174 researchers apply for Global Talent Ireland as interest surges from US and UK

James Lawless arrives to speak to media outside Government Buildings before this morning's meeting of the Cabinet. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews

A total of 174 Expressions of Interest have been submitted for the Global Talent Ireland initiative, including 86 from the United States and 34 from Britain.

Further and higher education minister James Lawless has welcomed what he described as an exceptional response to the scheme.

Since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term as US president, college campuses, academic institutions and research organisations have faced grant cuts, frozen funding, and the deportation of foreign students.

Speaking at an Irish Universities Association event in May, Mr Lawless said public opinion had shifted on research and higher education in the US.

"It has unfortunately become a cold place for free thinkers and talented researchers," continued Mr Lawless.

The initiative, launched in July, aims to attract outstanding international researchers to Irish colleges, universities, and public research institutions.

Mr Lawless attributed the strong response to the "timeliness" of the programme and Ireland’s position as a "premier destination for world-class research talent."

Almost 50 Irish researchers currently working abroad also submitted applications, highlighting the scheme’s potential to facilitate the return of high-achieving Irish talent.

Speaking after today’s Cabinet meeting, Mr Lawless said: “Our investment in research is fundamentally an investment in people. Global Talent Ireland represents an essential component of our effort to build a future defined by talent, collaboration and global leadership.

“We are transforming intellectual capacity into economic prosperity and social understanding, strengthening Ireland’s position in the global knowledge economy through research-driven innovation and entrepreneurship.

“This programme complements our existing supports for domestic researchers, and the investment required to attract excellent researchers will add to the knowledge and skills base within the Irish system, driving the further development of a sustainable pipeline of research excellence.” 

The next stage of the application process includes a peer review assessment of proposals and interviews.