The Matsumae International Foundation’s Research Fellowship Program is particularly geared toward enhancing Japan’s foreign relations with other nations and ensuring the preservation of mankind. As a rule, the fellowship period is six months of research in Japan with an institution of the fellow’s choosing. Fellows must hold a Ph.D., must be at the age of 45 years old or younger, and must have an interest in solving major problems facing humanity. Fellows in the fields of natural science, engineering, and medicine will be given priority.