Our vision is for a healthy research ecosystem that provides a diversity of supports and opportunities to enable Ireland reap the full value of research.
We are the key national funder of basic research across all disciplines, and the only funder that supports basic research in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Our focus is on ensuring that exceptional researchers are supported to develop their ideas across the key stages of their career.
Similar to many other countries, Ireland has a small number of research-funding agencies with distinct but complementary missions. We provide the ‘foundation competitive research investment’ that supports the balanced development of our higher education and research system.
We operate within the policy framework of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Higher Education Authority, but we are independent in our funding decisions. In delivering on our mandate, our core value is excellence, determined on the basis of independent peer review in an open, objective and transparent manner.