The Ishibashi Foundation Network Leader Fellowship Programme 2026

🏛️ About the Programme

The Ishibashi Foundation Network Leader Fellowship Programme is an international fellowship designed for early career researchers specializing in Japanese arts and Japanese visual culture.

Sponsor Organization

• Sainsbury Institute (SISJAC)

🎁 Benefits

Participants of the fellowship will receive:

• Financial support of £7500 for a well-defined individual research project for the academic year 2026/27 (Note: This funding cannot be used for living expenses).
• Online mentoring and training sessions in the field of Japanese arts throughout one academic year.
• Access to extended professional networks of the Sainsbury Institute to develop the fellow’s research project and support career development.
• A one-week trip to the UK in summer 2027, including an academic programme, museum visits, and a research symposium (funded separately in addition to the research funding).

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Open to PhD candidates and early postdocs (up to two years post-PhD) specializing in Japanese arts or fields related to Japan’s visual culture, from anywhere in the world.
• In countries where PhD programmes in Japanese or Asian art are limited, applications from early career curators or art professionals working with Japanese arts (up to five years of professional experience) will be considered.
• Priority will be given to scholars from regions without established centres for the study of Japanese arts (outside Western Europe, North America, and Japan). However, all applications will be reviewed.
• Applicants should demonstrate:
  • Exceptional academic potential
  • A strong interest in Japanese visual cultures
  • Necessary language training
  • Clearly defined project goals
  • A vision for their future career trajectory

📋 Application Process

Applicants must submit the following materials in PDF format:

1. CV (including language skills).
2. One letter of recommendation:
   • From the home institution (PhD supervisor).
   • For scholars not affiliated with PhD programmes, a professional reference attesting to experience working with Japanese arts is required.
3. A 5-page proposal including:
   • Background and training in Japanese studies and art.
   • Motivation for applying and how your profile fits into the framework of the project.
   • Outline of the proposed project (with clear goals and objectives achievable within one year, which may relate to your PhD project).
   • Project timeline.
   • Draft budget.
   • Type of support required from the Sainsbury Institute to realize your project.
   • Explanation of how your project will enhance global studies of Japanese arts.

Submission Instructions

• Email application materials to: sisjac@sainsbury-institute.org.
• Letters of recommendation should be sent directly by the referee to the same email address.

📅 Application Deadline

31 May, 2026

🌐 Contact Information

For inquiries or further details, email: sisjac@sainsbury-institute.org

• Financial support of £7500 for a well-defined individual research project for the academic year 2026/27; this funding cannot be used for living expenses.
• Online mentoring and training sessions in the field of Japanese arts over the course of one academic year.
• Access to the extended professional networks of the Sainsbury Institute to develop the fellow’s research project and support career development.
• A one-week trip to the UK in summer 2027, including an academic programme, museum visits, and research symposium, to be funded separately in addition to the research funding outlined above.