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Introduction to the Global Talent Ireland Fully-Funded Free Scholarship
Global Talent Ireland is a flagship initiative designed to attract the brightest minds in research to Ireland. This fully funded programme is backed by Research Ireland and targets exceptional mid-career and established researchers who are ready to relocate their research to leading institutions in Ireland. By offering significant research grants, relocation support, and an enabling academic environment, the programme seeks to enhance Ireland’s position as a hub for world-class research and innovation.
This initiative is firmly rooted in the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Research Ireland explicitly encourages applications from women researchers and scholars from historically underserved communities, ensuring that opportunities are extended to a truly global pool of talent.
When is the Application Deadline?
- Expression of Interest (EoI): 28 August 2025, 13:00 (Dublin local time)
- Full Proposal Deadline: October 2025 (exact date to be confirmed)
The application process takes place in two stages—submission of an Expression of Interest, followed by a full proposal if shortlisted.
About the Global Talent Ireland Fully-Funded Free Scholarship
The Global Talent Ireland 2026 Programme is one of the most prestigious research funding opportunities in Europe. It enables exceptional researchers to transfer their research activities to Ireland and establish high-impact research teams within top Irish research institutions.
The programme provides:
- Significant multi-year research funding
- Generous startup grants to establish laboratories, recruit staff, or purchase essential equipment
- Relocation support to make the transition to Ireland smooth and practical
- Opportunities to collaborate with leading scholars, industry partners, and research centers across Ireland and the EU
Eligible Fields
The programme is open to all research disciplines, provided they align with the strategic objectives of an eligible Irish Research Body. Whether your work is in engineering, medical sciences, social sciences, data analytics, environmental studies, humanities, or applied research, you are welcome to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
There are two categories of applicants:
1. Rising Stars
- Must have been awarded a PhD between 2010 and 2020
- Should demonstrate independent research funding and a track record of MSc/PhD supervision
- Must show evidence of international research standing (publications, collaborations, or invited talks)
2. Research Leaders
- Must have been awarded a PhD in 2009 or earlier
- Should already hold a full professorial role or equivalent senior research position
- Must have a global reputation for research excellence and leadership
- Should demonstrate a strong history of securing competitive funding and leading major research projects
Selection Criteria
Applications undergo a rigorous, multi-stage review:
- The host institution in Ireland must submit the Expression of Interest (EoI) on behalf of the applicant.
- Research Ireland conducts eligibility checks and may apply initial triage to filter applications.
- Shortlisted candidates undergo international peer review by subject-matter experts.
- Finalists are invited for an interview with a multidisciplinary panel before awards are granted.
Eligible Countries
The programme is fully global—researchers from all countries are welcome to apply.
Benefits of the Global Talent Ireland Fully-Funded Free Scholarship
For Rising Stars
- €1.5 million research funding
- €0.75 million startup funding
- Total package: up to €2.25 million over six years
For Research Leaders
- €2.5 million research funding
- €0.75 million startup funding
- Total package: up to €3.25 million over six years
Additional Benefits:
- Comprehensive relocation support for the researcher and their family
- Resources to recruit staff, purchase equipment, fund travel, and run research projects
- Access to Ireland’s robust academic and industry networks
How to Apply
- Identify an eligible Irish Research Body that aligns with your research focus.
- Contact the Research Office of the host institution to discuss your recruitment potential.
- Complete the Expression of Interest (EoI) template available on Research Ireland’s website.
- Submit the signed EoI via the host institution’s Research Office to globaltalent@researchireland.ie before the deadline.
- If shortlisted, you will be invited to submit a full proposal via SESAME in October 2025.
Final Thoughts
Global Talent Ireland 2026 is more than a grant—it’s a life-changing career opportunity. Whether you’re an ambitious mid-career researcher or an established world-class research leader, this programme provides the funding, institutional support, and collaborative environment to elevate your work to the next level on a global stage.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See also:
Chevening Scholarships 2026–27: Apply Now for this Prestigious UK Award!
UNHCR Global Internship Programme 2025: Fully Funded Humanitarian Internship—Apply Now!
I am intéresse
My name is Taddele zerabruk Haileslassie. I graduated from Mekelle University department of Business and Econonics MBA in international Business and I need to to apply for MBA in other fields in European masters standard.