The Applied Partnership Awards – Women’s Health 2026 funds applied research projects in Ireland that directly address evidence needs within the health and social care system. With €2 million available, up to 10 projects can receive a maximum of €200,000 each for 12–24 months. Applications must be submitted by collaborative teams of researchers and knowledge users, with mandatory co-funding of at least 10 percent from the knowledge user partner.

The Applied Partnership Awards – Women’s Health 2026 scheme supports applied health research projects that translate evidence into policy and practice within the Irish health and social care system.

The program is funded by the Department of Health under the Women’s Health Taskforce and administered by the Health Research Board (HRB).

The focus is on collaborative, policy-relevant research that produces measurable improvements in healthcare delivery and women’s health outcomes.

Purpose of the Scheme

The scheme is designed to:

• Address documented evidence gaps in Ireland’s health and social care system

• Strengthen collaboration between researchers and knowledge users

• Accelerate translation of research into healthcare policy and service delivery

• Improve real-world outcomes in women’s health

Unlike purely academic research grants, this program prioritises applied research with direct policy relevance and measurable system-level impact.

Priority Research Areas (2026 Call)

Applications are eligible across all aspects of women’s health research.

However, the following four areas are especially encouraged:

Postpartum Mental Health

Particular focus on:

• Traumatic birth experiences

• Mental health service gaps

• Postnatal psychological support

Endometriosis

Research addressing:

• Diagnosis delays

• Treatment pathways

• Healthcare system responsiveness

Menstruation

Including:

• Menstrual health education

• Access to menstrual care

• Social and policy barriers

Culturally Sensitive Healthcare and Intersectionality

Research examining:

• Health inequities

• Cultural barriers in care provision

• Intersectional impacts on women’s health

Projects outside these four themes remain eligible if aligned with the overall objectives.

Funding Details

• Total available funding: €2,000,000

• Maximum per project: €200,000

• Number of projects expected: Up to 10

• Project duration: 12 to 24 months

Funding is intended for applied, time-bound research with clear deliverables and policy relevance.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is team-based and partnership-driven.

Mandatory Team Structure

Each application must include:

• A Lead Applicant – Researcher

• A Lead Applicant – Knowledge User

Lead Applicant – Researcher Requirements

• Must be mid-stage or senior-stage in career

• Demonstrate experience in:

  • Clinical research

  • Population health research

  • Health services research

• Must be based at a Host Institution in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland

Lead Applicant – Knowledge User Requirements

• Must represent an organisation based in the Republic of Ireland

• Must commit minimum 10 percent co-funding of the total HRB amount requested

• Co-funding must be direct or cash contributions (not in-kind)

What Is a Knowledge User?

A knowledge user is an individual or organisation positioned to apply research findings in decision-making contexts.

Examples include:

• Policymakers

• Health service managers

• Clinical leaders

• Health system administrators

Their role is to ensure the research is relevant, practical, and immediately usable within healthcare systems.

How the Funding Works

The scheme operates on a partnership model:

1. Researchers and knowledge users jointly identify an evidence gap.

2. The team designs an applied research project addressing that gap.

3. The knowledge user commits financial co-funding (minimum 10%).

4. The project produces actionable findings to inform policy or service delivery.

The emphasis is on real-world impact rather than theoretical research outputs.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Form a Qualified Partnership

Secure:

• An eligible mid/senior career researcher

• An eligible knowledge user organisation in Ireland

Step 2: Identify a Documented Evidence Need

The project must clearly respond to:

• Publicly documented system gaps

• Policy or service delivery challenges

Step 3: Define Practical Impact

Explain:

• How results will influence policy

• How findings will improve services

• The expected system-level change

Step 4: Confirm Co-Funding Commitment

Obtain written confirmation of:

• Minimum 10% financial contribution

• Direct or cash-based support only

Step 5: Develop a 12–24 Month Implementation Plan

Include:

• Clear objectives

• Milestones

• Measurable outcomes

• Knowledge translation strategy

Step 6: Submit Through the HRB Application System

Ensure all eligibility and partnership criteria are met before submission.

Why This Award Matters

Women’s health has historically faced underinvestment and evidence gaps.

This award:

• Strengthens applied women’s health research in Ireland

• Bridges the gap between academia and healthcare systems

• Promotes equity and culturally sensitive care

• Accelerates implementation of research into policy

By requiring knowledge user co-funding, the scheme ensures strong institutional commitment and practical uptake of findings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a proposal without a designated knowledge user lead

• Failing to demonstrate documented evidence need

• Not securing the required 10% co-funding

• Proposing purely academic research without implementation focus

• Selecting a lead researcher below mid-career level

Projects must demonstrate both scientific quality and system relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding can a project receive?

Each project can receive up to €200,000.

2. How many projects will be funded?

Up to 10 projects are expected to be funded under the €2 million allocation.

3. Is co-funding mandatory?

Yes. The knowledge user partner must provide at least 10 percent of the total HRB funding requested.

4. Can early-career researchers apply as lead?

No. The Lead Applicant – Researcher must be at mid-stage or senior-stage career level.

5. Can the knowledge user be based in Northern Ireland?

No. The Lead Knowledge User partner must be based in the Republic of Ireland.

6. What types of research are eligible?

Applied research that addresses documented evidence needs in the Irish health and social care system.

7. What is the required project duration?

Projects must run for 12 to 24 months.

Key Definitions

• Applied Research: Research designed to solve practical, real-world problems rather than generate purely theoretical knowledge.

• Knowledge Translation: The process of moving research findings into policy, practice, and decision-making.

• Intersectionality: The interconnected nature of social identities (e.g., race, gender, socioeconomic status) that affect health outcomes.

• Health Services Research: Research examining how healthcare is accessed, delivered, and improved.

Conclusion

The Applied Partnership Awards – Women’s Health 2026 provides targeted funding to advance applied, policy-relevant research in Ireland’s health and social care system.

With €2 million available and strong emphasis on researcher–knowledge user collaboration, this scheme is designed to generate measurable improvements in women’s health policy and service delivery. Successful applicants will demonstrate high research quality, documented system need, and a clear pathway to implementation within 12–24 months.