The Government of Ireland invites applications from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for the Research Ireland Empower Programme 2026/2027. This initiative aims to strengthen the research and innovation sector by providing funding to support doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and enhance institutional research development.
Application Deadline:
- Institutional Funding Deadline: 6 November 2026 at 13:00 (Irish Local Time) (Expected grant awards start in March 2027).
- Individual Student/Postdoc Deadlines: Variable; set independently by each participating Higher Education Institution (HEI) as positions and studentships open.
Tell Me About The Program:
The Research Ireland Empower Programme is an institutional research funding initiative designed to strengthen Ireland’s research and innovation ecosystem. Rather than accepting direct applications from individual students, Research Ireland provides flexible, competitive funding to eligible Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Ireland. Participating institutions use these grants to implement their strategic research priorities, with a major focus on supporting PhD studentships and postdoctoral fellowships across all academic disciplines.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- All academic disciplines and research fields (cross-disciplinary support aligned with institutional research strategies).
Type:
Institutional Research Grant / Framework Funding (Enabling future institutional PhD Studentships & Postdoctoral Fellowships)
Who can Apply:
- For Institutional Funding: Restricted to the 18 eligible Irish Higher Education Institutions invited by Research Ireland (submitted exclusively via authorised senior research officers such as Vice Presidents or Deans of Research).
- For Prospective PhD Students & Postdoctoral Researchers: Individual candidates cannot apply directly to Research Ireland. Instead, prospective scholars must monitor the eligible Irish universities and institutes for specific PhD studentship and postdoctoral fellowship vacancies supported by the Empower grant framework.
How are Applicants Selected:
- Institutional Level: Research Ireland evaluates institutional proposals based on strategic alignment, capacity development, mentorship quality, and research environment standards.
- Candidate Level: Individual recruitment and selection for PhD or postdoctoral positions are managed independently by the respective participating Irish higher education institutions following standard academic admission and hiring procedures.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (International students and researchers may be eligible to apply for individual PhD or postdoctoral opportunities as they are advertised by participating Irish institutions, subject to specific institutional rules).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Eligible Higher Education Institutions across Ireland (including Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork, Dublin City University, University of Galway, University of Limerick, and technological universities/institutes).
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
- Institutional Grantees: 18 eligible Irish HEIs.
- Individual Scholars: Numerous PhD studentships and postdoctoral positions funded across participating institutions over the 72-month programme duration.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- For Institutions: Flexible, recurring funding mechanisms to advance research strategies, expand talent pools, and enhance research environments.
- For Individual PhD/Postdoc Scholars: Funding packages (stipends/salaries and research expenses) tied to specific studentships or fellowships created and advertised by participating Irish universities.
How Long Will it Last:
- Programme Duration: 72 months (Institutional grant framework). Individual studentship and fellowship durations vary by project (typically 3–4 years for PhD studies).
How to Apply:
- For Institutions: Authorized senior research representatives must submit institutional applications through the Research Ireland portal before 6 November 2026 at 13:00 Irish time.
- For Prospective Students & Researchers:
- Review the list of 18 eligible Irish higher education institutions (e.g., TCD, UCD, UCC, DCU, University of Galway, University of Limerick, etc.).
- Regularly check the official recruitment, doctoral funding, and postgraduate vacancy pages of your target Irish institutions.
- Apply directly to the institution for specific Empower-supported PhD or postdoctoral positions as they are posted.
