CREST Guide (Handbook for Researchers) · CREST Guide (August 2018 version) 2 Introduction The purpose of Strategic Basic Research Programs is to advance strategic basic research

CREST Guide (August 2018 version)

National Research and Development Agency

Japan Science and Technology Agency JST

CREST Guide

(Handbook for Researchers)

Department of Innovation Research,

JST

August 2018

CREST Guide (August 2018 version) 2

Introduction

The purpose of Strategic Basic Research Programs is to advance strategic basic research

under policies determined by the Japanese Government, and create the seeds of innovative

technologies from new scientific knowledge that gives rise to scientific and technical

innovation leading to social and economic change.

Under the CREST program, we strongly expect that researchers will unflinchingly take up the

challenge of innovative research that creates a wellspring of top innovation from excellent

science under the guidance of Research Supervisors. We hope that these research opportunities

can be used as fields to broaden activities and achieve tremendous breakthroughs.

This guide explains the points necessary to pursue CREST research, including Research

Plans, research budget use, reporting of research results, and research evaluation.

CREST research budgets are funded by precious tax revenues collected from taxpayers in

Japan. Thus, we request the fair and efficient execution of research costs by complying with the

rules established by JST and each research affiliation.

Strategic

Objectives

Objectives prescribed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

that will sow the seeds of innovative technologies from new scientific knowledge that gives

rise to scientific and technical innovation leading to social and economic change, bearing in

mind research trends both in Japan and overseas.

Research Areas Under the Strategic Objectives, JST defines the Research Areas to be pursued.

Research

Supervisor

Oversees Research Areas as a director of research institute consisting of networks of researchers,

and manages the Research Area including selection of Research Project, coordination of

Research Plans, advising on Research Projects, evaluation, and other necessary activities.

Research Projects Title of Research Project proposal selected in the solicitation

(Take note of the difference from “Research Subtitles.”)

Research

SubtitlesTitles of each individual Research Project contracted under the Research Projects

Research TeamA time-limited trans-organ research organization of one or more groups for the Research

Project NB: Corresponds one-to-one with the Research Projects

Research

Director

Representing the Research Team, a researcher who is responsible for pursuing the overall

Research Project. (the registration of researcher information with e-Rad is essential) (JST will

conclude Contract Research Agreements with the universities or corporate research institutions

to which the Research Directors are affiliated.)

Lead Joint

Researcher

The researcher who represents the research organization. As a leader of the joint research

group, the researcher pursues the necessary research to realize the Research Director’s

Research Plan. (The registration of researcher information with e-Rad is essential.) (JST will

enter into Contract Research Agreements with the universities or corporate research

institutions to which the Lead Joint Researchers are affiliated.)

Responsible

Researchers

Research Directors and Lead Joint Researchers (listed as the main researcher of the contract

research and specified in the contract)

Research

Participants

The Responsible Researchers and other researchers, engineers, research aides, students, etc.

who engage in the research. (The members listed in the Research Plans.)

Research Plans Research Plans from each Research Team approved by the Research Supervisor for the

corresponding research subjects must be prepared for both the overall and annual plans.

◆Explanation of CREST Terminology


1. What is CREST?・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 4

Purpose of the program / Responsibility and roles of Research Directors and Lead Joint

Researchers / Schedule

■ Research Plans and Cost Using

2. How to organize a Research Team・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 7

Key points in organizing a Research / Participation of private enterprises and overseas

research institutions is possible / Registration of Research Participants, handling of

students

3. How are the research costs decided?・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・10

Research Plans and Contract Research Agreements / Points to be aware of in preparing a

Research Plan and revisions

4. What can the research costs be used for? ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・12

Direct costs (research costs) and indirect costs (overheads) / Points to be aware of in

using direct costs

5. Can equipment be shared or combined purchases made?・・・・・・・・・・・・14

6. Transferring sums to other budget item categories ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・15

7. Carryover of budget to the following fiscal year (1), (2)・・・・・・・・・・・・16

8. What happens in case of job transfer or reassignment? ・・・・・・・・・・・・18

9. Regarding the promotion of diversity・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・19

10. Towards the promotion of fair and honest research ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・20

■ Research results

11. Handling of research results ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・21

Submitting research results through research papers or oral presentations /Announcements

made to the outside world, press releases / Open access to research papers and data

management / Intellectual property rights/ Research reports

■ Research evaluation

12. How will the research be evaluated? ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 26

Evaluation of the Research Projects and Research Areas

■ Points of attention

13. Points to be aware of in implementing the research and other matters ・・・・・・27

Contents


1. What is CREST?

‒ Purpose of the program ‒

CREST promotes goal-oriented basic research that is unique and of an internationally high

standard in order to accomplish the Strategic Objectives designated by the Japanese

government. CREST supports network-based research undertaken by research teams aiming

to produce outstanding results that will make major contributions to future science and

technology innovation.

・The Research Supervisor (Program Officer) acts as the lab director of the research consisting of

networks of researchers (Research Area) by managing the Research Team at industrial, academic,

and governmental institutions.

・The Research Supervisor, as the person in charge of the Research Area, oversees work in the

Research Area to accomplish the Strategic Objectives, with support from Research Area Advisors.

・The Program Directors (PDs) consider and propose management policies and system reforms for

the overall CREST Program.

Research Area


1. What is CREST?‒ Responsibility and roles of Research Directors and Lead Joint Researchers ‒

■ Responsibility and roles of Research Directors and Lead Joint Researchers

Research Directors will bear responsibility for the implementation and progress monitoring of

the Research Plans, including the establishment and management of the research budget. They

will also be responsible for the whole Research Team, for submitting research reports to JST

(including the Research Supervisor), and for taking the steps required for research evaluations.

Research Directors will be requested to take responsibility for serving as a contact point and

coordinator within the Research Team.

Lead Joint Researchers shall appropriately manage (expenditure planning and its implementation

etc.) research budgets for their own Research Groups.

Research Directors and Lead Joint Researchers are responsible for the proper and effective

execution of the research costs and implementation of the research by the overall Research Team

and their own Research Groups respectively, bearing in mind that the JST’s research budgets are

funded by precious tax revenue collected from taxpayers in Japan.

Research Directors, Lead Joint Researchers, and other Research Participants are asked to

participate in and complete the research integrity educational program (available online)

specified by JST to prevent fabrication, falsification, plagiarism and wrongful use of funds

during the course of their research activities. Research Directors and Lead Joint Researchers are

asked to be sure to notify the participating researchers etc. of the participation in the research

integrity educational program.

Research Directors are continuously required not to violate the requirements regarding the

conflict of interests with Research Supervisor that has been prescribed at the time of solicitation.

JST requires legal compliance with related laws, regulations, and national guidelines to prevent

fabrication, falsification, plagiarism and wrongful use of funds in the course of research

activities.

Special consideration should be given to the research and working environment and/or

conditions of the Research Participants.

Active support should be provided to establish diversified career paths for young researchers.

The research results should be actively reported both domestically and abroad, with due

consideration for the acquisition of intellectual property rights.

