Gen Foundation Grant

The Gen Foundation is a charitable trust established in 1998 with the mission of fostering cross-cultural understanding between Japan and the wider world. It places a particular emphasis on supporting excellence in natural sciences, especially within the field of food sciences and technology. Over the years, the foundation has awarded grants to more than 100 individuals pursuing academic or research interests in these domains. Its goal is to promote academic growth and foster international dialogue through educational pursuits that align with its objectives. Each year, the foundation offers one-off, non-renewable awards to candidates who demonstrate merit and a clear focus on natural sciences, particularly food-related research. The grant is designed for individuals already holding a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Undergraduate students and those applying for short-term training, conferences, thesis writing, or seminar attendance are ineligible. Preference is given to well-prepared candidates who present strong academic proposals and can articulate how their project aligns with the foundation’s purpose. The application process requires submission of a detailed application form in English, along with specific supporting documents. These include two original and signed letters of reference, a current CV, a passport-sized photo, and proof of acceptance from a relevant institution. Applications must be typed, not handwritten, and sent via post to the foundation’s London address. Emailed or incomplete applications are not considered. Candidates are encouraged to send all materials together, although letters of acceptance may be sent separately if necessary. The timeline for the 2026 application cycle is clearly structured. The application window opens on 3 November 2025 and closes on 27 February 2026. Applications are evaluated during a two-month review period beginning 2 March and ending 30 April 2026. Initial results will be sent by post by the end of May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews in June 2026. Final grant decisions and disbursements will occur in September 2026. The foundation emphasizes fairness and inclusivity in its selection process, adhering to a strict diversity policy. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, disability, or age. All qualified candidates are considered on the strength of their applications and alignment with the foundation’s mission. Successful applicants are expected to submit a final report after completing their project. The Gen Foundation grant is issued annually. Based on the current schedule, the next application cycle is anticipated to open in November 2026. All applicants are advised to monitor the foundation’s website for updates and to confirm eligibility before applying.

Incomplete or handwritten applications are disqualified; all materials must be submitted via post; references must be original and on letterhead.