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Research Ireland Pathway Programme 2026
The Research Ireland Pathway Programme, co-funded by Met Eireann and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), will support talented postdoctoral researchers from all research disciplines to develop their track record and transition to become independent research leaders. The programme welcomes research proposals from any discipline within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (AHSS). Applications of an interdisciplinary nature which draw together insights and approaches from one or more research disciplines will also be welcomed.
The maximum funding request permitted under the Research Ireland Pathway Programme is €535,000 direct costs over a period of 4 years which includes a contribution to the salary of the applicant, and the stipend and fees for a PhD student.
Potential applicants, meeting the programmes eligibility criteria, wishing to apply to the Research Ireland Pathway Programme 2026 call must first seek pre-approval from an eligible research body. Once Research Ireland has received a research body’s approved candidate list in advance of the HEI nomination deadline of 20th February 2026, nominated candidates will then be invited to submit a full proposal.
Each Research Body may nominate a maximum of 16 STEM-led and 8 AHSS-led applications.
Research Ireland recognises the continued need for equality, diversity and inclusivity across the research ecosystem, and are committed to addressing the gender imbalance within the higher education sector by increasing the number of research grants held by women. To this end, no more than 8 of the 16 STEM-led, and 4 of the 8 AHSS-led, nominated applicants may be men. Upon submission to Research Ireland all applications will be treated equally regardless of the gender of the applicant.
AI Based Application Success Predictor
The review processes and priorities across programmes may differ, but the core success predictors commonly include:
1️⃣ Excellence and Intellectual Merit
Competitive proposals must demonstrate originality, rigor, and clarity of concept:
Well-defined research question and methodology.
Clear articulation of scientific, scholarly or innovation goals.
Strong state-of-the-art understanding and literature grounding.
Why it matters: Research Ireland funds excellent research that advances knowledge and innovation across disciplines. Research Ireland
2️⃣ Alignment With Programme Objectives
Each programme — e.g., postgraduate scholarships, investigators or pathway — has specific aims and criteria.
Mapping your proposal precisely to these (scope, eligibility, objectives) is crucial.
For graduate awards, alignment with national and disciplinary investment priorities (including interdisciplinary or creative approaches) strengthens competitiveness. Research Ireland
3️⃣ Feasibility & Clarity of Plan
Funders assess whether the proposed research is:
Feasible within the timeframe and resources requested.
Backed by a viable project timeline, milestones and budget justification.
Supported by institutional infrastructure and supervision (especially for early career or postgraduate awards).
4️⃣ Evidence of Impact or Value
Research Ireland emphasizes value beyond publication:
Potential academic, societal, economic or policy impact.
For translational or innovation programmes, clear pathways toward application, adoption, or broader benefit.
This is especially relevant where programmes intersect with national priorities (e.g., climate action, digital transition). gov.ie
5️⃣ Interdisciplinary & Collaborative Strength
Proposals that integrate:
Multiple disciplines or methodological perspectives.
Strong collaborative networks (institutional, public/private partners) — often viewed favorably in flagship initiatives like the Investigators Programme. Research Ireland
6️⃣ Researcher Potential & Track Record
Especially for investigator or fellowship awards, reviewers consider:
The researcher’s track record, publications, training and leadership potential.
Evidence of critical thinking and capacity to conduct independent research.
7️⃣ Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Research Ireland’s stated objectives include advancing equality, diversity and inclusion in research opportunities:
Attention to diverse representation and inclusive team makeup may improve competitiveness. Research Ireland
🧠 Review Processes & Stages
Many programmes use two-stage processes:
EoI / LOI phase (e.g., for Investigators Programme): shortlisting based on strategic fit and excellence.
Full proposal phase: invited applicants submit detailed applications assessed via international peer review and expert panels.
Understanding the review criteria from each call document is essential for tailored success. Research Ireland
📌 Practical Tips to Maximize Success
✔ Read the specific call guidance thoroughly — eligibility, deadlines, submission format.
✔ Structure your narrative clearly — objectives, methodology, impact, feasibility.
✔ Seek institutional support early (letters, facilities, supervision).
✔ Demonstrate fit with national strategy & programme mission.
✔ Engage reviewers’ perspective — write for expert and broad audiences alike.
🧠 Summary: Research Ireland Success Predictors
| Predictor | What It Signals |
|---|---|
| Excellence & originality | High research quality |
| Programme alignment | Proper fit to goals |
| Feasibility & planning | Deliverability confidence |
| Impact articulation | Value beyond academia |
| Collaboration & interdisciplinarity | Broad engagement |
| Researcher potential | Independent capability |
| Diversity & inclusion | Inclusive research culture |
Specialties
Eligibility Requirements
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 Research Ireland 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.
Sponsor Details
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Research Ireland (Taighde Éireann)
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland D02 FX65
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Grant
Letter Of Intent Deadline:
Feb 20, 2026
Final Deadline:
May 07, 2026
Funding Amount:
$615,250
Host Details
Affiliation: Research Ireland (Taighde Éireann)
Address: Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland D02 FX65
Website URL: https://www.researchireland.ie/funding/pathway/
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.
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