Please abide by the Contract Research Agreements between JST and research organizations,

and JST’s various rules that are defined in the Contract Research Agreements.

Other than the above, if there is anything that falls under the provision, “Points to be aware of in

pursuing the research and other matters” mentioned on pages 27-28, please correspond

appropriately.

■ Corresponding to JST’s Program Operations

Cooperation with Strategic Basic Research Program evaluations, accounting examinations by

JST, accounting audits by the Japanese government, etc., is requested.

Cooperation in various JST-sponsored symposia and events is requested.

Cooperation by providing various types of information, responding to interviews, etc., in

connection with follow-up evaluations performed some time after project completion is

requested.


1. What is CREST?

‒ Schedule ‒

■ Example of a Research Team selected in FY2018 (to end in FY2023)

FY

2018

From Aug

2018

Oct 1

Oct-Dec

Dec-Jan 2019

Feb-Mar

Mar-Jun

FY

2019

Dec 2019–

Jan 2020

Feb-Mar

Mar-Jun

FY2021 Interim Report Prepared by Research Director Interim

Evaluation Committee (usually held approximately 3 years

after research initiation)

FY2023Post-completion Report Prepared by Research Director

Post–completion Committee

Some time after

Project Completion

Please cooperate with Follow-up Evaluation

conducted by JST

For FY2020 till end of research completion fiscal year,

basically the same schedule as FY2019 will be applied

Interim evaluation

Post-completion evaluation

Follow-up evaluation

For Researchers For the Institute Secretariat

Prepare Overall Research Plan

Plan for FY2018

Prepare Research Plan for FY2019

Selected Proposal Research Starts Contract Research Agreement for FY2018

Prepare Financial Statements for FY2018

Settlement of Contract Research Fees for FY2018

Prepare procedures for Contract Research Agreement for FY2019

Prepare Research Report for FY2018

Prepare Research Plan for FY2020

Prepare procedures for Contract Research Agreement for FY2020

Settlement of Contract Research Fees for FY2019

Explanation on Handling Contracts

Prepare Research Report for FY2019Prepare Financial Statements for FY2019


2. How to organize a Research Team

‒ Key points in organizing a Research Team ‒

・ Assemble a Research Team, which consists of the optimal number of research groups for

pursuing the research initiatives of the Research Director.

・ The Research Team can consist only of people from the Research Director’s research institution,

but it can also include researchers, etc., from other research institutions.

・ Researchers and research assistants, etc., can participate as Research Participants in the Research

Team (it is also possible to employ them within the research budget).

・ Research Team organizations may be revised (excluding a change of Research Director) with the

approval of the Research Supervisor, depending on the progress of the research.

*Please refer to pages 2 and 10 of this guide.

The Research Director should construct a research team where he/she takes the central role and

bares responsibility for the whole Research Team.

Research Director

Researcher (Affiliation A)

Researcher (Affiliation A)

Lab staff

(Affiliation A)

Research Team

Joint Research Group (1) Joint Research Group (2) Joint Research Group (3)

Researcher (Affiliation B)

Researcher (Affiliation B)

Researcher (Affiliation C)

Researcher (Affiliation C)

Researcher (Affiliation D)

Researcher (Affiliation D)

Lead Joint Researcher

(Group leader)

Lead Joint Researcher

(Group leader)Lead Joint Researcher

(Group leader)

Research Director's

Group


2. How to organize a Research Team‒ Participation of private enterprises and overseas institutions is possible ‒

■ Participation of private enterprises・Researchers from Private Enterprises can participate in CREST Research Projects as Research

Directors, Lead Joint Researchers, or Research Participants.

・In the case that a contracted supplier (private enterprise) needs to participate in the Research Team,

please consult JST beforehand.

・Contracting (subcontracting) any work that includes R&D elements is not permitted in principle.

・Expenditure on salaries for the Research Director and Lead Joint Researcher is not permitted.

(Note) When procurement is made by a 100% affiliate company or one’s own company, there are

cases where profits need to be excluded. Please refer to the document entitled “Administrative Points

to be Aware of in Documents Related to the Contract Research Agreement” (hereinafter

“Administrative Points to be Aware of”) and take the appropriate steps.

URL: http://www.jst.go.jp/contract/index2.html

■ Participation of overseas research institutionsParticipation of overseas research institutions is possible if they meet the following conditions. The

Research Director must be affiliated with a domestic Japanese research institution, where they will

organize and pursue the proposed research.

・Achieve approval from the Research Supervisor on the following aspects:

- The overseas research institution is regarded as indispensable in achieving the research initiative of

the Research Director, and can only be achieved with their participation.

- The Research Director must be able to trace the research progress and results without fail.

・Enter into Collaborative Research Agreement with JST under the following conditions:

- The overseas research institution is required to transfer, free of charge, intellectual property rights

to JST. (However, the research institution has a right to the use of academic research of its own and

for other non-commercial purposes. In addition, Article 19 of the Industrial Technology

Enhancement Act (the Japanese version of the Bayh-Dole Act) does not apply to overseas research

institutions.)

- The overseas research institution must be able to properly execute the budget according to the

research agreement or according to JST’s budget execution guidelines and must be able to submit a

detailed statement of research expenses (equivalent to the balance book of Japanese institutions) in

English.

- Payments to the overseas research institution for overhead (indirect) costs should not exceed 30%

of the direct costs (research budget).

* In principle, the research institution must be able to enter into agreements on the contents

specified by JST.

For more details, please refer to the English language template of the CREST Collaborative

Research Agreement, which can be viewed at the following URL:

URL:http://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/boshuu/teian/koubo/Template_Collaborative_Research_Agreement.pdf

■ Implement the endeavors in relation to the clarification of the cooperation and

rights and obligations among the research organizations that participate in the

research team.⇒ In order to prevent any occurrence of inconvenience in an appropriate implementation of the research

or in the use etc. of the achievements of the research, provide necessary measures, for example, by

entering into a joint research agreement with the participating organizations within the scope that does

not contradict the Contract Research Agreement in relation to the handling of intellectual property rights,

confidentiality, etc.

http://www.jst.go.jp/contract/index2.html

http://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/boshuu/teian/koubo/Template_Collaborative_Research_Agreement.pdf


2. How to organize a Research Team‒ Registration of Research Participants, handling of students ‒

■ Registration of Research Participants・Please specify (register) participating members of CREST Research Projects in the Research Plan.

・Besides the Research Director and the Lead Joint Researcher, those who need to be registered as Research

Participants are researchers, research assistants, and doctoral students who are substantially involved in the

CREST Project.

・Please set the number of Research Participants at a necessary and sufficient scale for the Research Project.

・As a principle, travel and personnel expenses are treated as research costs only for those who are registered

in the Research Plan. It may be permissible to omit registration in the Research Plan of Research Participants,

invited persons, or those who are engaged in the research for less than three months per year, and for which

there is no likelihood that they will author papers or become inventors related to the results of the research.

However, if there is a possibility that a person or persons may become authors of research papers or inventors

concerned with an achievement of the research, they must be registered in the Research Plan even if their

involvement is only temporary.

