"JSPS External Review Report" was issued.(PDF File 1.22MB)

(iv) Review of written applications comprises an aggregate evaluation ofthe following: (a) research record; (b) in addition to research plans, thesignificance of the applicant engaging in research at a foreign institute.There are four possible grades: A (particularly outstanding), B(outstanding), C (average) and D (less than average).(v) Four discipline-specific panels (humanities and social sciences,mathematics and physics, chemistry and biology) convene a joint meetingin late July to decide on interview candidates based on the aboveapplication evaluations and the numbers allocated for each discipline.Results are sent to applicants around mid-August.(vi) Interviews are held in early October, with each applicant given 10minutes before sub-committees set up for each subject area andcomprising committee members and a few experts. The candidate spendsthe first four minutes explaining his or her research results to date andfurther research plans, then responds to panel questions for theremaining time.(b) Announcement of resultsResults are notified to the applicants themselves, and, where theapplicant belongs to an institution, to that institution.Postdoctoral Fellowships for Foreign ResearchersHost researchers can apply from within Japan through their researchinstitution. Foreign researchers can apply through a nominating authorityin their own country.(a) Review system/process• Applications from within Japan(i) Research fellows are selected through review of their writtenapplications conducted by an Selection Committee for Postdoctoral andOther Fellowships comprising researchers drawn from the frontline ofJapanese academia (39 members, with around 1,230 experts on call).(ii) A three-person panel of Selection Committee for Postdoctoral andOther Fellowships members and experts is designated to examine eachwritten application according to the particular discipline in which theapplicant is engaged.(iii) Selection of foreign research fellows is based on the followingcriteria: (a) that the invitation has the potential to promote the research171