Research Ireland Discover Scholarships 2026 Open for Researchers
A major funding call has opened in Ireland targeting organizations that want to bridge the gap between research and society. The Research Ireland Discover Programme 2026 is now accepting applications, offering up to €300,000 for projects that promote public engagement, education, and participation in research across all disciplines.
The Research Ireland Discover Programme 2026 is a competitive funding call for organizations—primarily based in Ireland—to design public engagement and education projects linked to research and innovation. It supports initiatives that connect researchers with society and highlight career pathways. Funding of up to €300,000 is available for projects lasting up to two years.
Why this call matters now?
At a time when governments and institutions are pushing for stronger public trust in science and research, this programme reflects a broader policy shift: research is no longer confined to labs—it must be visible, understandable, and accessible. The Discover Programme is positioned as a strategic tool to increase public participation in research ecosystems, not just in STEM but across humanities and social sciences as well.
This year’s expansion beyond STEM is particularly notable. It signals a move toward interdisciplinary engagement, meaning applicants from arts, education, policy, and community sectors now have a realistic entry point into funded research communication initiatives.
Funding structure and what applicants actually get?
Unlike traditional scholarships aimed at individuals, this programme is institution-focused funding. Successful applicants can receive:
- Up to €300,000 per project
- Funding duration of up to 2 years
- Support for education, outreach, and engagement activities
- Opportunities to collaborate with government and research bodies
This makes it closer in nature to grant-funded research communication programmes seen in Europe, rather than student scholarships. The funding is designed to cover operational costs, project development, and public engagement delivery—not personal stipends.
Eligibility: who can realistically apply?
The programme is open to a wide range of organizations, but with a critical condition:
Applicants must be based in the Republic of Ireland or formally partnered with an eligible Irish organization.
Eligible applicants include:
- Universities and recognized research bodies
- State bodies (e.g., councils)
- NGOs, charities, and private organizations (subject to compliance requirements)
International collaboration is allowed—but non-Irish applicants cannot apply independently.
Competitiveness is moderate to high. While the programme is inclusive in scope, the compliance and documentation requirements are strict, particularly for organisations outside the standard “Eligible Research Bodies” list.
Application process: what you need to know?
Applications must be submitted through the SESAME online system of Ireland Discover Research Scholarship Program. The process includes:
- Institutional registration and verification
- Completion of research proposal and compliance documentation
- Internal approval/sign-off (for eligible research bodies)
- Final submission before deadline
Applicants are strongly advised to submit early, as the system automatically closes at the deadline and does not accept late entries.
Who should consider applying?
This programme is best suited for:
- Universities planning outreach or science communication initiatives
- NGOs working in education, innovation awareness, or policy engagement
- Organizations aiming to connect research with public audiences
- Interdisciplinary teams combining research and community impact
If your goal is funding for a degree or personal scholarship, this is not the right opportunity. However, if you are part of an organization looking to build large-scale public engagement projects, this is a high-value funding call.
Deadline and final takeaway
The last date to apply for the Research Ireland Discover Programme 2026 is 11 June 2026 at 13:00 (Irish time).
For organizations capable of navigating the administrative requirements, this programme offers substantial funding and strategic visibility. But it demands precision—both in proposal design and compliance—making early preparation essential.