・In the case where a researcher from an unrelated organization or a non-employed student participates in the

CREST Project, it will be necessary for them to abide by the terms (regarding the intellectual property rights

and confidentiality, etc.) set in the Contract Research Agreements.

■ Requirements of students to be registered・As a principle, he/she is a doctoral course student with a basic scientific qualification and can take on an

important role in the research.

・Alternatively, some special mission (such as the upkeep of experimental animals, programming, taking

measurements, data analysis, etc.), exceeding the boundaries of the normal university curriculum and/or

studies for academic degrees is permissible, as long as it does not interfere with studies.*

*As for the students who graduate or finish their course of study in the fiscal year, consider an ample time for

them to participate in the CITI Japan e-Learning and register them by the third semester whenever it is

possible to do so.

*Master’s course students and undergraduates may exceptionally participate in the research if they meet the

conditions mentioned above. However, those who wish to participate only for an educational purpose or those

with missions that overlapped with their studies do not fall under this category.

■ Recommendation of Research Assistants (RAs)In order to attract talented students and professionals from both inside and outside of Japan, the 3rd, 4th and

5th Science and Technology Basic Plan all seek to improve financial support for graduate school students,

latter stage doctoral students in particular, citing the following numeric goals: “Specifically, we will strive to

enable 20 percent of doctoral students to receive an amount equivalent to their living expenses.” Furthermore,

the compilation of the deliberations of the Central Council for Education on “The Reform of Graduate School

Education to Lead the Future” (compiled on September 15, 2015 by the Subdivision on Universities)

requested that it should be made a basic principle to improve employment of latter stage doctoral students as

Research Assistants (RA) through various funding sources, and that when latter stage doctoral students are

employed as RA or Teaching Assistants (TA), they should be paid a salary equivalent to their living costs. In

response to these requests, please enthusiastically seek to employ latter stage doctoral students as RA when

conducting CREST research, and while aiming to base their salaries on the amount of their living expenses

configure the sum appropriately and in line with the number of hours they work.

NB:

In this sense, CREST recommends that when a doctoral student (latter stage) is employed as an RA, the

student’s salary be set at a level approximate to their living expenses (approximately 2 million yen per

year or 170,000 yen per month).

However, the actual amount to be paid and the duration of payment lies with the research institution. This

recommendation does not restrict them to pay more or less than the mentioned amount.


3. How are the research costs decided?

‒ Research Plans and Contract Research Agreements ‒O

ver

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lan

・An Overall Research Plan is prepared for the team by the Research Director

in consultation with the Lead Joint Researcher.

・The basic plan, research content and organization, and budget plans, etc. will

be prepared for the entire research period (see Page 11 for reference).

・With the approval of the Research Supervisor, the total budget amount is

decided. However, the total budget amount at this stage is only an

estimation, since the budget will be reviewed each fiscal year.

・The Overall Research Plan is reviewed every fiscal year, as necessary.

・The Contract Research Agreement* to be entered with JST will include the

contract research fee and the breakdown of budget items for the

corresponding fiscal year.

・The research fee after the 2nd fiscal year will be determined based on the

Research Plan of the corresponding fiscal year and a revised agreement

will be concluded at the beginning of the period.

・JST will pay the research fee of the corresponding fiscal year, as specified in

the agreement, to each research institution as a contract research fee.

*The contract format can be found at the following URL:

http://www.jst.go.jp/contract/index2.html (in Japanese)

・The Annual Research Plan will be prepared by the Research Director with

the cooperation of the Lead Joint Researcher each fiscal year. (Please read

the explanations and examples in the formats for each plan carefully.)

・From the 2nd fiscal year, the research content, research organization, budget

implementation plan, etc., for the Research Plan of the corresponding fiscal

year will be prepared reflecting on the research progress and research

results achieved in the previous year.

・With the approval of the Research Supervisor, the budget for the

corresponding fiscal year is decided.

NB: The Research Directors and Lead Joint Researchers need to inform the

contracting and accounting sections of their affiliations about the contents

of the Research Plan for the group they are leading. However, please treat

the Research Plan with great care since it contains personal data and

unreleased confidential information.

■ Research costs are decided by the Research Supervisor based on the Research Plan.

■ JST will pay research costs to the affiliated institutions of the Research Director and Lead

Joint Researcher, pursuant to the individual Contract Research Agreements.

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Affiliation A

Affiliation B

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3. How are the research costs decided?‒ Points to be aware of in preparing a Research Plan and revisions ‒

• Be sure to include Commodity Fees after considering the state of existing facilities, their

necessity and adequacy, and only if they are indispensable.

• When procuring expensive items, we recommend that you conduct market research by

obtaining estimates for reference beforehand. Please be careful not to cause significant

changes between the amount indicated in the plan and the actual budget implementation.

• Procurement by government-affiliated agencies such as national university corporations and

independent administrative agencies are subject to international competitive bidding.

Therefore, please take into account the date of delivery and so on when procuring expensive

items (for FY2018 “expensive” is defined as costing 15 million yen or more) and including

them in the budget.

• Personnel expenses will continue to be a heavy burden through the following years, so

please be cautious at the beginning of the employment.

Please include the amount as accurately as possible at the time of preparation.

• Considering the state of research progress and state of budget implementation, the research

budget may be increased (or decreased) halfway through the fiscal year based on the

judgment of the Research Director.

• It is possible to flexibly transfer sums to other budget item categories without obtaining

approval from JST if it fulfills the necessary requirements. (For details, see Page 15 of this

guide.)

• Even if the budget changes are deemed acceptable under the transfer restriction limit, in the

event that any major changes (such as the addition or deletion of an important research item

or dramatic course correction in pursuing the research, etc.) occur, you must confirm with

JST beforehand, regardless of the amount of transfer or the transfer itself.

Changes to the Research Plan can be made mid-year.


4. What can the Research Costs be used for?

‒ Direct costs (research costs) and indirect costs ‒

Can be used for various costs directly necessary to implement the research

*1 When new equipment is purchased, please ensure that you check in advance that it does not overlap

with useable equipment and apparatus (similar equipment and apparatus) that is already in the

possession of the research institution to which you are affiliated.

*2 Even if the multi-year lease and rental fees are paid in advance, only the amount for which the duration

has elapsed for that fiscal year can be included.

*3: For more precise details of the budget items and examples of typical usage in the Contract Research

Agreements, please refer to and check the Administrative Points to be Aware of and FAQ (in

Japanese) at the following web pages:

Universities etc. http://www.jst.go.jp/contract/download/h30/h30a301manua180801.pdf

Universities etc. FAQ http://www.jst.go.jp/contract/download/h30/h30kisokena301faq180401.pdf

Corporations etc. http://www.jst.go.jp/contract/download/h30/h30c301manua180801.pdf

Corporations etc. FAQ http://www.jst.go.jp/contract/download/h30/h30kisokenc301faq180401.pdf

■ Costs not regarded as direct costs Costs for items not consistent with the objectives and purpose of CREST research.

