Research Fellowship Scheme

The investment by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Research, Technological Development and Innovation (ERTDI) Programme 2000-2006 and by other state bodies has developed significant environmental research capacity and produced large amounts of data in relation to key environmental areas. This will continue as part of the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE) Programme 2007-2013. To-date, the EPA has awarded 58 fellowships as part of its Research Fellowship Scheme.

The EPA invites regularly for proposals for research fellowships to enhance existing environmental research capacity as part of its Research Fellowship Scheme. Fellowships are awarded to third level institutions for research projects of particular interest to the EPA in the field of environmental science, and related fields of environmental economics and social and legal studies related to the environment.

Research fellowships are usually awarded for a 2 years duration with a possible additional 1-year depending on progress, demonstration of added value and availability of funding - this is decided through a peer-review process on a case-by-case basis. Research fellowships must have the following characteristics:

• Address an environmental issue of national importance
• Demonstrate how it will significantly progress current understanding of the issue
• Clearly show that the proposed work is new and not already covered through a current or previous project
• Be of high standard and aim to produce a number of peer reviewed publications

The research fellowship scheme is open to researchers with a doctoral degree or equivalent research experience in a relevant discipline. The applicant should also have appropriate qualifications / experience in information technology and display a broad knowledge of relevant environmental issues and policy.

In general the scheme aims to support new research projects however applications for fellowships associated with projects already funded under the ERTDI/STRIVE programmes may be considered. However, the additional benefits of the latter must be clear and the fellowship objectives must demonstrate no overlap with those of the existing projects, or act to supplement the achievement of similar objectives.

More Information

For further information on the Research Fellowship Scheme, please contact: Niamh Connolly

Learn more

• Find out more on the Fellowships funded by the EPA
• Read the Terms and Conditions of award