closing Remarks by Dr. Ram Chandra Tiwari

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Ram Chandra Tiwari, who expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to conduct the seminar in front of such an engaged audience. He acknowledged the diverse participation from various engineering disciplines, including Rock and Tunnel Engineering and Infrastructure and Management from the Master's level, as well as Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from the Bachelor's level—both students and faculty members. Dr. Tiwari encouraged participants to explore more about the JSPS Fellowship and consider applying for international research opportunities.

Closing of Program: Assistant Prof. Deepak Thapa

The seminar concluded with closing remarks by Assistant Prof. Deepak Thapa, who thanked the participants for their active involvement and encouraged them to explore the JSPS Fellowship further as a tool for enhancing their academic and professional development.

Participants:

The seminar was attended by approximately 30 participants, including faculty and master's students from various engineering disciplines such as Rock and Tunnel Engineering, Infrastructure and Management (Master's programs), and Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's programs). Participants had the opportunity to introduce themselves and engage with one another, fostering a sense of collaboration and enhancing networking opportunities among students and faculty members.

Outcome of Guidance Seminar:

The seminar was a highly successful event, providing comprehensive information about the JSPS Fellowship and stimulating interest in international research opportunities. The active participation during the Q&A session and the insightful discussions further highlighted the seminar’s success in raising awareness and clarifying key aspects of the fellowship.

This seminar successfully advanced the NJAA’s objectives by:

1. Promoting scientific exchange between Nepal and Japan.

2. Assisting Nepali researchers in understanding the JSPS application process and identifying research opportunities.

3. Fostering collaboration between Nepali and Japanese researchers.

4. Providing valuable insights into the JSPS Fellowship and how it can support various fields of research.

Overall, the seminar not only raised awareness about the JSPS Fellowship but also contributed to strengthening ties between Nepali researchers and Japanese research institutions, encouraging the exploration of global research opportunities.

JSPS BRIDGE Fellowship Program 2025: call for applications

(Date of posting: 10 December 2024)

We are pleased to inform you that JSPS will be providing one awardee to NJAA, under the JSPS BRIDGE Fellowship Program for 2025.

We are thus pleased to invite the interested candidate(s) to apply for this fellowship. If you are interested, please complete Form A (application), which can be downloaded from <here>; and Form B (Agreement by the Host Researcher in Japan), which can be downloaded from <here>. Completed Form A and Form B, along with your CV should be sent by email to njaa.nepal@gmail.com with a copy to krishna.pahari@ndri.org.np. The deadline for submission is 10th January 2025.