Personnel costs for Responsible Researchers (Research Directors, Lead Joint Researchers)

Personnel costs for those who are already covered by government funds such as Management

Expenses Grants and government subsidies to private educational institutions

Sub-contract fees that include any elements of R&D

That which usage as indirect expenses would be appropriate (which would be treated as general

administrative costs (such as management division personnel costs and so on) in ordinary corporate

auditing accounting) are included in the indirect costs.

Patent related fees (application fees, patent attorney fees, related travel expenses, procedure fees,

translation fees, etc.), annual membership fees for scientific societies, etc., and expenses arising from

the acquisition of qualifications, which will become the rights of the research institutions or

participating researchers.

Deposits, guarantees and any other monies that are expected beforehand to be refunded.

Anything for which the use of in the settlement of contract research fees and so on is deemed as

inappropriate by JST.

Item Categories in the

ContractExamples of Usage

Direct

Costs

Commodities*1Fees for research facilities, equipment, samples, existing software, books, reagents,

materials, consumable supplies for research

Travel ExpensesTravel expenses for Responsible Researchers and Research Participants, etc., specified in

the Research Plan; travel expenses for invited speakers

Personnel ExpensesSalaries, etc., for researchers specified in the Research Plan; payment to staffing agency for

temporary staff; honorariums, etc., for invited personnel

Other Expenses

Costs related to the presentation of research results (research paper submission fees, printing

costs, construction of website costs, etc.); conference costs; transportation fees; rental fees

for facilities (research implementation site); lease fees for equipment*2; costs for repair and

maintenance of equipment; printing fees; costs for outsourcing (costs for outsourcing

software, costs for inspection-related work, etc.); costs for software license use; fees for

inspection work; consumption tax equivalent for tax-exempt transactions

Overhead (Indirect) CostsIndirect costs paid at a fixed rate that are necessary expenses for the research institutions’

management etc. arising due to the implementation of the research.

■ Budget item categories in the Contract Research Agreement and examples of usage


4. What can the Research Costs be used for?

‒ Points to be aware of in using direct costs ‒

■ Travel ExpensesReasons for authorizing expenses are as follows

・Presentation of research results

・Meetings or symposiums held by JST within the Research Area of the Research Project

・Meetings within the Research Team

・Personal transfer allowance (travel expenses) of researcher employed using direct costs

・Invited specialists from non-related institutions

・Field work (observation, material sampling, field survey, etc.)

・Other reasons when deemed necessary to pursue the contract research

Persons eligible for payment are as follows

・Responsible researchers (Research Directors, Lead Joint Researchers)

・In principle, Research Participants specified in the Research Plan

・Invited specialists from non-related institutions

NB: Travel expenses for students attending academic meetings only for educational purposes who

are not presenting any research results will not be authorized.

Please refer to the rules of the research institutions and determine appropriately.

■ Personnel Expenses・Persons eligible for payment are the researchers, technical staff, research assistants, etc., who are

registered as Research Participants in the Research Plan and are directly necessary for the

accomplishment of this CREST research.

・External experts are eligible to receive honorariums.

・The following cases cannot be paid from the direct cost.

1) Personnel costs for Research Directors and Lead Joint Researchers

2) Personnel costs for those who are already covered by government funds such as Management

Expenses Grants and government subsidies to private educational institutions

■ Other ExpensesRegarding Conference Fees

・Rental fees for venues and expenses for food and beverages (excluding alcohol) can be included.

・Conferences that are subject to food and beverage expenses must satisfy the conditions of either 1)

or 2) below.

1) When hosting conferences directly related to CREST research, including workshops and

symposiums

2) When a non-related researcher (outside the team) participates in the conference

Regarding Sub-contracting

・Sub-contracting work that includes any element of R&D is not permitted.

NB: When outsourcing a custom-made software, include it under “Other Expenses.” (Existing

software should be included under “Commodities.”)

Please refer to the Instructions for further details of the points to be aware of in implementing

the research budget at the following

URL: http://www.jst.go.jp/contract/index2.html (in Japanese)



5. Can equipment be shared or combined

purchases made?

■ Sharing use of equipment

• Please keenly consider the use of mechanisms for the joint use of research facilities and

equipment within your institution of affiliation, provided this does not disrupt the

implementation of CREST research.

• However, appropriate measures need to be taken on matters such as sharing the responsibility

and cost for repairing damages and utility costs.

NB: The above also applies to the combined purchase of research equipment etc.

NB: Institutions that are classified as private companies, etc., need to apply for approval to JST

beforehand.

NB: Please refer to page 28 for precise details of the background to the system

■ Combined purchase of equipment

• There is a need to undergo preliminary confirmation by JST having first of all met the

conditions for the totaled up various funds, and clearly shown that they are a logically

explicable share of financing.

• Especially when combining the funds of multiple researchers, they will need to decide

treatment of the purchased equipment in the case of job transfer of a researcher to a separate

institution beforehand, with the secretariat of the research institute, taking the ratio for sharing

the costs into account.

• If a job transfer of a researcher to a separate institution is already known, purchasing

equipment by combining the funds of multiple researchers will not in principle be permitted.

NB: Combined use by institutions classified as private companies is not permitted.

■ How to treat other cases of combined use

Cases permitted by combining the use of direct costs of a CREST Project and other costs

from a different fund to settle the payment related to a single contract are as follows:

• Cases in which the business of a CREST project and another is combined together in a single

business trip: The travel expense can be shared appropriately between CREST and the other

project.

• Cases in which consumable supplies are purchased in bulk: The sharing usage ratio will be

specified between CREST and the other project. The cost will be divided accordingly.

• Cases where the direct cost of CREST and funds not limited in use (such as

operation/administration costs, donations, etc.) can be combined and used for CREST.

NB: Institutes classified as private companies may not acquire commodities that will be regarded

as a fixed asset by combining CREST funds and their own funds.

It should be noted that in the event of co-purchasing with another third party other than JST or

the research institute itself, it is necessary to provide written clarification that each condition is

being satisfied, and you are asked to provide the application form found at the following URL,

and undergo preliminary confirmation by JST.

URL: http://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/manual/index.html (in Japanese)

Sharing use of equipment and/or combined purchases is possible.

http://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/manual/index.html


6. Transferring sums to other budget item

categories

■ Procedure in cases when transferring budget items requires confirmation by

JST• When the amount of the transferred budget in each item category to be transferred for that year

exceeds 50% of the total direct cost and is more than 5 million yen, it becomes necessary to

obtain prior approval from JST (and Research Supervisor).

Application Procedures for Transferring Budget Items

1) Responsible researchers will notify the JST personnel by mail regarding the contents and

reasons for the transfer.*

2) The JST (and Research Supervisor) will decide if the transfer is necessary to pursue the

research..

3) JST will notify the Responsible Researchers regarding the decision.

