Future Scoping and Challenge-Based Funding
Ireland
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Ireland seeks and encourages the involvement of people from diverse backgrounds in all its grants.
Project title: Interdisciplinary approaches in mission-oriented research
During 2024, a new research and innovation funding agency, Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland , will be established in Ireland. The agency will build and develop on the recognised strengths of the Irish Research Council (IRC) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), to work collaboratively with other research funders and enterprise in creating a cohesive national system for research and innovation in Ireland. Research Ireland will support researchers in all disciplines, at all career stages, in all types of research, in developing national capacity for research and innovation excellence, and will support Irish research and innovation engagement internationally. As part of its future objectives, the new agency will drive a step change in inter- and transdisciplinary research, bringing together researchers from different disciplines including Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The new agency would be interested in working with a Fulbright scholar to research and understand the most effective approaches that a funder could take to enable and support interdisciplinary research through targeted funding opportunities as well as non-financial supports such as training and facilitation.
The scholar would be invited to collaborate with Research Ireland officials in scoping of future funding opportunities which effectively promote, enable and foster interdisciplinary research. Candidates would be expected to have in depth experience of the value and benefits of inter- and transdisciplinary research and the building of research clusters and teams across disciplines. They may for example have expertise in building interdisciplinary teams (understanding barriers and opportunities), in integration and implementation science and in research for policy and practice change.
Although the focus of the activities of the successful candidate could span different types of research and funding opportunities, one area of particular focus would be the expansion and development of challenge-based and mission-oriented funding activities which are aimed at delivering tangible societal impact.
Subject matter experts from a broad range of academic areas will be considered and the scholar would be required to provide expertise and advice in relevant discipline areas (including, but not limited to climate, sustainable development, food security, health and wellbeing etc.) in order to contribute to the design and measurement of the most compelling approaches. We would also be interested in considering candidates with expertise in research for evidence- informed public policy and how this can be optimised through cross-disciplinary approaches.
Activities may include broad stakeholder engagement in Irish academia including the delivery of seminars, public talks, chairing of workshops, provision of expert advice on review criteria, assisting with the identification of international experts and engagement with the host community.
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) is the national foundation in the Republic of Ireland with responsibility for funding oriented basic and applied research in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with a strategic focus. It invests in academic researchers and research teams (in universities and institutes of technology) who are most likely to generate new knowledge, leading edge technologies and competitive enterprises in STEM fields. SFI also promotes and supports the study of, education in, and engagement with STEM and promotes an awareness and understanding of the value of STEM to society and, in particular, to the growth of the economy.
SFI makes grants based upon the merit review of distinguished scientists. SFI also advances co-operative efforts among education, government, and industry that support its fields of emphasis and promotes Ireland’s ensuing achievements around the world.
SFI has a staff of approximately eighty people and its offices are based in Dublin, Ireland.
6 - 9 months
Starting from September 2025 - January 2026. Awards must conclude by the end of July 2026.
Candidates would be expected to have in depth experience of the value and benefits of inter- and transdisciplinary research and the building of research clusters and teams across disciplines. They may for example have expertise in building interdisciplinary teams (understanding barriers and opportunities), in integration and implementation science and in research for policy and practice change.
Subject matter experts from a broad range of academic areas will be considered and the scholar would be required to provide expertise and advice in relevant discipline areas (including, but not limited to climate, sustainable development, food security, health and wellbeing etc.) in order to contribute to the design and measurement of the most compelling approaches. We would also be interested in considering candidates with expertise in research for evidence- informed public policy and how this can be optimised through cross-disciplinary approaches.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Competitive applications will demonstrate clear alignment with host strategy, goals or new areas of mutual interest. Typically a letter of invitation will express this adequately.
Lisa Higgins l Head of Challenge Research
Science for Society Directorate
Science Foundation Irelan
E-mail: lisa.higgins@sfi.ie
Web: www.sfi.ie
PhD required (mid-late career academics); Both professionals and non-academics may also be considered with relevant experience and expertise.
Maximum Monthly stipend €3,800.
Note that the stipend will be paid in euros and the approximate USD amount reflects the current exchange rate. No extra financial assistance for travel and accommodation.
Applicants are not expected to seek cost-sharing from Host Institution during the application process. The Fulbright Commission in Ireland annually offers Irish institutions an opportunity to contribute to the Fulbright Program through cost-sharing. These arrangements allow the Commission to increase the number of awards available, and to maximize institutional involvement in the program.
The Commission organizes a comprehensive orientation in Fall and Spring for U.S. Grantees in Ireland.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Ireland
The Fulbright Commission in Ireland seeks and encourages the involvement of people from diverse backgrounds in all its grants, and is particularly welcoming of applicants from under-represented institutions and ethnicities. Fulbright Alumni cite the following bonuses in coming to Ireland: English-speaking; very welcoming; family-friendly; safe; intellectually challenging in a good way; culturally rich and diverse; and accessible. Please see the Commission’s Coming to Ireland page and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion page for more information and resources.
Ireland is a friendly, engaging and vibrant country with centuries of U.S. interaction as part of its DNA. With a highly educated workforce, competitive educational system and millennia of culture, it is a popular choice for U.S. Scholar and Student applicants. The Irish Commission is particularly welcoming of applicants from under-represented institutions, ethnicities, etc. See more here and at I am Fulbright.
Higher education in Ireland is provided by 13 universities, 12 Technological Universities, 2 Institutes of Technology, Colleges of Further Education and a number of specialist colleges in art, law, music, public administration and theology. There are also a significant number of well-funded research centres see here and culture & heritage host options.
Most Irish colleges operate on a two-semester academic year: September to December and January to May. A small number of colleges and departments retain three trimesters: October to December, January to March and April to June. Further information on higher education in Ireland can be found here.
Most higher education institutions are supported by the Irish government; for example, universities and institutes of technology receive more than 90 percent of their income from the state. The Irish government has invested 2.5 billion euro establishing advanced centers of research, and world-class research facilities and programs that are an attractive destination for international exchange visitors.
The Commission annually offers Irish institutions an opportunity to contribute to the Fulbright Program through a cost-sharing contribution to the Commission's award programs; these arrangements allow the Commission to increase the number of awards available and to maximize institutional involvement in the Program.
In each academic year, the Commission partners with Irish institutions who have agreed, in advance, to cost-share "Sponsored" awards for U.S. Scholars. In addition to the “All Disciplines” awards supported by the Commission, U.S. Scholar proposals within this category will also be considered for cost-sharing by Irish host institutions.
Please contact the Fulbright Commission in Ireland via email at awards@fulbright.ie.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.