* (Updated on December 26, 2025): An FAQ summarizing questions and answers from the call briefing session has been posted under “7. Explanatory sessions.”

- The call for "Transdisciplinary Exploratory Studies" is different from the call for preliminary research proposals which serves as a step toward Full Research.
- Those who are considering applying are required to carefully read the Application Guideline (PDF) and the Q&A, and also to participate in the Explanatory session described in III-7.
- The call for preliminary research proposals which serves as a step toward Full Research is scheduled to be announced next fiscal year for research starting in 2027.

I. Vision and Mission of the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature

  The Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN) was established in 2001 as an Inter-University Research Institute to conduct comprehensive research for solving global environmental problems.

  Since its establishment, the core belief of the RIHN has been that global environmental problems are a matter of human culture in the broadest sense of the word, and the RIHN has been engaged in problem-solving research through a variety of research projects featuring interdisciplinary research centered on the fusion of the humanities and sciences, and "transdisciplinary research* rooted in direct collaboration between researchers and society. 

 * Transdisciplinary research refers to research in which a community of researchers collaborates and cooperates with stakeholders in society to create new value. It comprises multiple processes, such as identifying stakeholders, planning for collaboration, conducting joint activities, disseminating research results, and implementing research in society.

  The RIHN promotes research activities aimed at contributing to solving global environmental problems based on the following vision and mission.

【Vision】
  To strive for the realization of an equitable, fair and sustainable society globally by formulating how the relationship of people and nature to be, from the community to global scale.

【Mission】
  To lead the way in the comprehensive study of the environment directed towards solving global environmental problems and a fundamental and inclusive understanding of the mutual interaction of humans and nature, based on interdisciplinary research that fuses humanities, social science and natural science and as well as transdisciplinary research that cooperates and collaborates with society.

  RIHN conducts research under a Program-Project System that connects multiple Full Research  （up to 5 years) and preparatory research projects; Incubation Studies and Feasibility Studies  (typically one year each), under a program that brings together diverse research activities across existing academic fields and domains. The call for preliminary research proposals which leads to the “FR” will not be conducted this fiscal year, however it is scheduled for FY 2026. This fiscal year, RIHN will hold a new open call for “Transdisciplinary Exploratory Studies” outlined in the following section.

II. Transdisciplinary Exploratory Studies

  RIHN announces an open call for applications for Transdisciplinary Exploratory Studies to enable small-scale, short-term studies to contribute to solving global environmental issues. Research proposals which meet RIHN selection criteria are welcome regardless of theme. Research on the methodology of transdisciplinary research is also eligible for application as long as it relates to global environmental issues. Applicants' prior experience in transdisciplinary research is not required.

  During the research period, study proponents will hold the position of collaborative researcher or an equivalent role at RIHN, allowing participation in seminars hosted by RIHN, collaboration with RIHN's Programs and FRs, and utilization its facilities and researcher networks. At the end of the study period, submission of a report in the designated format will be required as an outcome. If a research presentation (such as paper submission, book publication, etc.) is scheduled for the following fiscal year, it may be possible to receive financial support for expenses.

  If selected, the following three specially appointed professors of RIHN will provide accompanying support, such as advice on research, based on their experience in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research. Expenses related to this support will be covered by RIHN within a certain range.

List of Specially Appointed Professor 
  - MATSUDA Motoji (Detail)
  - SHOBAYASHI Mikitaro (Detail)
  - TANIGUCHI Makoto (Detail)

[Selection Criteria]
  1) Global environmental issues are addressed specifically through interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary study.
  2) The proposal demonstrates originality based on a review of existing research and activities related to the proposed content.
  3) The potential contribution to social transformation is presented, taking into account the social context.
  4) The budget scale and allocation are appropriate.

[Number of proposals to be selected]
  Approximately 10 proposals

III. Procedures for application

1. Documents to be submitted 
  - Application Form for Transdisciplinary Exploratory Studies (word / PDF)
  - Applicant's CV (word / PDF)

2. Submission Deadline
 Must arrive by 10:00 am (Japan Time) on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
  - The subject of the application email should be "[FY2026 Exploratory Studies Call for Proposals]　Your name and affiliation” when applying.
  - After receiving the email, we will send a confirmation email; if you do not receive the confirmation email by 1:00 pm on Thursday, January 15, please contact us.