*When contacting JST beforehand, please submit the Budget Transfer Application Form found here:

Form https://www.jst.go.jp/contract/download/h30/h30s520keiri180401y.docx

Example https://www.jst.go.jp/contract/download/h30/h30s520keiri180401m.pdf

■ Requirements to enable transfer without JST’s approval

• Even if the budget changes are deemed acceptable under the transfer restriction limit, in the event

that any major changes (such as the addition or deletion of an important research item or dramatic

course correction in pursuing the research, etc.) occur, you must confirm with JST beforehand,

regardless of the amount of transfer or the transfer itself.*

• Depending on the content of transfer, JST personnel may later confirm the details.

• Transferrable budget items are defined as the four items on Page 12 of Direct Costs in the

Research Contract, which are: Commodities, Travel Expenses, Personnel Expenses, and Other

Expenses. When budget items are transferred, it is not necessary to modify the Research Plan.

It is possible to flexibly transfer sums to other budget item categories if it fulfills the necessary requirements.

When the amount of the transferred budget in each item category for the corresponding year

does not exceed 50% of the total direct costs (or 5 million yen if 50% of the total direct costs

is less than 5 million yen)

Case studies

Case 1) Total direct costs of 20 million yen, total transferred to other budget items: 13 million yen

=> Prior permission required: (20 million yen x 50% > 5 million yen → in principle sums up to 10 million

yen do not require prior permission)

Case 2) Total direct costs of 20 million yen, total transferred to other budget items: 6 million yen

=> Prior permission unnecessary: (20 million yen x 50% > 5 million yen → in principle sums up to 10

million yen do not require prior permission)

Case 3) Total direct costs of 8 million yen, total transferred to other budget items 6 million yen

=> Prior permission required: (8 million yen x 50% < 5 million yen → in principle sums up to 5 million yen

do not require prior permission)

Case 4 ) Total direct costs of 4 million yen, total transferred to other budget items 2.5 million yen

=> Prior permission unnecessary: (4 million yen x 50% < 5 million yen → in principle sums up to 5 million

yen do no require prior permission.

*The examples of cases 2 and 4 above where prior permission is unnecessary are based on the assumption that there

will be no major changes to the research plan.


7. Carryover budget to the following fiscal year (1)

During JST’s mid- to long-term plan period (FY2017-2021)

■ What is subject to carryover?

It is possible to carry over the unused budget of these direct costs on the assumption that it will be

used effectively and systematically as the research fund for the following year in cases where

unused direct costs become clear at the FY end period (e.g., overtime fees, consumable supply

fees, differences in prospective consumption tax equivalents, which are all unpredictable at the

time of planning).

Simple budget excess and unused funds do not fit into the category above; thus, they will not be

subject to budget carryover.

■ Carryover procedures according to the period when it becomes clear

1. Carryover identified prior to the end of the 3rd quarter (Apr – end of Dec) : Prior consultation

required

Universities etc.

1) In case of carryover without conclusion of agreement (a*) :

In principle, unused funds are returned to JST for the time being upon the conclusion of a revised

agreement. If the carryover is then approved, the funds are transferred back in the next project year.

2) In case of carryover funds with a concluded agreement (b*) :

In principle it is possible to carry over research expenses at the research institution retaining them

without having to return the funds due to contractual alterations.

NB: With regard to carryovers identified by the third quarter of the year, the Responsible Researchers

should consult with the JST personnel beforehand. In the event that the carryover is not approved the

party in question must then follow either of the procedures (1) or (2) above.

Corporations etc.

In the event that there is a need to use direct costs totaling over 100,000 yen during the next project

year, the responsible researchers are requested to consult with the personnel in charge of this matter at

JST by the third quarter of the year. In the event that permission is granted for the use of the funds

during the next project year, the Contract Research funds are returned to JST for the time being upon

the conclusion of a revised agreement, and the funds (budgets) will be transferred back for the next

project year.

By entering a multi-year Contract Research Agreement, research funds can be carried over

with simple procedures.

Although specified items in the Research Plan needed to be revised, due to unpredictable and

unavoidable reasons, the implementation of these items is necessary the following year to

pursue the research objective made possible by budget carryover.

(*a) Carryover without conclusion of agreement:

Both the concluded agreement for procurement of items, or delivery and receipt and inspection, shall

be regarded as matters for the next project year.

(*b) Carryover funds with a concluded agreement:

The concluded agreement for procurement of items expires within the project year in question, but the

delivery and receipt and inspection shall be regarded as matters for the next project year.


2. Carryovers identified in the fourth and final quarter

Universities etc.

In principle it is possible to carry over research expenses at the research institution retaining them

without having to return the funds due to contractual alterations.

*Note that with regard to carryovers identified in the fourth quarter, the reasons etc. for these

carryovers do not have to be reported to JT beforehand, and research institutions are requested to deal

with these matters in an appropriate manner an at their own discretion.

Corporations etc.

It is possible for corporations etc. to carry over Research Contract funds with a ceiling equivalent to

direct costs of a maximum of 100,000 yen to which the sum of corresponding indirect costs are added,

on the proviso that they are to be effectively used over the next year as directly essential costs for the

execution of the project.

NB: Please refer to the below for precise details:

Administrative Points to be Aware of in Documents Related to the Contract Research Agreement

(Corporations)

http://www.jst.go.jp/contract/download/h30/h30c301manua180801.pdf

■ Points to be aware of

NB: Regardless of when they are identified, in the event that carryovers arise that will have a major

impact on Research Plans, or the stagnation of research funds is expected, the responsible researchers

are requested to swiftly consult with the personnel in charge of this matter at JST. Taking into

consideration the situation, it may then be necessary to review Research Plans and budgets.

NB: JST may conduct investigations into the state of execution of the research, including projected

carryovers, and your cooperation on such occasions will be appreciated. In the course of these

investigations there might be cases, according to the details of carryovers and the period of their

identification, in which upon the concluding of a revised agreement the research funds are returned to

JST for the time being, and then transferred back as part of the research costs (budget) for the

following year. Researchers are asked for their cooperation as this enables JST to effectively use funds

by allotting them to research issues that require funding within ongoing project years.

NB: Use the amount of the carryovers of the fiscal year in “Accounting Form 1: Contract Research

Result Report (and Report on Settlement of Account)” to make a report on the amount carried over

without returning it to JST and thus retained by the research institution. There is no specific form for a

separate report concerning carry-overs.

7. Carryover budget to the following fiscal year (2)During JST’s mid- to long-term plan period (FY2017-2021)

1st quarter 2nd quarter 3rd quarter 4th quarter Next fiscal year

1) Carryover funds without conclusion of agreement: In principle, transferred as part of the budget for the next year (prior consultation required/conclusion of revised agreement)

2) Carryover funds with a concluded agreement: (prior consultation required/conclusion of revised agreement not requisite)

3) In principle, when there is carryover at a research institution a revised agreement is not requisite.


8. What happens in case of job transfer or reassignment?

■ Case where Research Director and/or Lead Joint Researcher transfers to

another research institute

• The Contract Research Agreement with the original research institution will be cancelled,

and a new Agreement will be concluded with the new research institution. Please contact

JST immediately once the transfer becomes clear.

• JST will request the return of the research contract funds from the original institution and

reallocate it to the new institution, so please contact JST immediately and revise the

Research Plans.

