Research Stimulus Fund

The Research Stimulus Fund provides funding to Irish research institutes for agricultural production-related research.

The main aims of the programme are to:

• support sustainable and competitive agricultural production
• contribute to a knowledge economy
• support research capability in the primary agriculture sector

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.

Make research results available

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.

Most of the programme spending is based on successful applications to the national calls for proposals that are held each year. 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) and the US-Ireland Research and Development Partnership.

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.

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.