Research Ireland is launching the Empower Programme.
A key focus of the new Empower programme will be the support of PhD Studentships and Postdoctoral Fellowships.
This is an invited call only. The Empower programme is open to applications from the 18 HEIs that are also eligible to apply to the INSPIRE programme (as it is complementary to and synergistic with the national programme for research infrastructure – INSPIRE). Only one application can be submitted by each eligible HEI.
The Empower programme will support all disciplines and types of research (including fundamental, curiosity-driven research and applied research). There will be no requirement for industry engagement or to demonstrate the potential to deliver economic impact.
Grants issued through the Empower 2026 call will be 72 months in duration. For most HEIs, the award is expected to cover:
- At least three intakes of PhD students in 2027/28, 2028/29 and 2029/30 academic years
- Support for postdoctoral researchers
- Other initiatives throughout the course of the Grant.
Grants are expected to start in Q1 2027, with recruitment of talent thereafter and throughout the term of the Grant. Grants will be awarded directly to the HEI.
KEY DATES:
Call Launch 24th September 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline 6th November 2026
Notification to applicants January 2027
Empower Website: https://www.researchireland.ie/funding/empower/