Ukrainian Researchers Scheme

Update 04/07/2023:

In June 2022, the IRC launched the Ukrainian Researchers Scheme to facilitate Ukrainian researchers supported by the Government under the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) to join research projects of IRC-funded principal investigators aligned to their individual research interests. Four awards were made under the Scheme in 2022.

A second round of the Scheme is opening on 4 July 2023. The IRC has a limited amount of funding to make awards under this Scheme, and the Scheme will remain open until such time as the funding is exhausted. Eligible applications will be funded on a first come first served basis, aiming in so far as is possible to ensure a distribution of awards across institutions and regions. Further details can be found in the 2023 Call Document.

Background

Following the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the resulting refugee crisis, Ireland’s research funders have been engaging collaboratively on developments, in particular relating to how researchers from Ukraine who are arriving in Ireland due to the war can be supported by the Irish research system.

The Irish Research Council has made a provision to assist Ukrainian researchers supported by the government under the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD). Irish Research Council-funded principal investigators (PIs) on current or forthcoming PI-level awards will be able to apply to the IRC for funding to add an eligible individual to the project where the individual’s research interests are aligned with those of the project. Eligible IRC-funded PIs can apply to add displaced researchers and research-related technical staff across the research career framework, including postdoctoral fellows and more experienced investigators, to their awards.

This scheme will adopt an EOI process, a shortened application form and an expedited review process. It seeks to build on and complement other systems and supports introduced by Irish Government departments and agencies.

What we offer

Awards can have a maximum duration of 12 months. The budget requested and the award duration must reflect the scale and nature of the proposed research. Activities funded should relate, and add value to, the original award objectives. Funding must be associated with clearly identified individuals and activities. Eligible costs include:

• Salaries
• Materials and consumables up to a total of €2,000 per researcher
• A contribution of €1,000 towards the purchase of a computer
• Overheads at 25% of total direct costs (excludes student fees and equipment costs)

How to apply

Please see the 2023 Call Document for further information about how to apply to this Scheme. All applications must be submitted by the research office of the host institution via email to ukrainianresearchers@research.ie.

Key dates

The call will open on 4 July 2023.

Research offices must notify the IRC of the intention to develop an application before it is progressed by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) form to ukrainianresearchers@research.ie.

It is important to note that applications will only be accepted in instances where a completed EOI form has been received and approved by the IRC.

Once an EOI form has been approved by the IRC, each applicant will have a subsequent 28 days to submit their application form upon receipt of notification from the IRC.