€4.6m science research funding boost

The Embark Initiative, operated by the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET), says new funding of up to €4.6m is available for talented researchers under its Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme 2006.

Up to 50 awards will be offered in 2006 to the most competitive candidates who will be subject to assessment by an international committee.

This is the fourth year of the postdoctoral scheme and researchers from all nations intending to commence their first postdoctoral research position in the sciences, engineering or technology at an Irish research institution in October 2006 are eligible to apply for funding.

The Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme is targeted at developing the country’s international reputation as an important location in which to carry out world-class research, so that Ireland retains and attracts the highest level R&D capabilities for the future.

Martin Hynes, director of IRCSET, said the scheme is designed to ensure that international researchers will contribute to the work of established research teams in Ireland.

“The Embark Initiative is encouraging and facilitating this generation of highly motivated researchers who are so vital to Ireland’s future success.”

Applications from candidates with PhDs wishing to further their research work under the scheme should be submitted by 5pm Thursday, February 23, 2006.

Top researchers will receive funding for two years of €33,000, plus expenses of up to €5,000 each year.

Applications will only be accepted for the call through the Embark Initiative’s online grants application system.

For further information on the Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme (2006), log on to www.embark.ie.