The Pathway Programme provides up to €535,000 in funding to help talented postdoctoral researchers transition into independent research leaders. Over four years, awardees conduct their own research project, supervise a PhD student, and build a competitive track record aligned with national and European research priorities. The programme supports all disciplines while promoting innovation, leadership development, and increased representation in higher education.

Pathway Programme: Funding for Emerging Independent Research Leaders

Overview

The Pathway Programme is a major funding initiative designed to support exceptional postdoctoral researchers across all fields as they establish themselves as independent investigators. It strengthens Ireland’s research ecosystem by nurturing early-career talent, enhancing research excellence, and promoting long-term academic leadership.

Why It Matters

This programme plays a critical role in research capacity building by:

• Supporting early-career researchers during the pivotal transition to independence

• Retaining research talent in Ireland and attracting international scholars

• Strengthening innovation, knowledge creation, and academic leadership

• Enhancing Ireland’s competitiveness within European research funding schemes

• Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in higher education

Programme Objectives and Themes

The Pathway Programme aims to:

• Develop postdoctoral researchers into independent investigators

• Enable Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to retain and attract top talent

• Support excellent research with potential for high impact and innovation

• Contribute to national knowledge creation, skills development, and training

• Prepare researchers for success in national and EU-level programmes (e.g., ERC)

• Increase the representation of women in the academic research workforce

• Align with global research policies, including Open Science and responsible assessment

Funding Details

• Total funding available: Up to €535,000

• Duration: 4 years

• Funding includes:

  • Salary contribution for the awardee

  • Full support for a PhD student (fees + stipend)

  • Research materials, consumables, and equipment

  • Travel for conferences, fieldwork, training, or collaboration

• Leadership-building components:

  • Independent research direction

  • Supervision of a postgraduate student

  • Development of a long-term research agenda

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is designed to support emerging but not yet independent researchers.

Eligible Applicants Must:

• Hold a PhD for at least two years at the time of application

• Not already be an independent investigator

• Not hold academic contracts of 36+ months, except teaching-only roles

• Not have previously secured a major independent research grant

• Be hosted by an eligible Research Body (Irish HEI or research institution)

• Have a committed Mentor who offers scientific guidance and facility access

Roles of the Mentor:

• Provide research supervision and career development support

• Help integrate the applicant into departmental structures

• Co-supervise the funded PhD student

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Confirm Eligibility
   Review all programme criteria, including career stage, contract type, and grant history.

2. Secure a Host Research Body
   Obtain formal support from an eligible Irish HEI or research institution.

3. Identify and Confirm a Mentor
   Select a qualified mentor who can provide scientific support and supervision.

4. Develop a 4-Year Research Plan
   Outline research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and innovation potential.

5. Prepare a Training and Leadership Plan
   Demonstrate how the programme will help you develop as an independent research leader.

6. Draft a Budget (up to €535,000)
   Include salary, PhD student support, materials, equipment, and travel.

7. Submit Through the Official Funding Portal
   Follow the required documentation, format, and deadlines set by the funder.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting without a confirmed, eligible Mentor

• Proposing research that is too narrow, vague, or lacks innovation potential

• Failing to show a clear trajectory toward independence

• Overlooking alignment with national/EU research priorities

• Applying while holding an ineligible long-term contract

• Missing documentation that proves research readiness and institutional support

FAQ

1. Who is the Pathway Programme designed for?

Early-career postdoctoral researchers aiming to become independent research leaders.

2. Can applicants from any discipline apply?

Yes. The programme supports all research fields without restriction.

3. What is the maximum funding amount?

Up to €535,000 in direct costs.

4. How long does the funding last?

The award supports a 4-year research project.

5. Is a Mentor required?

Yes. Every applicant must have an eligible Mentor who provides scientific and supervisory support.

6. Can applicants with long-term academic contracts apply?

Not if the contract is 36 months or longer, unless it is purely teaching-only.

7. Are applicants who already received a major independent grant eligible?

No. The programme is intended for those who have not yet secured major independent funding.

Conclusion

The Pathway Programme is a transformative opportunity for postdoctoral researchers ready to advance into independent academic roles. With substantial funding, leadership development, and structured mentorship, it equips emerging scholars to become future research leaders while supporting excellence, innovation, and talent retention within Ireland’s higher education system.