• The Contract Research Agreement stipulates that the commodities acquired through direct

costs should be handed over to the research institution to which one is newly transferred.

Depending on the category of the research institution (universities, etc., or private

companies, etc.) the transfer procedure for acquired commodities differs, so please consult

the clerical staff in charge at your research institution.

This assumes that the Research Director is affiliated to a domestic research institution and that

he/she will take responsibility in leading the research as mentioned on Page 7.

■ Case where the department name or job title of the Research Director and/or

Lead Joint Researcher changes

• Notification to JST in the designated format is necessary. Please contact your clerical staff

to enact the necessary procedures.

Even if transferred to another research institution, it is possible to continue the CREST

Research Project.


9. Regarding the promotion of diversity

Handling the matter

during the life event

period

It is possible for someone to take the role of Research Director

and/or Lead Joint Researcher and continue the research on their

behalf.

Extension of

ResearchNo extensions are allowed.

Handling of Research

FundsNo changes to be made.

Guidelines for the management of CREST research funds at the time of life events

occurring to Research Directors and Lead Joint Researchers

NB: Duration of Life Events

・Childbirth: 6 weeks before birth (14 for multiples) and 8 weeks after birth

・Childrearing: A continuous period until the child’s 1st birthday

・Nursing Care: Period approved necessary during a continuous 6 month duration

JST implements a research and life event balance support policy (gender equality expenses

assistance to encourage R&D by researchers in question and mitigate the burdens placed upon

them). The objective of this is to allow researchers to continue their R&D without having to

take a break in their career in the occurrence of life events (such as childbirth, child-raising

and nursing care), and in cases in which they have no choice but to take time of work, allow

them to return to their research when they are ready and carry on with their subsequent

careers. Please refer to the following website for further details.

• JST initiatives aimed at diversity in research activities

http://www.jst.go.jp/diversity/en/index.html

• CREST/PRESTO initiatives aimed at promoting diversity (in Japanese)

http://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/nadeshiko/index.html

Regarding the life events of researchers participating in CREST

Those who are employed as full-time researchers or, at the time of application, will definitely

be employed during the term during which support is provided, and who are either pregnant, or

rearing children who have yet to enter elementary school, or are devoting the majority of their

time to caring for somebody while continuing with their research can use the Childbirth,

Child-raising, Nursing Care Support System, which is funded from the research budgets

(indirect expenses) of JST projects. Under this system, gender-equal society promotion funds

will be paid to the researcher receiving support in order to encourage research and contribute to

alleviating the burdens placed upon the recipient researchers.

http://www.jst.go.jp/diversity/about/research/index.html

http://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/nadeshiko/index.html


10. Towards the promotion of fair and honest

research

In the case that any misconduct in research activities or inappropriate usage of research funding is uncovered, the

details will be closely scrutinized, the contract research may be cancelled, all or part of the project’s research

funding returned, and measures taken to publicize the facts of the matter.

Responsible Researchers and Research Participants must take responsibility for the proper and appropriate

execution of the contract research funding in accordance with the rules, etc., of the affiliated institutions.

The participants in a research who have been listed in the Research Plans are obliged to take part in the research

ethics study (CITI Japan e-Learning) (a partial exemption available). To add and list research participants in a

Research Plan, consider the extra time for taking part in the CITI Japan e-Learning, and add and list them by the

third semester whenever doing so is possible. (In particular, consider this when there is a student who graduates

or finishes his or her course in the year.) In addition, if JST has determined that the provided measures are

insufficient, for example, because the person who is supposed to participate in the CITI Japan E-Learning does

not participate in such a course in spite of repetitious reminders, then some necessary measures may be taken,

including stopping the provision of the whole or a part of the contract research funding etc.

In order to prevent misconduct or inappropriate behavior in research activities, the autonomous

self-cleansing function of the science community is required. Each and every researcher needs to

undertake the task of creating new intelligence and inventing valuable innovations for society

with a strong sense of morality, thus living up to the expectations of society.

As an agency distributing research funds, JST takes the matter of misconduct in research activities

very seriously. JST is taking all steps possible to restore public trust with the cooperation of

related organizations.

1. JST believes that fair and honest research activities are extremely important to Japan in its aim

to become a scientific and technological nation.

2. JST will support honest and responsible research activities.

3. JST will take strict measures against misconduct in research activities.

4. JST will cooperate with related organizations to take steps to promote the ethics

education of research and reform the distribution system of research funds.

In order to achieve a bright future full of ambition and hope, we need to develop a healthy

scientific culture based on the trust of society. We request the continuing understanding and

cooperation of the research community and related organizations.

The homepage regarding JST’s research integrity is at the following

URL: http://www.jst.go.jp/researchintegrity/index.html (in Japanese)

http://www.jst.go.jp/researchintegrity/index.html


11. Handling of research results‒ Submitting research results through research papers or oral presentations ‒

When reporting on research results, please indicate that you received support from CREST.

■ Please indicate under “Acknowledgements” that you received support from

CREST as shown in the following example.

* Inquire with the personnel in charge of this matter at JST about the grant numbers, and lists of

grant numbers

http://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/manual/index.html (in Japanese)

■ You no longer need to write “CREST, JST” in the author affiliation (starting

from the second half of 2015).

Example acknowledgement

This work was supported by JST CREST Grant Number JPxxxxxxxx, Japan.

Please consider applying for patents before making announcements.

*Please refer to page 24 of this guide

■ If a new invention is created from CREST research, please consider thoroughly its patent

application so that the invention will be protected, together with the purpose of returning the

results back to society.

■ Patent applications should be made before making announcements to the outside world;

otherwise, its novelty will be lost and it will become difficult to acquire a patent.

(In Japan, if the patent application is made within 6 months of the announcement, there are

cases where special exceptions are made on the issue of novelty loss, but it may become

impossible to obtain a patent in Europe and other foreign countries.)

■ With regard to the application for or transfer of intellectual property rights, please ensure that

the prior application and various notifications to JST are made, within the stated term, as per

the stipulations of the Contract Research Agreement and this guide, coordinate the requisite

rules and systems within your research institution, and be thorough in ensuring that there are

no oversights or lateness.

When indicating, please use either “CREST, JST” or “CREST, Japan Science and Technology

Agency” and not just “JST” or “CREST” alone.



11. Handling of research results‒ Announcements made to the outside world, press releases ‒

・After taking into consideration if the research is in accordance with the Research Plan, its novelty,

the impact of the results, the timing of announcing the research paper, etc., and obtaining the

approval of the Research Supervisor, JST may issue a press release at the MEXT Press Club.

・Since it will take approximately two weeks to make preparations at JST and MEXT, please contact

JST as soon as possible once you receive a positive indication regarding the acceptance of the

research paper.

(Complete the requisite items in the Basic Press Information Sheet and contact the personnel in charge of this

matter at JST)


・The basic style of a press release is 1) a joint press release with JST, with your affiliated institution

as the main author, 2) a joint press release with your affiliated institution with JST as the main

author, 3) a solo press release by your affiliated institution.

