Research Fellowships

Annually, the Canon Foundation in Europe grants up to 15 Fellowships to highly qualified European and Japanese researchers. European Fellows are expected to pursue a period of research in Japan whereas Japanese Fellows are expected to do their research in Europe. 


Canon Foundation Fellowships are for a minimum period of three months up to maximum of one year. 


We support all fields of research. There are no limitations or restrictions. Applicants do not have to be currently enrolled or employed at the time of applying. 


Canon Fellows from Europe are free to choose their host institutes and hosts in Japan. The same freedom is given to Japanese Canon Fellows coming to Europe. Canon Foundation Research Fellowships may be applied for when an agreement on co-operation and on a research plan has been reached between the guest researcher and the proposed host institution. 


Applications can also be submitted by members of commercial, industrial, governmental or professional organisations. 


Eligibility 


All Europeans are eligible to apply (including UK, Israel, Turkey, Balkan and Baltic countries). 


Applicants should have obtained at least a Master's or PhD degree within the last ten years of applying to the Canon Foundation. We will also consider candidates who obtained their qualification more than ten years ago as long as they provide further supporting information in their application. 


Please note that priority is given to applicants going to Europe and Japan for the first time. 


Application procedure 


The next application deadline will be 15 September 2023 for applications starting between January and December 2024. 


The Selection Committee's final decision will be emailed to applicants by mid-December 2023. 


It is important to note that we do not enter into any correspondence in regard to decisions taken on any individual application and in view of the large number of applicants, no negative inference should be drawn from the failure of a candidate to secure a Fellowship. 


We give priority to those who plan to travel to Europe or Japan rather than prolong a current stay. 


Applications should be made through our online application form. After registering, you will be directed to the application form. 


Please check here for the list of documents which need to be uploaded before your application can be submitted. 


Stipend 


Financial support for Research Fellows can reach up to 30,000 Euros per year and pro-rata for different periods. The Research Fellow can decide what costs the grant can be used for. Examples are living costs, travel, insurance, research costs, books, etc. There are no restrictions. 


Success rate 


The average success rate is around 10%. Funding decisions are based on the quality of the research plan, the reference letters and the host confirmation. The success rate is not influenced by gender, age and nationality.