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We are pleased to announce that the 2026 MECO-TECO Joint Research Program Call for Proposals is now open.

In pursuit of cooperation between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the National Science and Technology Council of Taiwan, we are calling for mutually beneficial and collaborative project proposals in any of the following identified priority areas:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Quantum Computing
  • Circular Economy
  • Smart Agriculture
  • Biologics in Pharma Industry
  • Carbon Cycle in the Ocean

For reference, below is the timeline for the 2026 MECO-TECO JRP Call for Proposals:

Submission of Capsule Proposals

March 2, 2026

Review of Capsule Proposals

March 23, 2026

Endorsement of Shortlisted Capsule Proposals of DOST to NSTC

April 20, 2026

Deadline for Submission of Full-Blown Proposals

June 11, 2026

Validation of proposals submitted

June 15-18, 2026

Completion of peer review, and review results exchanged by email correspondence

June 22 – August 28, 2026

Final matching on both sides

September 11, 2026

Agreement on Proposals to Implement

September 24, 2026

Announcement of approved projects

December 2026

Implementation of the approved projects

January 1, 2027-December 31, 2029 (3-year period)

Interested parties are advised to coordinate with prospective counterpart/collaborator in Taiwan to craft the capsule proposals. The Filipino researcher must submit the capsule proposals to the DOST for review and evaluation. Only capsule proposals that are endorsed for further submission of full-blown proposals will undergo technical review and possible approval by the DOST.

The necessary DOST-GIA forms for capsule proposals may be downloaded at https://tinyurl.com/MECO-TECO-JRP. For further inquiries, you may contact Mr. Gabriel Sumague at Tel. No.: +632-8837-2071 loc. 3070 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. copy furnished This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Thank you.

Download: Call for Proposals: 2026 MECO-TECO Joint Research Program

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) of Taiwan, through a joint cooperation, is pleased to announce the Call for Application to the 2026 MECO-TECO Sandwich Scholarship Program (SSP).

The MECO-TECO SSP is open to Master’s and PhD students who are interested in conducting their research at a university or research institution in Taiwan. The priority research areas include (1) Natural Sciences, (2) Life Sciences, (3) Engineering and (4) Chemistry. Interested applicants are required to look for a Taiwanese professor who will serve as his/her host/adviser, preferably one with an existing project being funded by the NSTC. The applicants may also reach out to Principal Investigators who are already involved in the MECO-TECO Joint Research Program. This is to facilitate the release of funding and assurance of financial support for the duration of the conduct of the research.

All applicants are required to submit the hard copies (with wet signature) of the following documents compiled into a long brown envelope, labeled with your full name and the subject ‘2026 MECO-TECO SSP Application’, and addressed to the International Technology Cooperation Unit (ITCU):

  1. Accomplished MECO-TECO SSP Application (form attached);
  2. Proposed Host Institution and Adviser (Acceptance Letter);
  3. CV of Filipino and Taiwanese Host Professors;
  4. Certified Copy of Transcript of Records;
  5. Endorsement from two (2) Former Professors;
  6. Endorsement from Project Leader (for ASTHRDP/ERDT/STRAND scholars);
  7. If employed, recommendation from Head of the Agency; and
  8. Two (2) recent 2x2 ID picture

Once all requirements are completed, applicants must fill out the Google Form using this link: https://tinyurl.com/2026MECOTECOSSP.

NSTC will grant a stipend of NT$25,000 for MS student and NT$35,000 for PhD student per month while DOST will grant relocation assistance of Php 30,000.00, one roundtrip economy airfare, and health and accident insurance.

