Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity (Up to €130,000)
Researchers who want to see their work influence real-world policies now have an exciting opportunity through the Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship 2026. This prestigious programme allows researchers to collaborate directly with Irish government departments and public agencies while receiving significant funding support of up to €130,000.
The fellowship is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and public policymaking, ensuring that evidence-based knowledge informs decisions that affect society. Through this programme, selected fellows will work within government institutions on projects that address national challenges and improve public services in Ireland.
In this article, you will learn about the Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship 2026, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, duration, funding coverage, and how to apply.
Overview of the Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship 2026
The Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship Programme enables researchers to undertake a temporary secondment within Irish Government Departments or Agencies. During the fellowship, researchers collaborate with policymakers and public service professionals to work on projects that have real policy impact.
This initiative encourages knowledge exchange between academia and government, ensuring that research findings can directly influence policy development, public services, and national strategies.
For the 2026 call, the programme is partnering with multiple government departments and agencies, offering dozens of research projects available for applicants.
These projects span a wide range of policy areas including:
- Health policy
- Public service delivery
- Environmental sustainability
- Technology and digital transformation
- Food safety and agriculture
- Communications infrastructure
- Culture, arts, and society
By embedding researchers directly within government institutions, the fellowship ensures that innovative research contributes to solving real societal challenges.
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Fellowship Duration
The fellowship offers flexible working arrangements depending on the availability of the researcher and the needs of the host organisation.
The duration options include:
- 6–12 months (full-time fellowship)
- 12–24 months (part-time fellowship)
This flexibility allows researchers to balance their academic responsibilities while gaining practical experience within the public sector.
Additionally, many fellowship placements offer hybrid or flexible working arrangements, making it easier for fellows to collaborate across institutions and locations.
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Funding and Financial Support
One of the most attractive aspects of the Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship is its generous funding package.
Successful fellows can receive up to €130,000 in funding to support their research activities and secondment.
The funding may cover:
- Salary support for postdoctoral researchers
- Teaching buyout costs for faculty researchers
- Mobility allowances for travel and accommodation
- Open-access publishing costs
- Research-related project expenses
Importantly, fellows remain employed by their university or research institution during the fellowship. This ensures continuity in their academic career while working closely with government partners.
The funding structure also supports the host institution with overhead costs, strengthening collaboration between academia and government.
Key Objectives of the Fellowship
The Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship Programme was created to enhance collaboration between academic research institutions and public sector organisations.
The main objectives of the programme include:
1. Strengthening Evidence-Based Policymaking
Governments rely on research and data to design effective policies. This fellowship allows researchers to directly contribute to policymaking processes.
2. Encouraging Research–Government Collaboration
The programme fosters strong partnerships between universities and government agencies.
3. Translating Research into Real-World Impact
By working inside public institutions, researchers can ensure that their work influences decisions that affect society.
4. Supporting Public Sector Innovation
The fellowship enables government departments to access cutting-edge research expertise.
5. Enhancing Career Development for Researchers
Participants gain valuable experience working within policymaking environments, which can open new career opportunities.
Example Research Areas and Projects
The fellowship supports projects across multiple sectors that influence public life in Ireland.
Some examples of research topics include:
- Assessing the economic value of Ireland’s night-time economy
- Evaluating the impact of investment in arts and culture on society
- Developing AI-based systems for monitoring communications infrastructure
- Studying online safety and digital policy frameworks
- Investigating the effectiveness of public sector services and policies
These projects highlight the programme’s focus on policy-relevant research with tangible societal benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements.
Key eligibility conditions include:
- PhD qualification (or equivalent) must be completed at the time of application.
- Applicants must be employed by an eligible research institution.
- Eligible applicants include:
- Permanent academic staff (faculty researchers)
- Contract postdoctoral researchers.
- The applicant must remain employed by the research institution during the fellowship period.
The programme is open to researchers from all disciplines, including STEM, social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary fields.
Important Dates
Applicants interested in the Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship 2026 should take note of the following timeline:
- Call Launch: January 2026
- Application Deadline: April 2026
- Funding Decision: Expected mid-2026
Applicants are encouraged to start preparing their proposals early and coordinate with their institution’s research office before submission.
Why You Should Apply
The Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship is more than just a funding opportunity—it is a chance to influence real policy decisions and contribute to societal change.
Some key benefits include:
- Access to up to €130,000 in funding
- Opportunity to work directly with government policymakers
- Flexible fellowship duration and working arrangements
- Exposure to real-world policy challenges
- Strengthened collaboration between academia and public institutions
For researchers who want to make their work more impactful, this programme provides an ideal pathway to translate research into policy action.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Research Ireland’s online grant management system. Applicants typically work with their university’s research office to complete the submission process.
Before applying, candidates should carefully review the call document and identify a project that aligns with their expertise and research interests.