・Press release formats are either a lecture announcement by the researcher(s) or an announcement

by handing out written material only.

・Please create press releases that can be readily understood by the media and general public.

・When you receive an interview separately regarding a CREST Research Project from the press, etc.

(not confined to a press conference), please inform the JST personnel.(Complete the requisite details on the Interview Notification Form and contact the personnel in charge of this

matter at JST.)


When a significant research result is obtained, press releases can be made with the approval

of the Research Supervisor

□Publishing Research Papers, Oral Presentations

□Intellectual Property Rights

□Symposiums, Workshops, etc.

■ JST encourages active report of the research results both domestically and internationally.

■ The reports will be an index of interim and post-completion evaluations.

□ Research Reports

□ Press Releases, etc.

□ Other Outreach Activities

There are a total of 33 news media in the MEXT press club!

Kyodo News Service, Nikkei, Asahi Shimbun, Mainichi Shimbun, Yomiuri Shimbun,

Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) … etc.

(However, where it will be announced depends on the contents and release method.)

The support or co-hosting of JST for an event requires

procedures to be completed in advance

・ In order to use JST’s name in a JST supported or co-hosted event, you need to follow certain

procedures.

・ Please send a letter or request with specifications about the event under your immediate manager’s

name to the Director, Department of Innovation Research and send it to the JST personnel (the

person to whom it should be addressed may differ according to the format of support you are

receiving so please send it first of all to the personnel in charge of this matter at JST).

・ If you need to use the JST and/or CREST logo marks, please consult the personnel in charge of this

matter at JST.




The Cabinet’s “Expert Panel on Open Science, based on Global Perspectives” published its

report entitled “Promoting Open Science in Japan” in March 2015. The report compiles the

Cabinet’s basic stance and policy on open science. The report stipulates that governmental

ministries and agencies, institutions distributing funds, universities and research institutions

and so on will formulate guidelines and action plans for implementation of open science.

Moreover, the Fifth Science and Technology Basic Plan approved in January 2016 by the

Cabinet, states that publicly funded research results will be utilized to their absolute maximum

and that this will be Japan’s basic stance on open science promotion.

Based on this trend, JST published in April 2017 the JST Policy on Open Access to Research

Publications and Research Data Management. This policy stipulates JST’s specific philosophy

regarding providing open access to scientific papers arising from the research and the storage,

management and publicizing of research data.

With regard to research results (papers) obtained through the CREST projects, it is

recommended that in principle they are made public through institutional repositories and

publications presupposing open access.

Researchers who have been selected as researchers for the new research areas decided upon

from FY2016 onwards are requested to create data management plans detailing their plan and

policy for the storage, management, publicizing or non-publicity of research data arising as

research results, and submit these plans and policies along with their Research Plans to JST.

Furthermore, they are requested to store, manage and implement the publicizing of research

data in line with these data management plans.

See below for further details.

○ JST Policy on Open Access to Research Publications and Research Data Management:

http://www.jst.go.jp/EN/about/openscience/index.html

○ Data Management Policy for Strategic Basic Research Programs

https://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/en/manual/data_houshin_en.pdf

Please ensure open access to your research results (papers).

11. Handling of research results

‒ Open access to research papers and data management ‒

Please create and implement a data management plan.

http://www.jst.go.jp/EN/about/openscience/index.html

https://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/en/manual/data_houshin_en.pdf



‒ Intellectual property rights ‒

■ Various application and report obligations of research institutions to JST

When applying, filing, transferring, registering, licensing or renouncing patents to a

Third Party, prior application or reporting from affiliated institutions to JST is necessary.

For details, refer to the following Instructions:


■ Utilizing JST’s academic-industry collaboration and technology transfer-

related system

・ Other than CREST, which is related to “creating new technology,” JST operates

competitive funding to promote the various support systems for technology transfer and

ensuring the research results are made use of in society, related to the commercialization

of new technology. (Examples are shown below.)

We have high hopes that the research results acquired through CREST will lead to such

practical use by utilizing such systems.

・ Programs to Promote the Utilization of University IP (Patent Acquisition Support) :

Support will be given for the costs of applying for overseas patents with the university as

the patent holder in the case of university patent applications in which there is a good

chance that ensuring the university retains the patent will lead to future technological

transfers and patent usage.

https://www.jst.go.jp/chizai/about.html

・Adoptable and Seamless Technology Transfer Program through Target-driven R&D

(A-STEP): Support system for technology transfer for a broad R&D phase, born from

research results in university and public research institutions, aiming at practical use.

http://www.jst.go.jp/tt/

The intellectual property rights of patents, etc., shall, in accordance with Contract ResearchAgreement terms, basically reside with the research institutions of the inventor. Theacquisition and utilization of intellectual property rights are to be conducted appropriately bythe research institution while reporting the status to JST.

NB: Patent attorney fees and patent application fees can be deducted from the overhead

(indirect) costs of the contracted research fee.

NB: However, if the research institute decides not to patent the research, then JST has the

right to do so. (Since considering whether to apply for a patent and necessary preparations

take a considerable amount of time, please inform JST as soon as your institution decides

not to do so.)




‒ Research Reports ‒

The research report will be the basis of materials when the Research Supervisor needs to

understand the progress of the research, and make evaluations.

1. Research result data

Please cooperate if you are requested to report the numbers of submitted research papers,

oral presentations, patent applications, etc., during the middle of the fiscal year in a

designated format.

2. Research Implementation Report

At approximately the end of each fiscal year, you are requested to prepare a Research

Implementation Report that the Research Supervisor reviews. Major parts of this report

will be compiled as an Annual Report and made available to the general public on JST’s

website, etc.

3. Interim Research Implementation Report

Approximately three years after the research commences, an interim evaluation will take

place. You are requested to prepare the Interim Research Report, which will be the basis of

materials for the interim evaluation.

4. Post-completion Research Report

This should be prepared when the Research Project ends. It will include all research results

together with the purpose of revealing the possible spillover effects expected in the future.

It will be the basic material for the post-completion evaluation of the Research Project.

The contents of this report will be made publicly available on JST’s website, etc.

In preparing the four reports mentioned above, the Research Director must prepare a

compiled version of whole Research Team.

The Annual Reports and post-completion Reports prepared to date and open to the public

are available at the following URLs:

For Annual Reports: http://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/research/nenpou/index.html (in

Japanese)

For Post-completion Reports: http://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/research/s-

houkoku/index.html (in Japanese)

http://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/research/nenpou/index.html

http://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/research/s-houkoku/index.html


12. Research evaluation

‒ Evaluation of the Research Projects and Research Areas ‒

Project Evaluations are evaluations of the Research Projects (where the Research Directors are

the object of evaluation).

Research Area Evaluations are evaluations of the Research Areas (where the Research

Supervisors are the object of evaluation).

■ Project evaluation: Pre-commencement, interim, and post-completion

evaluation

The pre-commencement (project selection), interim, and post-completion evaluations

will be made for each project and performed by the Research Supervisor enlisting the

cooperation of Research Area Advisors and other outside evaluators.

