#Japan #Osaka #diabetes research #periodontal disease #Sunstar Foundation

Sunstar Foundation Opens Applications for Overseas Scholarships in Diabetes and Periodontal Disease Research

The Sunstar Foundation, headquartered in Takatsuki City, Osaka, is set to begin accepting applications for its overseas scholarship program starting April 1, 2026. This initiative aims to support young researchers in the fields of medicine and dentistry who wish to study abroad focusing on diabetes and periodontal disease research.

Initiated in 2009, this scholarship program, named after Hiroo Kaneda, has already enabled 22 researchers to pursue their studies overseas. The areas of research eligible for the scholarship include understanding and preventing diabetes, its complications, and related diseases, as well as studying the pathophysiology and prevention of periodontal disease and its links to systemic diseases. Both basic and clinical research are encouraged.

The application window will be open until July 15, 2026. The scholarships provide a total funding of $110,000 and 1,000,000 yen to cover travel and living expenses for up to two years at world-renowned institutions. The primary location for study is the Joslin Diabetes Center affiliated with Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. Applicants can also select other medical or dental research institutions of their choice.

In conjunction with this announcement, the Sunstar Foundation released interview videos featuring five returning researchers discussing their scholarship experiences, available on their official website. Additionally, a ceremony will be held in February at Sunstar Communication Park in Takatsuki City to honor Dr. Masaomi Miura from the University of Tokyo’s Department of Diabetes and Metabolism, who will embark on his studies this year.

Sunstar Foundation continues to foster research that elucidates the link between oral and systemic health and aims to support interdisciplinary training that contributes to enhanced healthcare outcomes through collaborative efforts.

Application Guidelines Overview:

- Eligibility: Individuals who obtained a Ph.D. within five years as of April 1, 2026 (those who received their degrees on or after April 2, 2021).
- Research Areas: Basic and clinical application research in the following fields:

- Studies aiming to understand and prevent diabetes and its complications as well as related diseases.
- Research focused on understanding the pathophysiology of periodontal tissues, preventive measures for periodontal disease, and examining its relations to systemic diseases.

- Number of Scholarships: Two (generally, one in the medical field and one in the dental field).
- Application Period: April 1, 2026 – July 15, 2026.
- Study Locations: Joslin Diabetes Center at Harvard Medical School in Boston, or other preferred medical or dental research institutions.
- Funding Support: Up to two years of funding covering:

- Travel expenses: ¥1,000,000
- Return expenses: $10,000
- Living expenses: $100,000

For more details, the following links provide specific application information and insights into previous scholarship receivers and their research outcomes:

About Sunstar Foundation

Founded in 2011 as the Sunstar Foundation, it has evolved from its predecessor, the Sunstar Dental Health Promotion Foundation, established in 1977. The foundation aims to enhance oral and overall health by conducting research, providing educational initiatives, and promoting the interrelation of oral health and systemic well-being. With projects encompassing dental practice, health education, and research grants, the foundation contributes to health promotion on local, national, and international levels.