Scientific progress increasingly depends on the movement of people, ideas, and expertise across borders, and India has emerged as an increasingly important partner in Japan's science, technology, and innovation (STI) landscape. With its expanding research capacity, large pool of highly trained young researchers, and strengths across a wide range of scientific and technological fields, India offers significant opportunities for collaboration. For Japan, deeper engagement with Indian researchers not only enhances access to diverse talent and perspectives but also contributes to the development of resilient research networks capable of addressing complex global challenges.
From this background JST has launched the LOTUS Programme, designed to support this scientific exchange by enabling talented young researchers from India to undertake research placements in Japanese research organization and participate in active Japan-India joint research projects. Through hands-on collaboration and shared supervision, the program fosters meaningful partnerships that extend well beyond the exchange period.
Alongside research activities, LOTUS provides exposure to Japan's research environment and offers career development support for those considering longer-term research pathways in Japan, with current projects spanning a wide range of disciplines which address both fundamental science and applied societal challenges. This currently includes research on:
- Disaster risk prediction and resilience using AI
- Advanced materials for energy and sustainability
- Biomedical mechanisms and diagnostic technologies
- Quantum science and next-generation electronics
- Environmental systems, climate adaptation, and agriculture
- Human-centered technology, health, and aging societies
These projects bring together leading universities and research institutes across Japan and India, creating platforms for long-term academic exchange and joint innovation.
Science Japan spoke to participants of the LOTUS program, and links to each of the interviews are available below and will be updated as new articles are released.