All letters should be addressed to:

LEAH J. BUENDIA, Ph.D.
Undersecretary for Research and Development
DOST Main Building, DOST Complex,
General Santos Avenue, Central Bicutan, Taguig City 1631

Interested applicants may communicate directly with the International Technology Cooperation Unit (ITCU) located at the 3rd Floor, DOST Main Bldg., DOST Complex, General Santos Avenue, Central Bicutan, Taguig City or through email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All applications must be submitted to the said office on or before 13 April 2026. The Sandwich Program must start in September 2026 with a minimum duration of six (6) months. The notification of award to MECO-TECO SSP qualifiers will be in July 2026.

For ASTHRDP, ERDT, and STRAND scholars, the period of SSP should be within the approved duration of scholarship. Their applications must be duly endorsed by the respective ASTHRDP/ERDT/STRAND Project Leader.

2026 MECO-TECO SSP

Japan - Philippines
2025 Joint Call for Proposals on Smart Agriculture

Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and
Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Working collaboratively, the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-Philippines) aim to promote and strengthen collaboration between researchers from Japan and The Philippines. Under this framework, JST and DOST launch this Call for Proposals for research, which are to be jointly developed and implemented by researchers from both countries. The program aims to achieve the following objectives:

  • To contribute to scientific advancement by conducting bilateral research (including conferences/seminars) in the identified priority research fields;
  • To facilitate the exchange of expertise, technology, and best practices between Japanese and Filipino researchers to mutually enhance R&D capabilities; and
  • To provide opportunities for young researchers from Japan and the Philippines to meet, interact, and exchange ideas to build a robust S&T community in the region.

JST and DOST are supporting joint projects through strategic project support measures to promote cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. A maximum of five (5) research projects will be jointly funded in this Call.

Call announcement:       

June 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM (JST) or 12:00 PM (PHT)

Deadline for submission:

August 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM (JST) or 12:00 PM (PHT)

Selection results announcement: 

January 2026 (tentative)

Start of projects:

April 2026 (tentative)

Funding per project:

(Japan-side: per project)
Direct Expenses: Up to 36 million yen
Indirect Expenses: 30% of Direct Expenses
(Philippines-side: per project)
Direct Expenses: Up to Php 15,000,000.00 (maximum)
Indirect Expenses: 15% of Direct Expenses

Maximum duration of the projects:

36 months

No. of projects to be funded per call:

Up to five

Research Fields:

Smart Agriculture

Eligibility:

Researchers who belong to the Philippines research institution and higher education institutions and researchers who belong to the Japanese research institution

Submission:

 

To JST via e-Rad: https://www.e-rad.go.jp/index.html

To DOST via DOST Project Management Information System (DPMIS): https://dpmis.dost.gov.ph/

JST Contact Details:

YAMADA Kaori (Ms.), TSUDA Yuko (Ms.), KISHIDA Eriko (Ms.)
tel. +81-3-3222-2069
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

DOST Contact Details:

 

Ms. Jinah Ruth G. Jomao-as, Ms. Charlene U. Basig
tel. 8837-2071 loc 3070
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On the Japan side, this funding measure is carried out under the program called NEXUS (Networked Exchange, United Strength for Stronger Partnerships between Japan and ASEAN) which aims to build a “Complementary and Sustainable Research Ecosystem”, facilitating mutual growth as co-creating partners by enhancing sustainable research cooperation grounded in longstanding initiatives such as international collaborative research and the exchange of research personnel.

On the other hand, the funding measure is carried out for the Philippines, under the DOST Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program. The measure aims to promote joint research projects of mutual interest and thus contribute to intensified scientific and technological cooperation between each country. Teams from the Philippines are encouraged to include collaborators from other ASEAN Member States. Possible collaborators from institutions in other ASEAN countries should seek their own funding or provide in-kind contributions. The research outcomes from the bilateral initiative are expected to benefit and spread throughout the ASEAN region through opportunities such as dissemination activities.

Interested Filipino researchers may access the attached Call Guidelines for more information.

Please note of the submission deadline on 29 August 2025 thru the DPMIS portal.

 DOST-JST Call Guidelines for Smart Agriculture 2025

DOST JST Application Form