The Research Ireland Enterprise Fellowship 2025 is a prestigious, fully funded program aimed at fostering collaboration between academia and industry. The 2025 Research Ireland Enterprise Fellowship Programme combines the final iterations of two previous schemes: the SFI Industry RD&I Fellowship (now the Placement Stream) and the IRC Enterprise Fellowship (now the Partnership Stream).
The Placement Stream supports academic researchers at faculty, postdoctoral, or late-stage PhD level to spend 1 to 24 months in industry, either full-time or part-time, anywhere in the world. Meanwhile, the Partnership Stream supports postdoctoral researchers or late-stage PhD students to carry out full-time research for 12 or 24 months within an eligible Irish research body, in collaboration with an enterprise partner. The application deadline is 15 July 2025, with outcomes announced in November 2025.
Universities/Institutions
- Host Institution: Across various eligible Irish research bodies, including universities and public research institutions.
- Award country: Ireland
- Fellowship Level: Postdoctoral and late-stage PhD level Fellowship
- Duration: 1-24 Months
Study Areas
The Research Ireland Enterprise Fellowship welcomes applications from all disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Business and Economics
Types of Stream
- Placement Stream
- Partnership Stream
Which Stream is Right for You?
Placement Stream:
- Supports academic researchers (faculty, postdoc, late-stage PhD) in temporary placements with industry partners.
- Industry partners can include SMEs, multinational companies, charities, and cultural/social organizations.
- Fellow is primarily based in the industry or enterprise
- Previously known as the Industry RD&I Fellowship
Partnership Stream:
- Open to postdoctoral researchers in all disciplines.
- Fellow is based in a higher education institution (HEI)
- Previously known as the Enterprise Partnership Scheme (Postdoctoral)
Research Ireland Enterprise Fellowship Benefits
Placement Stream:
- Duration:
- Full-time: 1–12 months
- Part-time: 2–24 months
- Maximum funding from Research Ireland: €100,000 for direct costs (salary, teaching buy-out, travel, open access).
- Industry partner must co-fund project costs as per EU State aid guidelines (GBER).
Partnership Stream:
- Duration: 2 years (full-time)
- Salary based on Postdoc Salary Scale
- Employer’s PRSI and pension contributions
- €5,000/year for eligible research expenses
Benefits Not Included
While the fellowship is comprehensive, it does not cover:
- Visa application fees
- Relocation expenses
- Personal travel outside of fellowship activities
Eligibilities for Research Ireland Enterprise Fellowship
Placement Stream Eligibility:
- Research Body:
- Must be on Research Ireland’s approved list.
- Administers funds.
- Industry Partner:
- Can be a company, charity, NGO, or civic organisation (not government entities).
- Must contribute financially and have infrastructure, staff, and expertise.
- Cannot be an “undertaking in difficulty” under EU State aid rules.
- Applicant (Fellow):
- Category A (Faculty Researcher): Permanent or long-term fixed academic staff with PhD for 3+ years.
- Category B (Postdoc): PhD holders, past or current postdocs, or new PhDs not employed in industry.
- Category C (PhD Researcher): Within final 6 months of PhD, must finish before Fellowship starts.
- Cannot apply if already held an RD&I Fellowship with the same partner or applying concurrently to EPSPD.
- Industry Mentor:
- Must be an employee of the industry partner with leadership and enterprise experience.
- Cannot be seconded academic or researcher-in-residence.
- For More Details, Visit Placement Stream
Key Updates:
- Open to all disciplines.
- Charities and NGOs now eligible partners (subject to State aid rules).
- New “Fundamental Research” category added for these partners.
Partnership Stream:
- Research Body:
- Must be on Research Ireland’s approved list.
- Handles fund management and invoicing.
- Enterprise Partner:
- Can be company, charity, NGO, civic body, or state body.
- Must contribute €22,000–€27,500/year and pass financial viability check.
- Must provide a mentor with research experience.
- Applicant (Fellow):
- Postdocs not under contract at grant start or in final 6 months of PhD.
- Must not be permanent staff or previously held this grant.
- Max two prior unsuccessful EPSPD applications.
- Academic and enterprise mentors required (must be different people).
- Enterprise Mentor:
- Must be an employee with relevant industry experience.
- Must not be seconded academic or researcher-in-residence.
- For More Details, Visit Partnership Stream
Key Updates:
- No 5-year post-PhD cap.
- Any point on salary scale can be requested.
- First-year enterprise contribution waivers removed.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Completed application form via the online grants management system
- Detailed research proposal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letters of support from academic and enterprise mentors
- Evidence of eligibility (e.g., proof of PhD status)
Research Ireland Enterprise Fellowship Application Process
Placement Stream: Industry RD&I Fellowship Programme
- Submission deadline: 15 July 2025, 13:00 (Dublin time)
- Submission platform: SESAME (online grants and awards system)
- Accessing SESAME: First-time users must contact their local Research Office
- Resources: Refer to SESAME User Guides and FAQs on the SFI website
- Support:
- First contact your institution’s Research Office
- If unresolved, email: sesame@researchireland.ie
- Response time may take up to 5 working days
- Recommendation: Familiarise yourself with SESAME early to avoid delays
Partnership Stream: Enterprise Partnership Scheme (Postdoctoral)
- Submission deadline: 15 July 2025, 16:00 (Dublin time)
- Submission platform: SmartSimple (online grants and awards system)
- Support:
- First contact your institution’s Research Office
- If unresolved, email: systems@researchireland.ie
- Response time may take up to 5 working days
- Recommendation: Get comfortable with the SmartSimple system before the deadline
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Begin preparing your application well in advance to ensure all components are thoroughly completed.
- Align Objectives: Ensure your research proposal aligns with the goals of the chosen stream and demonstrates potential for industry collaboration.
- Seek Feedback: Have mentors or colleagues review your application to provide constructive feedback.
- Highlight Impact: Clearly articulate the potential impact of your research on both academic and industry sectors.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
Living expenses in Ireland can vary based on location and lifestyle. Here’s an approximate monthly breakdown:
- Accommodation: €600 – €1,200
- Food: €250 – €400
- Transport: €50 – €150
- Utilities & Internet: €100 – €200
- Personal Expenses: €150 – €300
Total Estimated Monthly Cost: €1,200 – €2,200
Why Choose This Opportunity?
The Research Ireland Enterprise Fellowship offers a unique platform to bridge the gap between academia and industry. It provides researchers with the resources, mentorship, and networks necessary to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to innovation and societal development in Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply if I’m currently based outside Ireland?
Yes, the fellowship is open to researchers of all nationalities.
Q2: What is the duration of the fellowship?
The Placement Stream offers 1 to 24 months (full-time or part-time), while the Partnership Stream offers 12 or 24 months (full-time only).
Q3: Are there specific fields of study required?
No, applications are welcome from all disciplines.
Q4: Is industry collaboration mandatory?
Yes, both streams require collaboration with an industry or enterprise partner.
Q5: When will the fellowship commence?
Fellowships are expected to start in January 2025 at the earliest, with exact dates to be confirmed upon award notification.
Official Link for More Details and Application
For comprehensive information and to apply, please visit the official Research Ireland Enterprise Fellowships page:
