The Research Ireland has officially opened applications for the Discover Programme 2026. This funding initiative supports organizations aiming to connect research with society through education, outreach, and public engagement projects.
Scholarship Overview
- Partial Funding
- Ireland Universities
- Non-Degree
- All Subjects
- International Students
- Ireland
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).
Degree Level
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