Empower Programme (Postgraduate Scholarship and Postdoctoral Fellowship) - Update from Research Ireland
Research Ireland is currently developing a proposed new programme, Empower, which is intended to encapsulate the Government of Ireland (PhD and postdoctoral) and other programmes. Subject to the consultation process and Board approval, Research Ireland's current intention is that Empower will open in late September.
The proposed Empower programme is intended to support the next generation of research talent while strengthening research environments. Under the model currently being consulted upon, Research Ireland would peer review and assess institutional applications rather than applications from individual researchers. Under the proposed programme, funding would be awarded at an institutional level, PhD and postdoctoral applicants would apply through their chosen institution. Based on the programme currently under consultation and development, Research Ireland does not anticipate any gap in funding during the transition to Empower (with funding provision expected for 2027 recruitment), subject to final programme approval and implementation arrangements.
Under the proposed programme, funding would be awarded at an institutional level, PhD and postdoctoral applicants would apply through their chosen institution. This is currently under discussion at Trinity.
As the programme remains under consultation and development based on this process, Research Ireland will provide further information and guidance once a final decision has been made.
We will let you know of updates as we get them.