Hiroshima University has been selected as an implementing organization for the Japan Science and Technology Agency’s (JST) “Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next-Generation” program, and as a result, has implemented the Program for Developing and Supporting the Next-Generation of Innovative Researchers at Hiroshima University. This program aims to provide an environment where doctoral students can devote themselves to their research with peace of mind, and grow as doctorates to bring scientific and technological innovations to Japanese society in the future and contribute to the sustainable development of the international community.

At Hiroshima University, 199 students were accepted as the support recipients for FY2021 from across all the doctoral student grades. This support recipients figure ranks as the 10th largest from amongst the 40 universities originally selected by JST. Furthermore, as the only university in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions with over 100 support recipients, HU is ranked highest after Kyoto University, Osaka University, and Kyushu University in western Japan.
In FY2022, new applications are in principle planned to be accepted from students who will newly enroll in a doctoral course.

This program seeks to develop human resources who have a broad perspective and knowledge and can contribute to the achievement of SDGs + Beyond and promote efforts to improve the world using their comprehensive power, consisting of excellent judgment and action.
The selected Next-Generation Fellows will be provided with financial support that consists of stipends (equivalent to living expenses), to allow them to concentrate on their research, and research funds. Furthermore, opportunities to undertake study abroad for research at overseas research institutes, improve their research capabilities, and other various initiatives related to career development and human resource development will also be provided. In addition, the Next-Generation Fellows will independently plan and manage the newly established “Ph.D. Society” (tentative name) to deepen the exchanges amongst the Next-Generation Fellows and take the initiative in improving their research capabilities.

As a result of the discussions held by the students, the official name of the “Ph.D. Society (tentative name)” was decided to be the “Hiroshima University Society of Ph.D. student for Reformatory and Innovative Next Generation (HU SPRING)”.