Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The MARÉIRE project by the Irish Environmental Network offers research grants for postgraduate students studying the environmental impacts of offshore renewable energy. The funding supports master’s and PhD-level research on topics such as offshore wind, tidal and wave energy, marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and sustainability impacts.
A total funding pool of €10,000 is available, with individual grants up to €2,000 or €2,500 for projects involving Irish Environmental Network member organizations. Projects must be completed within 18 months and demonstrate strong scientific quality, relevance, and feasibility.
What Is the MARÉIRE Research Grant?
The MARÉIRE research grant is an initiative of the Irish Environmental Network designed to support postgraduate research on the environmental dimensions of offshore renewable energy systems.
The program focuses on generating evidence-based insights into how offshore renewable technologies interact with marine ecosystems and how environmental risks and benefits can be better understood and managed.
Key Offshore Renewable Energy Technologies Covered
- Offshore wind energy
- Tidal energy
- Wave energy
- Hybrid marine renewable systems
Research Focus Areas
The grant supports a wide range of environmental and interdisciplinary research topics related to offshore renewable energy.
Marine Environment Impacts
- Impacts on marine biodiversity
- Effects on habitats and ecosystems
- Fish population changes
- Bird migration and mortality risks
- Marine mammal interactions
Cumulative and Lifecycle Impacts
- Full lifecycle environmental impacts of energy projects
- Combined impacts of multiple offshore developments
- Long-term ecosystem changes
- Industrial-scale marine energy effects
Monitoring and Assessment
- Environmental monitoring methods
- Impact assessment frameworks
- Data collection techniques
- Baseline environmental studies
Mitigation and Sustainable Design
- Biodiversity-friendly infrastructure design
- Nature-based solutions
- Environmental mitigation strategies
- Ecosystem protection approaches
Policy and Planning
- Marine spatial planning frameworks
- Renewable energy policy integration
- Biodiversity protection policies
- Regulatory environmental assessments
Infrastructure and Socio-Economic Impacts
- Environmental effects of ports and harbours
- Socio-economic impacts of offshore energy development
- Ecosystem-service relationships
- Human-environment interactions in marine systems
Who Can Apply?
The grant is specifically targeted at postgraduate researchers.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate program (Master’s or PhD)
- Study at an Irish university or equivalent institution
- Conduct research as part of their degree program
- Focus on offshore renewable energy and environmental issues
- Complete the project within 18 months
Eligible Research Formats
- Desk-based research
- Laboratory-based studies
- Field-based research projects
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete research proposal package.
Required Documents
- Project proposal
- Project summary
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Supervisor support letter
- Detailed budget breakdown
- Partner NGO support letter (if applicable)
Collaboration Encouragement
- