National Funding Calls

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Irish Research Council (IRC) are pleased to advise that the 2024 SFI-IRC Pathway Programme call is now open. 

This programme is open to talented post-doctoral researchers across all research disciplines. The key goal of this joint funding programme is to support excellent researchers, who have held a PhD for at least 2 years, to develop their track record and establish themselves as independent investigators. 

In support of funding excellent research with potential impact across all disciplines, the SFI-IRC Pathway Programme 2024 call will comprise of two streams, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-led stream and Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (AHSS)-led stream.  

The maximum funding request permitted under the SFI-IRC Pathway Programme is €495,000 direct costs over a period of 48 months which includes a contribution to the salary of the applicant, and the stipend and fees for a PhD student.  

An information webinar about this programme is available from 12nd of December 2023. Details of the webinar and further information on the programme call (including all eligibility criteria) is available on the call webpage.

• Expression of Interest to SETU
  • Potential applicants, meeting the programmes eligibility criteria, wishing to apply must first seek pre-approval and nomination from an eligible research body. Each research body may nominate a maximum of 16 STEM-led and 8 AHSS-led applications. Interested applicants to the call are required to submit an 500-word abstract on the attached Excel EOI template on or before Monday 12th of February 2024 at 5pm  to [email protected]  for consideration by the SETU Research Office. 
• Applying to the Programme
  • Once your EOI is accepted, applicants can proceed to full proposal application which are to be submitted via SESAME, SFI’s online grants and awards management system on or before the 10th of April 2024 @13:00. If accessing SESAME for the first time, researchers should contact their local Research Office to be set up on this system. SESAME information web page: http://www.sfi.ie/funding/award-management-system/

Eligibility

Full details on programme eligibility are available in the call document. In summary, applicants should have demonstrated a proven record of internationally recognised research accomplishments and adhere to the following eligibility criteria:  

• The applicant must have held a PhD or equivalent qualification for at least two years at proposal submission.
• Applicants must not be considered an independent investigator.
• Applicants must not hold, or have held, an academic contract (e.g. lecturer, assistant professor, professor, or similar) of greater than, or equal to, 36 months in duration. Teaching-only academic contracts greater than or equal to 36 months in duration are permitted.
• Applicants must not hold, or have held, a significant peer-reviewed, independent research grant, or grant providing similar support to the SFI-IRC Pathway Programme. Personal awards, including student, postdoctoral or individual fellowships, travel awards, and bursaries are permissible.
• The applicant must have identified a mentor, who will give advice, co-supervise the PhD student and provide access to laboratory space (where relevant) and related infrastructure for the duration of the award.    

Key Dates

Key Programme Documents

• SFI-IRC Pathway Programme 2024 Call Document
• SFI-IRC Pathway Programme FAQs
• SFI-IRC Narrative CV Template

The aim of the Ulysses scheme is to foster new collaborations between Ireland and France-based researchers by providing seed funding for reciprocal travel visits. The scheme thus facilitates the exchange of innovative ideas and approaches across all disciplines.

In order to facilitate more collaborative engagements, funding is now provided over the course of 2 calendar years and has been increased to €5,000 each to Ireland and France-based research partners.

Key Dates

Key Programme Documents

• Ulysses 2025 Call Document
• Application Form (Word)
• Application Form (PDF)

The 2024 Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Frontiers for the Future programme (FFP) has launched and is now accepting applications.  

This programme provides opportunities for independent investigators to conduct highly innovative, collaborative research with the potential to deliver impact, whilst also providing discrete opportunities for high-risk, high-reward research projects. There are 14 research areas that are applicable to the application across ICT, Health, Food, Energy, Climate and Sustainability (See call documentation).

The programme call is divided into Project and Award streams with details as follows:

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for funding through the SFI Frontiers for the Future Programme and until further notice, all proposals must be aligned to one of the 14 Refreshed Priority Areas for 2018-2023. 

 Additional criteria is as follows:

 Applicants must have held a PhD or equivalent for at least three years by submission.

• Applicants are required to have demonstrated that they have been a senior author on at least three international peer-reviewed articles (see the programme call document for details).
• Postdoctoral researchers (or equivalent) are not eligible to apply to this call.

 Further details on eligibility will be provided following an expression of interest through Pure or by contacting @Research Office SETU Waterford.

