Research Ireland, a national agency under the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), has launched the 2025 Global Talent Ireland programme. This initiative seeks to recruit outstanding mid-career and established researchers from around the world to conduct high-impact research in Ireland. The programme aims to strengthen Ireland’s research and innovation ecosystem and contribute to the goals outlined in Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy.
Key Dates
- Call Launch: 18 July 2025
- Expression of Interest (EoI) Deadline: 28 August 2025, 13:00 (Dublin time)
- Full Proposal Submission Deadline: October 2025 (by invitation only)
Programme Streams
Applicants may apply under two funding streams:
- Rising Stars
- 5–15 years post-PhD
- Must demonstrate research excellence, independence, and leadership potential
- Funding: Up to €2.25 million (includes €1.5M research funding + €0.75M startup funding)
- Research Leaders
- 16+ years post-PhD
- Should hold a senior academic or industrial research role and have a record of strategic, global leadership
- Funding: Up to €3.25 million (includes €2.5M research funding + €0.75M startup funding)
Each award will have a duration of six years. Applicants must relocate to an Eligible Research Body in Ireland and may not hold dual international appointments during the award.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be employed outside Ireland at the time of submission.
- Those currently employed in industrial settings abroad are eligible.
- Applicants must not have previously taken up employment in Ireland prior to application.
Research Body Requirements
Only institutions located in the Republic of Ireland are eligible to act as Host Research Bodies. A full list of eligible institutions is available on the Research Ireland website. The host institution is responsible for financial and administrative oversight of the award.
Application Process
The selection process includes two main stages:
- Expression of Interest (EoI):
Applicants, through their Host Research Body, must submit basic information including:- Applicant name, contact information, and research keywords
- Proposal title and indicative budget
- Statement of strategic impact and institutional commitment
- Funding stream selection (Rising Star or Research Leader)
- Full Proposal (by invitation only):
Proposals that pass the EoI stage may proceed to full submission. The application must include:- Proposal summary, keywords, scientific and lay abstracts
- Detailed research plan, impact statement, and budget
- Narrative CV (max. 5 pages), supervisory record, and research funding history
- Letters of support from the candidate and host institution leadership
Review Process
The review is conducted in two stages:
- Stage 1: Postal Peer Review
Each proposal will be evaluated by international experts based on the applicant’s track record, research quality, and potential impact. - Stage 2: Interview Panel
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview with a multidisciplinary panel. Assessment will focus on the applicant’s motivation to relocate to Ireland, their talent development strategy, institutional support, and overall value for money.
In cases of high application volume, Research Ireland reserves the right to implement a triage process during the EoI or proposal review stages, prioritizing national strategic alignment and institutional co-funding.
Programme Objectives
The Global Talent Ireland programme is aligned with national priorities to:
- Attract globally competitive researchers to Irish institutions
- Build research capacity and leadership in Ireland
- Drive innovation and economic growth through strategic investment in talent
Funding Details
| Stream | Duration | Research Funding | Startup Funding | Max Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rising Star | 6 years | €1.5 million | €0.75 million | €2.25 million |
| Research Leader | 6 years | €2.5 million | €0.75 million | €3.25 million |
Overheads will be applied to the Research Funding portion of the award.
Confidentiality and Legal Notice
All submitted proposals will be treated confidentially. Research Ireland may contact applicants or research bodies regarding monitoring or future opportunities. Data may be shared with third parties for evaluation purposes or as required by law.