Introduction to JSPS San Francisco Office Activities
Mr. Yusaku Nakabeppu from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) San Francisco Office was invited to give a lecture on the roles of overseas research centers and their efforts in supporting researchers and promoting international exchange in North America.
1. Context and Introduction: Why This Talk at SJRC?
Mr. Nakabeppu gave this talk to introduce the activities of the JSPS San Francisco Office. Originally, he visited the area in connection with activities in Washington DC to introduce fellowships to Japan. He took this opportunity to share information with the Seattle Japanese Research Community (SJRC). This talk aimed not only to introduce the organization but also to specifically show "what kind of supportive connection points" could be provided to the researcher community.
2. Mr. Nakabeppu's Background: Researcher Experience Shaping Support Perspectives
Mr. Nakabeppu shared his journey as a researcher and mentioned that his encounter with research environments and his experience studying abroad were key triggers for him to become strongly aware of the importance of an international research community. In addition to research and education at universities, he gained experience in programs at the JSPS Research Center for Science Systems and is now responsible for supporting researchers at an overseas base.
3. Overview of JSPS Overseas Offices: Exceptionality and Functional Division of the Two US Offices
JSPS overseas research centers are established worldwide to promote international academic exchange. Uniquely, the US has two offices (Washington DC and San Francisco), with clear functional divisions:
- Washington DC Office: Policy and institutional collaboration (government agencies, diplomatic missions, research policy).
- San Francisco Office: Academia-focused (researcher support, university and researcher community collaboration).
It was also shared that the San Francisco Office's jurisdiction covers the western part of North America as well as Central and South America.
4. Characteristics of JSPS: All-Field Support and Researcher-Driven Operation
A major feature of JSPS is its support for "all fields," from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences, and its emphasis on "researcher bottom-up" initiatives. It was highlighted that the perspectives of researchers themselves are reflected in the review and operation of programs.
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Introduction to JSPS San Francisco Office Activities Date: January 26, 2026 (Mon) Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Seattle, WA) Speaker: Mr. Yusaku Nakabeppu (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) San Francisco Office) Theme: Roles of JSPS Overseas Research Centers and Efforts in Supporting Researchers and International Exchange in North America 1. Context and Introduction: Why This Talk at SJRC? Mr. Nakabeppu gave this talk to introduce the activities of the JSPS San Francisco Office. Originally, he visited the area in connection with activities in Washington DC to introduce fellowships to Japan. He took this opportunity to share information with the Seattle Japanese Research Community (SJRC). This talk aimed not only to introduce the organization but also to specifically show "what kind of supportive connection points" could be provided to the researcher community. 2. Mr. Nakabeppu's Background: Researcher Experience Shaping Support Perspectives Mr. Nakabeppu shared his journey as a researcher and mentioned that his encounter with research environments and his experience studying abroad were key triggers for him to become strongly aware of the importance of an international research community. In addition to research and education at universities, he gained experience in programs at the JSPS Research Center for Science Systems and is now responsible for supporting researchers at an overseas base. 3. Overview of JSPS Overseas Offices: Exceptionality and Functional Division of the Two US Offices JSPS overseas research centers are established worldwide to promote international academic exchange. Uniquely, the US has two offices (Washington DC and San Francisco), with clear functional divisions: ・Washington DC Office: Policy and institutional collaboration (government agencies, diplomatic missions, research policy). ・San Francisco Office: Academia-focused (researcher support, university and researcher community collaboration). It was also shared that the San Francisco Office's jurisdiction covers the western part of North America as well as Central and South America. 4. Characteristics of JSPS: All-Field Support and Researcher-Driven Operation A major feature of JSPS is its support for "all fields," from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences, and its emphasis on "researcher bottom-up" initiatives. It was highlighted that the perspectives of researchers themselves are reflected in the review and operation of programs.