Express your interest

 If you are interested in preparing a funding application for SFI Frontiers for the Future Projects or Awards stream, to be in adherence with SETU Waterford policy, please log your Expression of Interest via our internal record system Pure to receive guidance and support from the research office, TTO, and research finance team members.  Log in under your profile here, identify the fund opportunity and create your draft application. If the opportunity is not available please email [email protected] and we will add the opportunity for you. Please see below supports which detail how to use Pure to make your expression of interest and manage your application process.

• Pure Award Management Training, 28th of September 2023 Recording: Pure Award Management Training.mp4
  • Slides: Pure Training slides.pptx
• Pure Information at SETU: Here
• Pure email: [email protected]
• Pure FAQ and Help Guide: Here
• PI Step-by-Step Guide for managing Ethical Reviews in Pure: Here
• Pure Ethics Administrator: [email protected] 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Research Call 2024 will open on April 4th, 2024. This year’s call invites applications under its five themes to support innovative research which informs policy and builds capacity in current and emerging priority areas. To reflect the wide variety of policy areas, there will be 22 topics to address, these will identify research to inform, develop, and implement transformative policy. Under the EPA Research Call 2024, up to €16m is available to fund these innovative research projects that will support policy- and decision-making addressing environmental, climate change and sustainability challenges. Projects will be funded under broad themes and targeted topics to address policy needs and build capacity in relevant areas. 

There will be an informational webinar, which will take place on tomorrow, the 17th of April at 10:00 Irish Time.  This is an excellent opportunity to connect with the EPA team, reserve your spot here.

If you have an interest in applying for this call, please let us know of your interest by submitting an application on our Pure research management system. 

The deadline for submission will be released on 04.04.2024, All applications must be made using the EPA’s Online Grant Management and Application Portal (https://epa.smartsimple.ie ) in advance of the deadline.

What’s on offer? (if similar to 2023 call)

Under this year’s call, five themes will support innovative research to inform policy and build capacity in current and emerging priority areas. 

All projects supported under the themes have a maximum duration of 4 years and maximum available budget of €600k. 

 Applications are invited under the following themes:

• Addressing Climate change Evidence Needs

• Facilitating a Green and Circular Economy 

• Delivering a Healthy Environment 

• Protecting and Restoring our Natural Environment 

• Global Risks to Ireland Achieving its Climate and Environmental Goals

Applicants are advised that they must select the correct Call Topic Identifier, as listed in the Technical Description Document, for their submission to be considered eligible. 

The EPA Research Call 2024 includes 22 topics to address identified research and evidence needs to inform, develop and implement national policy. 

The topics are summarised below in the to be released technical document. Applicants can review the 2023 calls detailed background, scope and scale for each topic available in the Call Technical Description Document. Applicants are advised that they must select the correct Call Topic Identifier, as listed in the Technical Description Document, for their submission to be considered eligible.

Who can apply? 

 All proposals submitted to the Research Call will undergo an eligibility check by the EPA before proceeding to the evaluation stage. In order to be considered eligible, your proposal must: 

1. Address the correct Call Topic 
2. Not exceed the maximum budget available for the Call Topic 
3. Not exceed the maximum duration applicable to the Call Topic 
4. Be submitted using the correct templates s provided via the online application form (Project Description Template and Budget Template)

Applicants are permitted to make multiple submissions to the call but may only make a single submission under any Call Topic Reference.

 Express your interest through Pure 

If you are preparing a funding application in adherence with SETU Waterford policy, please log your Expression of Interest via our internal record system Pure to receive guidance and support from the research office, TTO, and research finance team members.  Log in under your profile here, identify the fund opportunity and create your draft application. 

Other guidance/Notes you may like to weave in for guidance on Pure  

• We have a detailed Help & FAQ Guide on the Research Office website on Pure - SETU Waterford Campus | formerly Waterford Institute of Technology (wit.ie)  
• All applicants/PIs will need a Pure Profile to log an application for funding. If you haven't yet set up your Pure profile, please email [email protected] and they will set you up and give some guidance.  
• Please note the system does not submit to the funder/agency it just tracks what stage the proposal is at. The PI/Applicant or the RO must follow the individual guides for submission as provided by the agency/funder or funder.  
• Pure is our tracking and record system internally and has a shared view of application progress, submission, and outcome of awards across key stakeholders in the organization.  

Key Dates 

The ‘Shared Island Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative’ is a new, funding initiative which will support bioeconomy piloting and demonstration actions across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Support for piloting and demonstration activities is a key objective of the Bioeconomy Action Plan 2023-2025 .

