A: Hey there! So, have you heard the latest about Japan?

B: No, what's up?

A: Well, it seems they're offering subsidies to their universities that want to bring in foreign researchers!

B: Wait, really? Why's that?

A: Because of the changes happening in the US. There's this president who's tightening his belt, which is causing a brain drain as they cut research personnel and funding.

B: Ah, I see. So Japan wants to grab some of the talent floating around then?

A: Exactly! They want to boost their own capabilities by attracting these talented researchers.

B: Cool! And how much are they planning to spend on this?

A: Over three years, they'll dish out about 3.3 billion yen, which is around 23 million dollars.

B: Not bad! Who can get these subsidies?

A: Domestic universities that want to bring in young talented researchers and Ph.D. students, even if they're Japanese nationals currently abroad.

B: That's interesting. How do they plan to fund this?

A: They might use some profits from the University Fund. If their plans are approved, they can use the money for salaries, research expenses, and lab equipment costs.

B: Sounds like a solid plan. Will they just pick universities willy-nilly?

A: Nope! They'll screen the plans submitted by universities to ensure they improve their research capabilities. They hope to finish the selection process by September.

B: And if universities need more help, will they get it?

A: Yes, they might take additional measures based on factors like what's in the universities' plans.
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Japan's education ministry has decided to provide subsidies to domestic universities planning to accept foreign researchers, amid an exodus of talent from the United States under the belt-tightening policies of President Donald Trump.



In response to the moves in the US to cut research personnel and financial aid, universities and other institutions in Japan are stepping up efforts to lure talented researchers abroad to improve their capabilities.



The education ministry will provide a total of 3.3 billion yen, or about 23 million dollars, over a period of three years starting this fiscal year, to support such efforts financially.



Domestic universities that plan to accept young talented researchers and Ph.D. students, including Japanese nationals based abroad, will be eligible.



The ministry plans to take emergency measures to use some of the profits generated from what is known as the University Fund.



Ministry officials say the subsidies can be used to pay salaries for researchers and research expenses, as well as to cover the costs of lab equipment.



They say they will screen plans submitted by universities to improve their research capabilities. They plan to complete the selection process by September.



They also say they will consider taking additional measures, depending on such factors as the contents of universities' plans.