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Find the right funding route
Start with what you need most: support for a PhD or fellowship, access to national infrastructure, development of an industry-led innovation, or a small award for networking and research communication.
Funding calls change across the year. The quickest way to find something you can apply to today is Current funding opportunities.
To see the type and scale of work we support, use the Marine Institute funding research database to browse funded projects.
How to apply at a glance
Most programmes run through competitive calls. In practice, you’ll usually:
- check current funding opportunities for an open call and deadline;
- read the programme page to confirm fit and expectations;
- prepare your proposal with your organisation or partners, where relevant; and
- submit before the published deadline.
If you’re unsure which programme fits, email us and we’ll help you choose the right route: funding@marine.ie.
Shiptime Awards
We operate Ireland’s national marine research vessels and associated research infrastructure on behalf of the Government and the Irish marine community. Ship-time is awarded through a competitive annual call.
- Research surveys: grant-aid for researchers to access ship-time for multidisciplinary marine research.
- Dedicated training: support for HEIs to run undergraduate or postgraduate training programmes on board.
Industry-led Awards
We fund SMEs through Industry-led Awards to support research activities aligned with national marine priorities and to increase SME participation in marine research.
- support R&I costs for innovative technologies, products, and services in marine-based business;
- help companies build capability, capacity, and networks;
- support novel marine research that creates new knowledge or substantially improves existing products, processes, or services; and
- encourage collaboration with HEIs and public research bodies.
Project Based Awards
These awards support research activities that align with national marine goals and wider marine strategies.
- building research capacity and capability;
- supporting knowledge sharing and technology transfer;
- increasing competitiveness and sustainable growth;
- protecting and conserving marine resources; and
- informing public policy.
Infrastructure Programme
This programme supports specialist equipment and infrastructure needs in the marine research and innovation community. It addresses a recognised gap in capital supports and helps raise performance across marine R&I areas.
Networking & Marine Research Communication Awards
These small-scale, flexible awards help researchers build partnerships, share results, and raise the visibility of Irish marine research.
- hosting workshops and conferences in Ireland;
- researcher awards for conference presentations and marine-related training; and
- marine research communication, including open-access publication costs and media production.
Post Graduate Scholarships
We fund Masters and PhD opportunities through two scholarship routes.
- Cullen Scholarship Programme: supports postgraduates working on research relevant to Marine Institute priorities while studying for a higher degree. It supports training, strengthens links between applied and academic research, and builds national research capacity.
- Eoin Sweeney Scholarship Programme: supports postgraduate training in oceanography, marine engineering, and related disciplines. It strengthens collaboration between Ireland and Spain through shared test-bed and demonstration facilities.
Post Doctoral Fellowship Programme
The programme supports early-career researchers to advance their careers and lead research in strategically important marine areas. The work must align with national marine goals and priorities.