The Call has a total fund of €9 million. This will support two projects - one agri-bioeconomy and one blue-bioeconomy - to a maximum value of €4.5 million each. Closing date for applications is Friday 07 June 2024 at 12pm (noon).

This funding mechanism is of relevance to stakeholders along the entire bio-based value chain, including Research Performing Organisations, as well as SMEs, local authorities, primary producers, and others. 

Making an Application

The Shared Island Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative 2024 Call launched on 05 March 2024 and is currently open for applications.

Applications must be submitted via the DAFM’s electronic submission system. To make an application please see ‘Available Applications’ at https://dafm.flexigrant.com . Note, first time users must register on the electronic submission system.

More information

For more information on the Call, please see the DAFM website at gov - Shared Island Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative (www.gov.ie)

Here, you will find all documents relating to the Call, Frequently Asked Questions, a link to an online ‘partnering platform’, and a recording of an information webinar relating to the initiative.

Furthermore, two information events have been organised for interested parties and prospective applicants. These events will include presentations by experts from DAFM and DAERA, as well as an opportunity for attendees to ask questions to an expert panel or via one-to-one clinics.

• Event 1 will take place in Dundalk Institute of Technology on Friday 22 March 2024, 9.30am to 2pm. Please register for this event here: DkIT 22 March REGISTRATION. Now closed.
• Event 2 will take place in AFBI Hillsborough on Friday 19 April 2024, 9.30am to 2pm. Please register for this event here: AFBI 19 April REGISTRATION

Express your interest through Pure 

If you are preparing a funding application in adherence with SETU Waterford policy, please log your Expression of Interest via our internal record system Pure to receive guidance and support from the research office, TTO, and research finance team members.  Log in under your profile here, identify the fund opportunity and create your draft application. 

Other guidance/Notes you may like to weave in for guidance on Pure  

• We have a detailed Help & FAQ Guide on the Research Office website on Pure - SETU Waterford Campus | formerly Waterford Institute of Technology (wit.ie)  
• All applicants/PIs will need a Pure Profile to log an application for funding. If you haven't yet set up your Pure profile, please email [email protected] and they will set you up and give some guidance.  
• Please note the system does not submit to the funder/agency it just tracks what stage the proposal is at. The PI/Applicant or the RO must follow the individual guides for submission as provided by the agency/funder or funder.  
• Pure is our tracking and record system internally and has a shared view of application progress, submission, and outcome of awards across key stakeholders in the organization.  

Key Dates 

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has launched the Industry RD&I Fellowship Programme 2024 which seeks to support academia-industry interactions to address industry‐informed challenges. Awards under this programme can be made to academic researchers (at faculty, postdoctoral and late-stage PhD level) wishing to spend time in industry worldwide through the temporary placement of academic researchers with an industry partner. 

Funding

Fellowships can have a duration of between 1 and 12 months if full-time, and between 2 and 24 months if part-time. Grants awarded under this programme will be subject to the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) under EU State aid guidelines. As such, the SFI funding rate will vary from 25% to a maximum of 80% of total project costs depending on the size of the industry partner company and the category of research being undertaken, with the industry partner contributing the remainder of the project costs. The maximum SFI contribution to the Fellowship costs is €100,000 direct costs. Please refer to the 2024 Programme Call document for further details.  

Finding a Partner

A LinkedIn group called SFI Industry RD&I Fellowship Programme (opens in a new tab) has been set up by SFI to facilitate networking between academic and industry researchers. Companies are encouraged to make their interest known to the academic community, and/or to advertise specific research opportunities, by posting on this 900+ members group’s page. Academic researchers are encouraged to engage with relevant companies. Several companies have already published an advertisement and got a response – join the group today!  

The SFI researcher database and the KTI Expert database list potential academic research partners. Postdoctoral researchers do not appear in these databases – companies can identify the appropriate team leader from the database and contact them to discuss whether there are eligible researchers in their group (faculty and/or postdoctoral researchers). The Research Offices of the Irish academic and research institutions may also assist companies in identifying prospective academic partners.  

Webinar

A webinar will be held at 11:00 (Dublin local time) on 11th April 2024. Please register here (opens in a new tab) to attend the webinar.   

For those unable to attend the webinar, a recording of the webinar will be made available on this webpage. 

