We have received a call for applications from Sumitomo Life Insurance Company for the "20th Sumitomo Life Project to Strengthen the Future Through Childcare (organized by Sumitomo Life, supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Agency for Children and Families)," and we would like to inform you about it.
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Wanted period
Must arrive between July 7, 2026 (Monday) and September 7, 2026 (Monday)
Target
Currently, this program targets female researchers who find it difficult to continue their research due to childcare responsibilities, as well as female researchers who are continuing their research while raising children. Selection will be made from individuals who meet the following requirements.
- Having a meaningful research topic in the field of humanities or social sciences.
- As a general rule, applicants must be raising a preschool-aged child (a child who has not yet started elementary school) at the time of application.
- As a general rule, applicants must hold a master's degree or be enrolled in or have obtained a doctoral degree.
- Applicants must have at least two recommenders (one of whom must be their academic advisor or head of their affiliated university or research institute).
- In principle, we are looking for individuals who intend to continue their research.
- Applicants must not be receiving research grants from other award or grant programs during the year they are seeking support. (However, applications are accepted even if they are receiving grants such as KAKENHI (Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research) or childcare leave benefits.)
- We are looking for individuals who, upon receiving the award, are willing to allow their name (real name), a photograph with their family, and details of their research to be published in newspapers, magazines, on the internet, etc. We also require that they cooperate with interviews from the media.
*This program aims to support individuals who are growing as researchers while raising children, rather than focusing on past achievements. Therefore, we will not judge candidates solely on their research content.
*Nationality is not a requirement, but application materials must be written in Japanese.
Recognition
Sumisei Women Researchers Encouragement Award: Approximately 10 recipients
We will provide a grant of up to 1 million yen per year for a maximum of two years. The grant period is scheduled to be two years, from April 2027 to March 2029.
For further information, please read Child-rearing Project Website for a Stronger Future for tips.
