Global Talent Ireland 2025: Call for Proposals to Attract World-Class Researchers to Ireland

Global Talent Ireland is a groundbreaking research initiative by Research Ireland, aiming to attract world-class researchers to Ireland. The programme offers substantial funding to exceptional mid-career and senior researchers who wish to relocate their research activities to eligible Irish research bodies. This initiative not only aims to strengthen Ireland’s research ecosystem but also to foster sustainable economic growth, innovation, and national development.

Key Dates for Global Talent Ireland 2025

• Call Launch: 18th July 2025

• Expression of Interest (EoI) Deadline: 28th August 2025, 13:00 Dublin Local Time

• Full Proposal Submission Deadline: October 2025 (further details upon invitation)

Introduction to Global Talent Ireland

Global Talent Ireland, established by Research Ireland, is designed to position Ireland as a global hub for cutting-edge research. This initiative focuses on attracting established researchers with the potential to drive significant advancements in their fields. By recruiting exceptional researchers, the programme helps elevate Ireland’s research infrastructure, build talent, and foster international collaborations. The programme is aligned with Impact 2030, Ireland’s national research and innovation strategy.

Global Talent Ireland Programme Remit

The Global Talent Ireland programme invites proposals from applicants across all research disciplines. Whether in the sciences, humanities, social sciences, or engineering, the programme is open to applicants whose research aligns with Ireland’s national strategic interests and the objectives of Research Ireland. Proposals must demonstrate excellence and articulate the potential impact of the research on national development.

Funding and Support Offered

Global Talent Ireland offers two types of funding streams based on career stage:

1. Rising Stars (Mid-career researchers, 5-15 years post-PhD):

   • Research Funding: €1.5M

   • Startup Funding: €0.75M

   • Maximum Total Budget: €2.25M

   • Award Duration: 6 years

2. Research Leaders (Established researchers, 16+ years post-PhD):

   • Research Funding: €2.5M

   • Startup Funding: €0.75M

   • Maximum Total Budget: €3.25M

   • Award Duration: 6 years

These funds are designed to cover research expenses, including staff salaries, equipment, travel, consumables, and overheads for the host institution. The startup funding supports large-scale equipment purchases and essential infrastructure to ensure a smooth transition to Ireland.

Eligibility Criteria for Global Talent Ireland

The programme is open to applicants currently employed outside Ireland. Applicants are required to relocate their research activities to an eligible Irish research body. Joint appointments with two Irish research bodies or between an Irish research body and the Health Service Executive (HSE) may be considered, provided a proper management plan is submitted.

• Rising Stars: Applicants must have obtained a PhD (or equivalent) within 5-15 years prior to the current year (PhD certification between 2010 and 2020).

• Research Leaders: Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent) obtained more than 16 years prior to the current year (PhD certification before 2009).

Application Procedure for Global Talent Ireland

The application process for Global Talent Ireland involves two key stages: Expression of Interest (EoI) and Full Proposal Submission.

1. Expression of Interest (EoI):
   The first step in the application process is submitting an Expression of Interest (EoI) by 28th August 2025. The EoI should provide high-level details about the applicant, proposed research area, and the commitment of the host research body. This stage is critical for determining the eligibility of the applicant.

   EoI Requirements include:

   • Applicant’s name, email address, and research background.

   • Research keywords (up to 5).

   • Proposal title and research theme.

   • Commitment from the host research body (including details on salary and infrastructure support).

   EoIs must be submitted via email to globaltalent@researchireland.ie. The Research Office of the host institution is responsible for submitting the EoI.

2. Full Proposal Submission:
   Applicants whose EoIs are approved will be invited to submit a full proposal. The proposal will be submitted through SESAME, Research Ireland’s grants management system. The full proposal will include detailed information on the research plan, proposed budget, impact statement, and letters of support.

   Full proposal requirements include:

   • Research plan (max. 4 pages) detailing research goals, methodology, and significance.

   • Impact statement (max. 3 pages) outlining how the research will contribute to Ireland’s national strategic goals.

   • Budget justification and detailed cost breakdown.

   • CV of the applicant, with a focus on research achievements, leadership, and impact.

   Proposals will undergo a two-stage review:

   • Stage 1: Peer review by international experts, evaluating the quality, relevance, and potential impact of the research.

   • Stage 2: Interview panel assessment, focusing on the researcher’s motivation, talent development plans, and the research body’s commitment.

Research Impact and Talent Development

Global Talent Ireland supports research that has the potential for significant impact. Proposals must articulate how the proposed research aligns with Ireland’s strategic interests and contribute to national development. In addition, the programme emphasizes the importance of talent development, and applicants should demonstrate how they will foster the growth of future researchers.

The Impact Statement should address:

• Alignment with Ireland’s national research priorities.

• Contribution to the national innovation ecosystem and sustainable economic growth.

• How the research will attract additional funding and create opportunities for collaboration.

Grant Management and Reporting Requirements

Once a grant is awarded, recipients will be required to report regularly on their research progress. Reports must include key milestones, outputs, and evidence of impact. Research Ireland may request additional reporting up to five years after the grant ends to ensure the continued success of the project.

Progress Reviews will also be conducted to ensure the research is on track. These reviews may include site visits from international experts and additional meetings with the researcher.

Further Information and Contact Details

For further information on the Global Talent Ireland Programme and detailed application guidance, please visit the Research Ireland Global Talent Ireland webpage.

If you have any questions, please contact globaltalent@researchireland.ie or call +353 1 234 5678.

Research Ireland strongly encourages applications from diverse groups, including women and individuals from historically underserved communities, in line with its Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy 2023-2028.

By supporting world-class research talent, the Global Talent Ireland 2025 programme plays a critical role in enhancing Ireland’s research capacity and supporting innovation for future generations.