Interim evaluation

・ In cases in which the research term is five-and-a-half years, an interim evaluation will be

performed approximately three years after commencing the project. For projects less

than five years in duration, an interim evaluation may be performed based on the policy

of the Research Supervisor.

・ The state of research progress and results for each project should be grasped. Based on

the results, the project will be subject to appropriate resource reallocations and Research

Plan revisions, etc. Depending on the results of the evaluation, increases or decreases in

research budgets or changes in the Research Team structure will be made according to

necessity. On occasion, there may be cases in which a Research Project is terminated at

an early stage.

Post-completion evaluation

・A post-completion evaluation will be performed in the final FY of the research. The

implementation state of the research, research results, and disseminating effects should

be disclosed and aimed at contributing to the improvement of future research

developments and administration.

・Evaluations will be conducted on the state of research results such as: outside

announcements, patents, acquisition of new knowledge, and how the acquired research

results contribute to science and technology.

■ Research area evaluation: Pre-commencement, interim, and post-completion

evaluation

Outside experts selected by JST will evaluate the Research Area focusing on how the

Strategic Objectives were achieved and how the Research Supervisor conducted the

research management.

■ Past project evaluations and Research Area evaluations are open to the

public on JST’s homepage

The evaluation results published thus far can be seen at the following website:

http://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/evaluation/index.html (in Japanese)

http://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/evaluation/index.html


13. Points to be aware of in implementing the

research and other matters

■ Reporting accidentsShould any accident occur in the course of the contracted research or any researcher be injured

in the accident, please notify JST in writing immediately.

■ Measures on bioethics and safety assurance Regarding research in life science,

please observe the laws, ministerial ordinances, and ethical guidelines, etc. Refer

to URL:

Refer to URL: http://www.lifescience.mext.go.jp/bioethics/index.html (in Japanese)

■Handling consent/cooperation of other parties necessary for the projectIn the case that, in implementing a research initiative, research requiring the

consent/cooperation of other parties and research requiring special care in handling personal

information is involved, be sure to carry out the necessary procedures to protect civil rights

and interests.

■ Security export control (Measures against the leakage of technology

internationally)

To ensure that the results of cutting-edge research do not fall into the wrong hands of

developers of weapons of mass destruction or terrorist groups or people who might divert the

usage for militant purposes, please observe the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act

(Foreign Exchange Act) and other laws, ministerial ordinances, and notices issued by

government ministries and agencies.

Refer to URL: http://www.meti.go.jp/policy/anpo/englishpage.html

■ Research activities abroad and access to biological genetic resourcesWhen conducting research activities in the field abroad or international joint research, please

confirm and observe the related laws of that country beforehand. Also, in the event of a

transfer of biological genetic resources or other research materials, please conclude a

Material Transfer Agreement (MTA).

■ Information may be provided to the Cabinet Office through the Cross-

ministerial R&D Management System (e-Rad)

Through the e-Rad system that MEXT administers and operates, there may be cases where

we need to provide information to the Cabinet Office. In such cases, we may need to ask for

your cooperation in the preparation of such information, which may include entering the

amount of settlement, the information on results (publication of papers etc.), and so on.

■ Proactive participation and activities of young researchers

Research Directors and Lead Joint Researchers must realize that they bear a huge

responsibility to the future of young researchers who participate or become employed by

CREST. They will be asked to consider the post-completion careers of young researchers and

cooperate in supporting their various careers so that the young researchers may use their

expertise widely in the industryacademia-government area.

http://www.lifescience.mext.go.jp/bioethics/index.html

http://www.meti.go.jp/policy/anpo/index.html


13. Points to be aware of in implementing the

research and other matters

■ Regarding the effective use of currently available research facilities and equipment

In a document issued in November 2015 entitled “Regarding the Introduction of a Joint Use System for

New Research Facilities and Equipment that Integrates Research Organizations’ Management” the

Council for Science and Technology’s Technology and Research Foundations Section demanded the

operation at universities and national research institutions of an organization-level joint use system for

research facilities and equipment. Furthermore, on June 24, 2015, MEXT’s Review Committee on Reform

of Competitive Research Funding stated in a document entitled “Regarding the Reform of Competitive

Funding towards the Sustainable Creation of Research Results (interim report)” that it would be

“appropriate in principle to share large facilities and equipment purchased with competitive funds.” See

below for further details (in Japanese).

Refer to URL: http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/gijyutu/gijyutu17/houkoku/1366220.htm

Refer to URL: http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/chousa/shinkou/039/gaiyou/1359306.htm

■ Dialogue with citizens on science and technology

Researchers are asked to actively engage in “Dialogue with Citizens on Science and Technology” and

explain in their own words the purpose, contents, and research results of their Research Projects to

promote citizen understanding.

Refer to URL: http://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/output/20100619taiwa.pdf (in Japanese)

■ Registration on researchmap

About 268,000 researchers (as of July 2018) have registered on “researchmap,” which is a comprehensive

guide to Japanese researchers. You can easily register your achievements by uploading them from outside

databases. The registered achievements can be used when applying for competitive funds through eRad. It

will also be useful in the public access to your achievement information, so we recommend registering.

Refer to URL: http://researchmap.jp/?lang=english

■ Using JREC-IN Portal

You can use JREC-IN Portal when soliciting for research staff (post-doctoral fellows, researchers, etc.)

who have highly sophisticated knowledge.

Refer to URL: https://jrecin.jst.go.jp/seek/SeekTop?ln=1

■ Using the service of the National Bioscience Database Center (NBDC)

Please register your research data with the following services provided by the NBDC to enhance the

presence of your research results and let people quote them in the future.

○ Life Science Database Archive (https://dbarchive.biosciencedbc.jp/)

This archive lists data sets from the field of life science free of charge and makes them available without

any limitations on period. When they accept data, the researchers of the NBDC help you organize your

data so that there will be greater access it.

○ NBDC Human Database (https://humandbs.biosciencedbc.jp/en/)

This database is a repository of nucleotide sequence data, mutation data, gene expression data, epigenome

data, etc. from human-derived specimens. You can acquire an accession number for registering your

papers.

Contact information: nbdc-kikaku＠jst.go.jp

http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/gijyutu/gijyutu17/houkoku/1366220.htm

http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/chousa/shinkou/039/gaiyou/1359306.htm

http://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/output/20100619taiwa.pdf

http://researchmap.jp/?lang=english

https://jrecin.jst.go.jp/seek/SeekTop?ln=1

https://dbarchive.biosciencedbc.jp/

https://humandbs.biosciencedbc.jp/en/

CREST Guide (August 2018 version)

【 For inquiries 】Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)

Department of Innovation Research E-mail : crest＠jst.go.jp

TEL：03-3512-3531 ／ FAX：03-3222-2066

You can confirm the latest CREST Guide and Research Plan Forms

and Research Implementation Report Forms at the following URL:

http://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/en/manual/index.html

Administrative Points to be Aware of or when executing research

funds can be found in the Instructions for administrative procedures at

the following URL:


