Postdoctoral Fellowships in Sustainability, Climate Governance, Biodiversity, and Water Management (Japan) United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability in Japan

The United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), in partnership with the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), is offering Postdoctoral Fellowships for 2026. These prestigious fellowships are designed for early-career researchers who have recently completed their PhD (on or after 2 April 2020, with allowances for parental leave) in fields related to sustainability, including but not limited to environmental science, social science, law, international relations, geography, and economics. The program is open to applicants from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan, excluding Japanese nationals and permanent residents.

The fellowship supports interdisciplinary, policy-relevant research with global impact, focusing on thematic areas such as Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Biodiversity & Society, Water & Resource Management, and Innovation & Education. Research topics include climate change mitigation and adaptation, SDGs governance, international sustainability law, biodiversity and human well-being, sustainable food systems, circular economy, water and sanitation, and more. Fellows are expected to conduct research under the supervision of a host researcher at a Japanese university or research institution, with the possibility of conducting research at UNU-IAS if mutually agreed.

Fellows receive a monthly maintenance allowance of JPY 362,000, a round-trip international airfare, a settling-in allowance of JPY 200,000, and overseas travel insurance. A research grant may also be available through the host institution. The fellowship is a full-time research appointment for 24 months, and fellows must begin their stay in Japan by 30 November 2026. Applicants must demonstrate strong research skills, a sound publication record, and fluency in English. Securing a host researcher is a prerequisite for application, and UNU-IAS researchers cannot serve as hosts.

To apply, candidates should review the eligibility criteria and research areas, identify and secure a host researcher at a Japanese institution, and submit the application form in English by 31 January 2026. More information and application details are available on the UNU-IAS website. This opportunity is ideal for those seeking to advance their research careers in sustainability, climate governance, biodiversity, and water management in a multidisciplinary and international context.