The Institute for Regenerative Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (IRAFF) at Hokkaido University is inviting applications from early-career researchers at the university for original research projects related to regenerative (environmentally restorative) agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
The open call will be conducted in a pitch event format, and selected projects will be provided with research funding.

Eligible Research Areas

・ Exciting and innovative research that contributes to the advancement of regenerative agriculture, forestry, and fisheries

・ Applications are welcome from a wide range of disciplines, not limited to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
(e.g., engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, digital technologies, policy and law, medicine and health, and others)

・ Interdisciplinary perspectives and cross-disciplinary research are strongly encouraged

Eligibility

・ Assistant Professors, Lecturers, and Associate Professors (including those in　specially appointed positions) affiliated with Hokkaido University; no age restriction

・ Applications may be submitted either by an individual or by a unit consisting of multiple members

・ In the case of unit applications, researchers from outside Hokkaido University may participate; however, no allocation of research funds will be made to external members

・ All researchers within a unit must be at the postdoctoral level or above at a university

Research Funding

・ Grant Amount: JPY 2–4 million per project
(Approximately 10 projects will be selected within a total budget of JPY 30 million)

・ Project Period: Up to two years

Schedule

1. Deadline for Entry Sheet Submission: Friday, June 27, 2025, at 12:00 noon(JST)

2. Notification of Document Screening Results: Monday, June 30, 2025

3. Pitch Contest (Selection Session):Early July 2025
(Dates to be scheduled with applicants who pass the document screening)

4. Notification of Selection Results: Early July 2025 (tentative)

Review Process

First Round Review

Applications will be screened based on submitted documents, and approximately 20 teams will be selected to advance to the pitch contest

Second Round Review (Pitch Contest)

Evaluation of a 15-Minute presentation, consisting of:

o 5 minutes: Project overview

o 10 minutes: Question-and-answer session

Application Procedure

Entry Sheet Submission

・ Applicants are required to complete the designated application form (download from the website below) and submit it electronically from the principal investigator to the IRAFF Office:
iraff-info[at]oeic.hokudai.ac.jp

・ Please indicate “IRAFF Pitch Application” in the subject line of the email.

Contact Information

• Email: iraff-info[at]oeic.hokudai.ac.jp
Please replace “[at]” with “@” when sending your email.

• Phone: 011-706-9580

• Office: IRAFF Office, Hokkaido University