CLOSERecently, there have been a number of instances of inappropriate use of research funds (including Next Generation Plus) from the Cross-Border Project.
As stated in the guidelines and FAQs, the ownership of items purchased with the project funds belongs to the university. They are not the property of the selected students. In principle, the goods cannot be used at home, and therefore, the goods cannot be delivered to the student’s home.
When using research funds, please make purchases after careful consideration of the purpose of use and whether the purchase method is appropriate. In particular, goods and general-purpose items that are not indispensable for conducting research cannot be paid for from this project’s research funds.
Please note that if items are regarded unsuitable to be paid from this project, the applicant, in principle, will be asked to pay for the items regardless of the amount of money even after purchase.
Inappropriate examples:
- Computers, tablets, etc. intended for use other than research
- Fixtures (desks, bookshelves, etc.) *Except for items deemed essential for the installation of experimental equipment, etc.
- Office supplies (paper, stationery, etc.)
- Souvenirs for participants of questionnaires
- Plastic bags for purchasing goods, etc.
Items that are suspected to be for personal use cannot be purchased from this expense!
Do not take purchased items home!
The items should be delivered to the laboratory, not to your home!
Please review the guidelines and FAQs before using your research funds.
Also, if you are in doubt about whether an expense can be spent, please be sure to contact the secretariat before placing an order or making a purchase.
(See also: Guidelines) 4. Use of research funds
4-1. Foreword
Keep in mind that research funds are covered by the precious taxes from the people. You must use the budget fairly and efficiently. Please pay attention to the following things and use the research funds so that you can fulfill your accountability. In addition, please note that this project will be subjected to inspections such by the Board of Audit and JST later.
☞ Excerpts from JST事務処理説明書 1.1
| Purposeful | Do you carry your work based on purpose of this project? Are you spending necessary expenses for this project? |
| Economical | Are you carrying out your work at a cost lower than the budget? |
| Efficiency | Are you maximizing the results in comparison with the cost when implementing this project? (How is it cost-effective?) |
| Effectiveness | Does the result of this project and the usage of the budget achieve the intended purpose? |
| Compliance | Is accounting performed based on the rules of the executing agency, this manual, and the grant guidelines? |
| Correctness | Is the accounting process performed accurately? Are the report documents prepared correctly? |
