IRCSET continues to offer their sought-after fellowships based at an Irish research laboratory.  The candidates must be within 3 “academic years” from the award of PhD and propose pursuing their work for 24 months at an Irish research laboratory. The scheme is designed to encourage excellence in research by funding those at an early stage of their postdoctoral career to associate with established research teams who have achieved international recognition for their work.  For more detailed information, please download the ‘Description of Scheme’ document below.

EMPOWER targets any individual worldwide who holds or is about to be awarded a doctoral degree. Candidates must be able to provide evidence of a doctoral degree award prior to taking up a fellowship award. They must be no more than 3 “academic years” after the PhD award.  

For more information, including the full eligibilty criteria, please download all documents available at the bottom of the page.  Please read these documents carefully before approaching IRCSET with queries.

Enterprise Partnership Scheme

As part of the EMPOWER scheme, fellows can also propose to carry out their research in conjunction with an industry partner, as part of the Enterprise Partnership Scheme, an innovative initiative where IRCSET links with private enterprise and eligible public bodies to co-fund postgraduate scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships among the most promising researchers in Ireland.  The scheme offers researchers the opportunity to gain additional beneficial experience and insight into the commercial arena while completing their research.

Applications for EMPOWER will be accepted via one call for Postdoctoral Fellowships in autumn each year. Please check the website in early autumn for exact dates.

In 2009, the Call for Fellowships opened on 2nd October 2009. and closed for applicants on 12th November 2009.  The results are now available under Recent Results.  Panel feedback on individual applications was provided no later than the end of June 2010.  For more information on call dates, please link here.

Please note that it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that they apply for their desired scheme, and that they fulfil the eligibility requirements for that scheme. Individuals who currently hold or have held an IRCSET Postdoctoral Fellowship cannot reapply for the EMPOWER scheme.  Previously unsuccessful applicants may reapply, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

For queries please email fellowships[at]ircset.ie