The first-year package is slated at around 20 billion yen, contingent on presenting an approved improvement plan.

Post-designation, the ministry will periodically review Kyoto University to assess plan implementation and adjust grants or continued support as needed.

Ongoing monitoring will influence future grant decisions based on how the university implements its plan.

Kyoto University’s plan had been under refinement but met certification criteria, with implementation timing fixed as of last December.

A core reform involves moving away from insular, professor-led seminars toward a department-based structure to nurture younger researchers’ independence.

The plan includes abolishing small laboratory groups led by individual professors and reorganizing into about 20 department units by field to boost collaboration and competitiveness.

By shifting to department-based organization, the university aims to strengthen research independence and cross-field collaboration.

Kyoto University is set to become the third recipient of Japan’s flagship research-aid program, after certification as a University for International Research Excellence.

Education authorities plan to certify Kyoto University by the end of the summer, unlocking access to a portion of the 10 trillion yen fund designed to bolster top-tier research institutions.

Education Minister Yohei Matsumoto described Kyoto University as poised to model dramatic growth and lead globally as a premier research university.

Initial annual support is planned at about 20 billion yen, contingent on submission and approval of an improvement plan.

The designation could be formalized by summer’s end, enabling up to 25 years of support with annual subsidies around 20 billion yen for fiscal 2026.