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Research Ireland Discover Scholarship Programme 2026

Scholarship
Ireland
On-site
Published May 6, 2026

Overview

The Research Ireland Discover Programme 2026 is a competitive funding call offering up to €300,000 per project for initiatives that promote awareness and participation in research and innovation. Projects can run for up to two years, making this a significant opportunity for organizations to create impactful, large-scale engagement programs.

The application deadline is 11 June 2026 (13:00 Irish time).

Description

The Research Ireland Discover Programme 2026 is a competitive funding call offering up to €300,000 per project for initiatives that promote awareness and participation in research and innovation. Projects can run for up to two years, making this a significant opportunity for organizations to create impactful, large-scale engagement programs.

The application deadline is 11 June 2026 (13:00 Irish time).

Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

Be part of an eligible organization or institution
Propose a project that promotes public engagement with research
Demonstrate clear societal impact and outreach strategy
Meet compliance and documentation requirements
Secure institutional approval (if required)

Additional Information

Overview

The Research Ireland Discover Programme 2026 is a competitive funding call offering up to €300,000 per project for initiatives that promote awareness and participation in research and innovation. Projects can run for up to two years, making this a significant opportunity for organizations to create impactful, large-scale engagement programs.
The application deadline is 11 June 2026 (13:00 Irish time).

Programme Level

This is not an individual scholarship. It is a:

Research and public engagement funding program
Grant opportunity for organizations and institutions

Available Subjects

The programme supports projects across all disciplines, including:

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Social Sciences
Arts and Humanities
Education and Policy Engagement
Interdisciplinary Research Communication
The 2026 call places a strong emphasis on expanding beyond STEM into broader societal engagement.

Benefits

Selected projects will receive:

Funding of up to €300,000
Project duration of up to 2 years
Support for outreach, education, and public engagement activities
Opportunities to collaborate with national research and policy bodies
Increased visibility and impact in research communication
This funding is designed to cover project costs rather than provide individual stipends.

Eligible Nationalities

Applicants must be:

Based in the Ireland, or
Partnered with an eligible Irish organization

Eligible entities include:

Universities and research institutions
Government and public sector bodies
NGOs and charities
Private sector organizations (meeting eligibility requirements)
International collaboration is allowed, but non-Irish organizations cannot apply independently.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

Be part of an eligible organization or institution
Propose a project that promotes public engagement with research
Demonstrate clear societal impact and outreach strategy
Meet compliance and documentation requirements
Secure institutional approval (if required)

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted through the official SESAME online system. The process includes:

Registering the organization on the SESAME platform
Preparing a detailed project proposal
Completing compliance and supporting documentation
Obtaining internal approvals (for research bodies)
Submitting the application before the deadline
Late submissions are not accepted, so early preparation is essential.

Why This Programme Matters

The Discover Programme reflects a growing global focus on making research more accessible and engaging to the public. It supports initiatives that bridge the gap between researchers and society, helping to build trust, awareness, and participation in innovation.
By expanding beyond STEM, the 2026 call opens new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and broader community impact.

Who Should Apply

This programme is ideal for:

Universities planning outreach or science communication initiatives
NGOs working in education, innovation, or public policy
Organizations aiming to connect research with communities
Interdisciplinary teams combining research and social impact

Frequently Asked Questions Faqs

Is this a scholarship for students? No, this is a funding program for organizations, not individual students.
Can international organizations apply? Only if they partner with an eligible Irish organization.
What does the funding cover? It supports project development, outreach activities, and operational costs, not personal stipends.

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