The Mongolian JSPS Alumni Association, Mongolia

The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), established in 1932, is Japan’s leading funding and research support organization in the field of science. Its main mission is to promote academic research in Japan and internationally, foster international collaboration, and support early-career researchers.

Main Areas of JSPS Activities:

• Providing research fellowships and grants (including basic research, joint projects, and interdisciplinary research)
• International exchange programs, including short- and long-term visits, postdoctoral fellowships, and funding for collaborative research
• Fellowships, funding, and training programs to support young researchers
• Strengthening the research capacity of Japanese universities and research institutions

JSPS actively collaborates with partner organizations worldwide, and Mongolian researchers participate in many JSPS programs.

Activities in 2023

On August 26, 2023, the inaugural meeting aimed at establishing the JSPS Alumni Association in Mongolia was successfully held at the National University of Mongolia. The meeting was attended by Mr. Hideyuki Yamaguchi, Director of the JSPS Beijing Office, and Mr. Kazuki Kohara, International Programs Officer at the JSPS Beijing Office. They provided detailed information on JSPS activities, opportunities for international collaboration, and policies and programs supporting the participation of Mongolian researchers. During the meeting, the establishment of the JSPS Alumni Association in Mongolia was officially endorsed, and R. Tsolmon, a faculty member of the Department of Physics, School of Arts and Sciences, National University of Mongolia, was appointed as the first Chair of the Association. The Association aims to expand collaboration among alumni of JSPS fellowship programs, strengthen scientific ties between Mongolia and Japan, and create a sustainable platform for long-term cooperation.

Planned future activities include:

• Expanding the network of JSPS alumni in Mongolia
• Organizing training sessions and seminars to support young researchers
• Implementing new collaborative research projects
• Promoting regular exchange of experience between Mongolian and Japanese researchers

This inaugural meeting marked an important starting point for enhancing international collaboration among Mongolian researchers and actively utilizing JSPS support. Meetings and discussions on the objectives, membership, and statutes of the Mongolian JSPS Alumni Association were also successfully conducted.

 

Activities in 2024

On June 16–17, 2024, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and the Mongolian JSPS Alumni Association jointly organized a scientific conference titled “Light Pollution in Mongolia and its reduction”, which was successfully held in Terelj, Mongolia. Conducted in a natural environment, the event provided a favorable setting for strengthening research collaboration and engaging in in-depth discussions on light pollution. At the opening ceremony, Mr. Hideyuki Yamaguchi, Director of the JSPS Beijing Office, and Ms. Minami Sugiura, Program Officer at the JSPS Beijing Office, delivered detailed presentations on JSPS fellowship programs for young Mongolian researchers and opportunities for international collaborative research. They also explained how JSPS support contributes to the development of new research initiatives. Members of the Mongolian JSPS Alumni Association presented joint papers addressing the current status of light pollution research, urban planning, environmental impact assessment, and the effects of light pollution on astronomical observations. These presentations proposed scientifically grounded measures to reduce light pollution in Mongolia. The conference also included discussions on the future development plans and activity directions of the Mongolian JSPS Alumni Association, including:

• Initiating new Mongolia–Japan collaborative research projects
• Organizing training sessions and seminars to enhance the capacity of young researchers
• Expanding the alumni network and holding regular meetings and events
• Promoting JSPS fellowship programs in Mongolia

This event was an important step in strengthening bilateral research collaboration, advancing light pollution research, and defining the future direction of activities of the Mongolian JSPS Alumni Association.

Figure 1. The participants of the meeting “Light Pollution in Mongolia and its reduction” in June 2024

Figure 2 During JSPS alumni meeting in 2024

JSPS Mongolian Alumni members are discussing on light pollution reduction

Activities in 2025

On July 6–7, 2025, in Ulaanbaatar, the Department of Physics of the National University of Mongolia, the Institute of Mathematics and Digital Technologies of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Geoecology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, and the JSPS Alumni Association in Mongolia are jointly organizing this event in coordination with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). The purpose of this event is to expand collaboration between Mongolian and Japanese researchers, identify new research directions, and enhance the knowledge and experience of early-career researchers. The opening ceremony will be attended by Mr. Hideyuki Yamaguchi, Director of the JSPS Beijing Office, and Ms. Kanako Imajo, Deputy Director of the JSPS Beijing Office, who will introduce JSPS international fellowship programs and opportunities for research collaboration.

During the conference, participants had the opportunity to:

• Learn about JSPS international fellowship programs: Researchers will gain a clear understanding of opportunities to conduct research in Japan and participate in international collaborative projects.
• Attend experience-sharing presentations by Mongolian researchers who have conducted research in Japan: These talks will share practical experiences, lessons learned, achievements, and challenges, which can be applied to future research activities.
• Establish networks and discuss future collaboration: Participants will exchange experiences, develop joint projects, and expand new research initiatives.

The conference will also present plans for activities, conferences, and seminars for the coming year, including:

• Launching new joint research projects between Mongolian and Japanese researchers,
• Organizing training programs and seminars to strengthen the capacity of young researchers,
• Expanding the network of members of the Mongolian JSPS Alumni Association and organizing regular meetings and events,
• Expanding collaboration in the field of ecology and environmental research.

Figure 3. JSPS Mongolian Alumni meeting in July 2025