Uehara Memorial Foundation Opens Call for 2026 Grant Programs – Uehara Prize Award Increased to 100 Million Yen

The Uehara Memorial Foundation (Tokyo, Toshima Ward; Chairman: Akira Uehara) has officially opened applications for its 2026 grant programs.

This year, in light of changes in the research environment surrounding life sciences and medicine, the foundation is revamping its grant and award systems to provide more robust support for researchers' endeavors.

Since its inception, the foundation has been dedicated to contributing to the advancement of life sciences and medicine by supporting the creative and ambitious research activities of diverse researchers. This reform is a step toward further securing this mission in a new era.

In recent years, the environment for life science and medical research has changed significantly. With the sophistication of research and intensifying international competition, the importance of fostering an environment where researchers can engage in long-term and ambitious studies has grown. Simultaneously, for early to mid-career researchers, establishing independent research foundations and engaging in ambitious, future-oriented research have become increasingly critical challenges.

Against this backdrop, and marking its 40th anniversary in 2025, the foundation has carefully reviewed the nature of its grant and award programs. As a result, starting in 2026, it will foster an environment where researchers can pursue studies from a long-term perspective based on freer ideas. Specifically, it is increasing grant amounts and introducing new mechanisms to actively support researchers at early career stages.

Furthermore, for the "Uehara Prize," the foundation is increasing the award to 100 million yen. This reflects the desire to recognize outstanding achievements while serving as a prize that "supports researchers destined to soar on the world stage."

This 100-million-yen award embodies the foundation's desire to support researchers tackling world-class studies as strongly as possible.

Details on the application overview, methods, and specific grant systems for 2026 will be available on the foundation's website starting June 4. The foundation kindly requests that all related parties understand the intent of this reform and nominate outstanding researchers.

◇ Uehara Memorial Foundation Website
https://www.ueharazaidan.or.jp

◇ Application Schedule

Uehara Prize
- Nomination Deadline: Thursday, September 3, 2026
- Award Ceremony: Thursday, March 11, 2027

Grant Programs
- Nomination Deadline: Thursday, September 3, 2026 (Research Grant, Special Encouragement Grant, Encouragement Grant, Overseas Study Grant, Young Researcher Overseas Study Support)
- Nomination Deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026 (Specific Research Grant)
- Notification of Selection: Scheduled for Friday, December 11, 2026
- Award Ceremony: Thursday, March 11, 2027

*Please visit the foundation's website for details on application requirements.