3. Address for submission
     (By email)  opencall[at]chikyu.ac.jp   
                       (Please replace [at] with @)
     (By postal mail)
                       Research Planning Subsection, Research Support Section, Administrative Office
                       Research Institute for Humanity and Nature
                       457-4, Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8047, JAPAN

4. Eligibility of Applicants
  1) Professors, Associate Professors, Lecturers, and Assistant Professors at national, public, private universities and other research institutions, and JSPS Research Fellows
  2) Others who have proven activity achievements and are recognized by RIHN Director-General, even if they don’t belong to universities or other research institutions

5. Research period
  April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027

6. Research expenses
  The research fund per project is capped at 500,000 yen.
  Expense management is carried out at RIHN and budget allocation to the applicant's affiliated institution is not possible. Budget usage must comply with the rules and regulations of the National Institutes for the Humanities and RIHN. Hiring individuals is not permitted and items priced at 100,000 yen or more cannot be purchased. Please calculate the necessary expenses for your research and apply within the maximum limit.

7. Explanatory sessions
  Online explanatory sessions will be held to provide an explanation about the call. Those who are considering applying to Transdisciplinary Exploratory Studies are required to participate in one of the sessions.
  To receive a zoom link for these sessions, write to (opencall[at]chikyu.ac.jp) with your affiliation and name clearly stated.
     December 3, 2025 (Wednesday) 10:00-11:00 am Japan Time
     December 17, 2025 (Wednesday) 4:00-5:00 pm Japan Time
  * Same content on both days. If you are unable to attend either session, please contact us regarding alternative arrangements.

An FAQ summarizing questions raised during explanatory sessions has been posted below. (Last updated on December 26, 2025)
     Transdisciplinary Exploratory Research Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

8. Timeline and procedures following the call for proposals
 (Please note that this is the current schedule and is subject to change.)

  *1 Online presentation will be conducted for proposals that have passed document screening, if required.
  *2 Reserve date refers to a substitute day when the evaluation cannot be completed on the originally scheduled date due to a large number of applicants, etc. and it is not intended to be specified by applicants
  *3 Domestic travel expenses are expected to be covered by RIHN for participation.

9. Post-call procedures after review and selection
  Proposal review will be conducted based on the submitted documents. If deemed necessary, a presentation may be requested.

10. Notes
  - The language used for required documents and for presentations during the review will be either Japanese or English
  - Applicants living overseas are also eligible to apply.
  - Applications and participation by researchers in RIHN Full Research projects are also welcome.

IV Q&A

Q1: Is there any advantage in conducting Transdisciplinary Exploratory Studies for the next research project proposal at RIHN?
  - A1. Transdisciplinary Exploratory Studies differ from the framework of research project proposals, therefore it does not provide any advantage in project review.

Q2: Is it acceptable for the research theme to be unrelated to the 4th phase program mission at RIHN?
  - A2. This is a separate framework from the 4th phase Program-Project system, therefore it does not need to be related.

Q3: Is it acceptable for the research theme to differ from the specialized fields of the 3 specially appointed professors who provide accompanying support?
  - A3. No problem.

Q4: In Selection Criteria 1), it says, " The issue of the global environment is addressed specifically as an interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary study.” Is it necessary to conduct transdisciplinary research from the beginning or is it acceptable to reach transdisciplinary research at the end of the study?
  - A4. Either option is fine, however the research theme and methods must be appropriate as transdisciplinary research.

Q5: In the Call for Proposals Guidelines, it says that "the applicant's experience in transdisciplinary research is not required." Is it acceptable to have no experience at all?
  - A5. The selection will be conducted according to the Selection Criteria described in the Call for Proposals Guidelines, and past experience in transdisciplinary research is not required. Proposals from those who are not familiar with transdisciplinary studies to this date are also welcome.

General Contact

Research Planning Subsection, Research Support Section,
Administrative Office, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN)
  Tel：(+81)-75-707-2148
  email: opencall[at]chikyu.ac.jp