The Global Talent Ireland Scholarship 2026 by Taighde Éireann Research Ireland is one of the most prestigious research opportunities for mid-career and established researchers worldwide. The programme seeks to attract exceptional talent to relocate their research activities to Ireland, contributing to the country’s academic excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness.

With an impressive funding range of €2.25 million to €3.25 million, this six-year programme enables researchers to build a high-impact team, conduct world-class research, and access start-up resources to transition smoothly into Ireland’s research ecosystem.

Overview of the Global Talent Ireland Scholarship 2026

Item	Details
Expression of Interest Deadline	Follow the 13:00 Irish local time, till 28 August 2025
Full Proposal Deadline	October 2025 (by invitation only)
Programme Duration	6 years
Funding Amount	€2.25M to €3.25M (direct costs)
Streams	There are mainly 2 streams: Rising Stars (5–15 years post-PhD) Research Leaders (16+ years post-PhD)
Host Requirement	Applicants must partner with an eligible Irish Research Body
Focus on Diversity	Applications encouraged from women and historically underserved communities

Objectives of Global Talent Ireland Scholarship 2026

The scholarship aims to:

• Attract top-tier research talent from around the world
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion within Irish academia
• Facilitate strategic national impact through high-quality research
• Support relocation with substantial start-up funding and team-building resources

Funding Structure

The programme offers substantial funding for research activities, consumables, travel, and recruitment. In addition, €0.75M start-up support is available for relocation and establishing research infrastructure.

Comparison of Rising Star vs Research Leader

Feature	Rising Star	Research Leader
Career Stage	5–15 years post-PhD	16+ years post-PhD
Award Duration	6 years	6 years
Research Funding	€1.5M	€2.5M
Start-up Funding	€0.75M	€0.75M
Maximum Budget Request	€2.25M	€3.25M

Eligibility and Application Process

Who can apply?
• Researchers meeting the post-PhD experience criteria for their stream
• Candidates with exceptional track records and innovative research plans
• Applicants who are ready to relocate their research to an eligible Irish Research Body

Application Steps:

1. You must find a Host Research Body in Ireland that aligns with your research goals.
2. You 1st have to contact the Research Office of the host institution to begin recruitment discussions.
3. Complete the Expression of Interest (EoI) form (available on the official website).
4. Kindly submit EoI: Signed by a Research Office member and emailed to [email protected].
5. Full Proposal Invitation: Upon successful EoI assessment, submit the complete proposal through the SESAME system.

Required EoI Details

• Applicant name, email, and proposal title
• Host Research Body name
• Award stream (Rising Star or Research Leader)
• Up to five research keywords
• Applicant overview (max. 2 pages)
• Research area and potential strategic impact for Ireland (max. 2 pages)
• Commitment from Research Body, including budget details (max. 2 pages)

Why Choose Ireland for Research?

• Global Research Hub: Ireland hosts world-class universities and research centres.
• Generous Funding: Comprehensive support for research, relocation, and team building.
• Inclusive Environment: Strong policies supporting diversity in academia.
• Strategic Impact: Research that aligns with Ireland’s national innovation and policy goals.

FAQs About Global Talent Ireland Scholarship 2026

1. Can I apply without an Irish host institution?
   No, you must partner with an eligible Research Body in Ireland to submit your application.
2. Are non-EU researchers eligible?
   Yes, applications are open to researchers from all countries.
3. What is the difference between Rising Star and Research Leader streams?
   Rising Stars are 5–15 years post-PhD; Research Leaders are 16+ years post-PhD, with differing funding amounts.
4. Can I change my research proposal after EoI submission?
   Yes, titles and details can be refined at the full proposal stage.
5. Is relocation to Ireland mandatory?
   Yes, funded researchers must transfer their activities to Ireland.
6. Are multiple applications allowed?
   No, only one application per researcher is permitted.
7. Can I apply for both streams?
   No, you must choose the stream that matches your career stage.
8. Does the programme fund team salaries?
   Yes, funding covers research staff salaries, consumables, and travel.
9. How competitive is the programme?
   It is highly competitive, aimed at attracting the world’s best researchers.
10. Is there a nationality quota?
    No, selection is purely merit-based.

APPLY NOW for the Global Talent Ireland Scholarship to get your international researcher funding and enhance your career in Ireland in 2026. Visit the official scholarship page for further queries.