The US-Ireland Research and Development Partnership (opens in a new tab) is a unique initiative involving funding agencies across three jurisdictions: United States of America, Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland.

The overall goal of the Partnership is to increase the level of collaborative R&D amongst researchers and industry across the three jurisdictions. This collaboration aims to generate valuable discoveries and innovations which are transferable to the marketplace, or will lead to enhancements in health, disease prevention or healthcare.

The Partnership achieves its goals through tri-partite research projects in which the funding agencies fund the elements of research undertaken in their own jurisdiction. Importantly, the Partnership must add significant value to each research programme above that achievable by the PI in each jurisdiction working alone.

The current focus of the US-Ireland R&D Partnership Programme, as agreed by the Partnership Steering Group (opens in a new tab), is on the following seven thematic areas:

• Sensors & Sensor Networks
• Nanoscale Science & Engineering
• Telecommunications
• Energy & Sustainability
• Health
• Cybersecurity (new theme)
• Agriculture

How the Programme Operates

Each US-Ireland R&D Partnership proposal must have a minimum of one applicant from each jurisdiction and significant research participation by all three jurisdictions. The work proposed for each jurisdiction must add significant value, so that the overall programme of research goes beyond what might be achieved by any one PI working alone supported by national funding only.

The applicants from each jurisdiction will write a joint tri-partite proposal in the format required by NSF or NIH. It is the responsibility of the US investigator to submit the tri-partite proposal to the respective agency for review. Proposals are evaluated in accordance with the standard NSF or NIH review criteria of intellectual merit and broader impacts of the proposed effort. The funding agencies on the island of Ireland have agreed to accept the decisions of NSF and NIH with regard to the suitability for funding of individual proposals

Notification of Intent to Submit

In order to participate in a US-Ireland R&D Partnership proposal to the NSF or NIH, NI and RoI eligible applicants must send a mandatory Intention to Submit (ITS) form to the relevant funding agencies, North and South, from the Research Institution Research Offices on behalf of the RoI and NI lead applicant respectively. The information in this form will be used for planning purposes by the agencies. For templates and deadlines please see relevant call documentation.

Draft “Tri-Partite” proposal submission

In advance of submission of the final tri-partite proposal to the NSF or NIH, RoI and NI funding agencies will evaluate the draft proposal and either approve or decline support. Therefore, a draft of the tri-partite proposal for submission to the NSF or NIH must be submitted to the NI and RoI funding agencies in advance of full proposal deadline. For specific timelines and requirements please see relevant call documentation.

Submission of Final Tri-Partite Proposal to NSF

Once eligibility of the proposal has been confirmed by the RoI and NI funding agencies and the draft tri-partite proposal approved, the RoI and NI PIs are permitted to submit the tri-partite proposal to the NSF or NIH via their US partner, as it is the US partner who takes the lead on submission of the full proposal, including all necessary documentation, to the US funding agency via their Research Institution. 

Each of the RoI and NI funding agencies will write a Funding Commitment Letter outlining their level of budget commitment subject to NSF or NIH approval of the tri-jurisdictional proposal. Funding Commitment Letters are sent to the applicant by their funding agency and must be included in the final NSF or NIH submission.

Who can apply?

A US-Ireland R&D Partnership Programme application must have a minimum of one academic applicant from each of the three jurisdictions. Significant participation by researchers in all three jurisdictions must be demonstrated in the application.

Researchers should be at mid-stage or senior stage in their career. For specific eligibility criteria please refer to relevant call documentation.

Express your interest through Pure 

If you are preparing a funding application in adherence with SETU Waterford policy, please log your Expression of Interest via our internal record system Pure to receive guidance and support from the research office, TTO, and research finance team members.  Log in under your profile here, identify the fund opportunity and create your draft application. 

Other guidance/Notes you may like to weave in for guidance on Pure  

• We have a detailed Help & FAQ Guide on the Research Office website on Pure - SETU Waterford Campus | formerly Waterford Institute of Technology (wit.ie)  
• All applicants/PIs will need a Pure Profile to log an application for funding. If you haven't yet set up your Pure profile, please email [email protected] and they will set you up and give some guidance.  
• Please note the system does not submit to the funder/agency it just tracks what stage the proposal is at. The PI/Applicant or the RO must follow the individual guides for submission as provided by the agency/funder or funder.  
• Pure is our tracking and record system internally and has a shared view of application progress, submission, and outcome of awards across key stakeholders in the organization.