Global Talent Ireland Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded)
Global Talent Ireland 2025, launched by Research Ireland, is a prestigious program designed to attract exceptional researchers from around the world to continue their careers in Ireland. The initiative supports both mid-career researchers and established research leaders, offering substantial funding packages to help them relocate, build strong research teams, and contribute to Ireland’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Research Ireland, established in 2024 by merging Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Irish Research Council (IRC), is committed to advancing impactful research and nurturing talent across disciplines. Global Talent Ireland 2025 supports this mission by recruiting top researchers globally and enabling them to establish their work at eligible research bodies in Ireland.
The program offers two main funding streams:
Rising Stars – mid-career researchers (5–15 years post-PhD) who have demonstrated excellence, independence, and leadership, with strong potential to become future research leaders.
Research Leaders – world-leading researchers (16+ years post-PhD) who have a proven record of international recognition, strategic leadership, and groundbreaking research.
Degree Level
The program is designed for advanced researchers at the following levels:
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Postdoctoral and mid-career researchers (Rising Stars, 5–15 years post-PhD).
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Senior academics and professors (Research Leaders, 16+ years post-PhD).
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Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent doctoral qualification) in a relevant discipline
Available Subjects
The call is open to all academic disciplines under Research Ireland’s remit, including but not limited to:
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Science and Engineering – Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Materials Science, Computing, Engineering, Robotics, and more.
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Health and Life Sciences – Medicine, Biomedicine, Neuroscience, Public Health, Clinical Research.
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Social Sciences and Humanities – Education, Sociology, Psychology, History, Law, Business, Economics, Cultural Studies.
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Interdisciplinary Research – Projects that integrate multiple fields to address global challenges.
Benefits
Substantial funding to establish cutting-edge research teams in Ireland.
Relocation and startup support to ensure a smooth transition.
Opportunity to integrate into Ireland’s world-class research ecosystem.
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from women and historically underserved communities.
Funding Details:
Award Duration: 6 years for both categories.
Rising Star: €1.5 million in research funding + €0.75 million startup funding (max €2.25 million).
Research Leader: €2.5 million in research funding + €0.75 million startup funding (max €3.25 million).
The funding covers research staff, equipment, consumables, travel, and access to infrastructure. Startup funding additionally supports relocation, salaries, and large-scale research facilities.
Eligible Nationalities
Global Talent Ireland 2025 is open to applicants of all nationalities.
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International researchers from any country outside Ireland are welcome.
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Applicants must currently be employed outside of Ireland at the time of application.
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Both academic and industry-based researchers are eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicant Eligibility
Must currently be employed outside of Ireland.
Rising Stars: PhD obtained between 2010–2020, proven independence, research excellence, and leadership potential.
Research Leaders: PhD awarded before 2009, full professorial/senior role, global recognition, and strong leadership record.
Must currently be employed outside of Ireland.
Rising Stars: PhD obtained between 2010–2020, proven independence, research excellence, and leadership potential.
Research Leaders: PhD awarded before 2009, full professorial/senior role, global recognition, and strong leadership record.
Research Body Eligibility
Host institution must be an eligible research body in Ireland (listed on Research Ireland’s website).
Must provide institutional support, co-funding, infrastructure, and alignment with national strategic priorities.
Host institution must be an eligible research body in Ireland (listed on Research Ireland’s website).
Must provide institutional support, co-funding, infrastructure, and alignment with national strategic priorities.
Research Impact & Talent Development
Applicants must demonstrate how their research will:
Align with Ireland’s national strategic interests.
Strengthen the research and innovation ecosystem.
Drive sustainable economic growth.
Recruit and mentor the next generation of researchers.
Secure further international and European funding.
Application Procedure
Key Dates
Call Launch: 18 July 2025
EoI Deadline: 28 August 2025
Full Proposal Deadline: October 2025 (exact date TBD)
How to Apply?
Expression of Interest (EoI)
Submit via host research body by 28 August 2025, 13:00 Dublin time.
Includes applicant details, research overview, strategic impact, and host commitment.
Full Proposal (October 2025, by invitation only)
Submitted through SESAME (Research Ireland’s grants system).
Includes narrative CV, research plan, impact statement, detailed budget, and letters of support.
Applicants must also link an ORCID iD.
Review Process
Stage 1: International expert peer review (quality, research significance, and impact).
Stage 2: Interview with a multidisciplinary panel (motivation to move to Ireland, talent development plans, institutional commitment, and value for money).
