Competitive Forestry Research for Development Programme
- Published on: 10 March 2020
- Last updated on: 20 January 2022
Competitive Forestry Research for Development Programme
The Competitive Forestry Research for Development (CoFoRD) Programme provides funding for research aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the forestry sector.
It supports research that can lead to sustainable employment, encourage innovation and promote environmental harmony. The programme also helps to strengthen inter-institutional links and fosters links between public research institutes and industry.
How to qualify
Project proposals must be submitted online and are selected by open competition. The programme is open to eligible Research Performing Organisations. This includes universities and institutes of technology, plus Teagasc, the Marine Institute, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, BirdWatch Ireland and the National Botanical Gardens. Industry can participate through collaboration with an approved Research Performing Organisation.
Multi-disciplinary teams from two or more institutions usually carry out the research projects. Successful applicants are required to make the results of their research widely available. You must comply with the terms of the scheme as described in the call for funding for the year in which you apply.
Seven themes have been identified to guide the programme:
- expansion of the forest resource - sustainable increase in productive area
- productivity - sustainable improvements in crop productivity and quality
- resource utilisation - stand modelling, recovery, supply chain, utilisation and optimisation
- adding value - wood processing and product development
- forest resource protection - protecting the resource from biotic and abiotic and threats
- ecosystem services - the benefits people obtain from forest ecosystem
- climate change impact adaption and mitigation - responding to a changing climate
The programme is also used from time to time to fund Irish researchers who emerge successfully in international research calls including various European Research Area Networks (ERA-Nets).
Funding rates
Funding levels are not ring-fenced for each type of project. The awarding of funds depends on the project proposals received and the outcome of the evaluation process.
How to apply
An open call for proposals is announced each year. The 2019 deadline was on 18 April. Login or register on the department’s online portal to submit your proposal after the call is announced.
For further information contact: