IRCSET unveils new funding scheme
09-01-2008
by Ciara O'Brien

A new EUR11.8 million scheme has been announced to help fund the early careers of doctoral and masters researchers in the science, engineering and technology sectors.

The Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET) has announced the Postgraduate Scholarship Research Scheme, which will benefit up to 165 postgraduates. PhD candidates will get funding for up to three years, while masters students will be funded for a year.

The body is now seeking applicants for funding, and the scheme is open to those who intend to begin a research degree in autumn of this year, with applications accepted from all over the world.

The funding programme is intended to attract and retain researchers to carry out work in Ireland, creating knowledge to benefit the economy in the future.

"Facilitating the development of the research talent that exists in Ireland is a key element of Ireland's strategic agenda to enhance overall research competitiveness," said IRCSET chair, Professor Jane Grimson.

"The IRCSET scheme is multi-disciplinary, making it appealing to a wide section of research interests in the science engineering and technology fields. It also attracts researchers from other countries to conduct their work in Ireland, facilitating international mobility within the research community."

IRCSET will also award a number of additional scholarships through its Enterprise Partnership Scheme. This scheme partners with the industry to co-fund scholars, and allows researchers to learn from industry experts. Firms currently involved in this scheme include IBM, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKiline, Merck Sharpe & Dohme, Hewlett Packard and Intel.