Research Ireland’s Industry RD&I Fellowship Programme

The Research Ireland’s Industry RD&I Fellowship Programme aims to foster academia-enterprise collaborations by placing academic researchers with industry partners. This initiative supports researchers at various stages of their careers, enabling them to gain valuable industry experience.

📖 About the Programme

The Placement Stream supports academic researchers at the faculty, postdoctoral, and late-stage PhD levels who wish to spend time in industry worldwide. Fellowships can range from 1 to 24 months, either on a full-time or part-time basis.

Key Details:

• Date Published: May 15, 2025
• Application Deadline: July 15, 2025
• Categories:
  • Fellowship
  • Postdoctoral
  • Postgraduate

Eligible Industry Partners:

• SMEs
• Multinational companies
• Registered charities
• Social or cultural organizations

💡 Benefits

• Fellowships can last:
  • 1 to 12 months (full-time)
  • 2 to 24 months (part-time)
• Maximum Research Ireland contribution: €100,000 (direct costs)
  • Covers salary/teaching buy-out, travel, and open access costs.
  • Industry partners must cover remaining costs in line with EU State aid guidelines.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Open to late-stage PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and academic faculty members.
• Applications are accepted from all disciplines.
• Charities and NGOs are eligible partners, provided they meet State aid requirements.
• A third research category, Fundamental Research, has been introduced to facilitate partnerships with charities and NGOs.

📅 Application Process

All proposals must be submitted via SESAME, the online grants and awards management system.

Steps to Apply:

1. Access SESAME:
   • First-time users should contact their local Research Office for access.
2. Familiarize yourself with SESAME resources:
   • Refer to the SESAME User Guides and FAQs.
3. Submit your proposal before the deadline: July 15, 2025.

Important Notes:

• Research Ireland anticipates a high volume of applications.
• Queries about SESAME should first be directed to your Research Body’s Research Office.
• For unresolved issues, email sesame@researchireland.ie (response time: up to 5 working days).

📄 Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Call Document
• Applicant CV Template
• Academic Collaborator CV Template
• Budget Template
• Financial Declaration Template
• FAQs

📧 Contact Information

For Placement Stream-related queries, contact:
irdif@researchireland.ie

🔗 Application Portal

• View full details of the programme: Research Ireland’s Industry RD&I Fellowship Programme
• Apply via SESAME: Apply Here

🗓️ Application Deadline

July 15, 2025

Ensure you submit your application on time to be considered for this prestigious opportunity!

• Maximum Research Ireland contribution to the cost of each Fellowship is €100,000 direct costs to support the Fellow’s salary/teaching buy-out, travel and open access costs only.
• Industry partner must support the remaining costs related to the project in line with the permitted aid intensities under State aid guidelines.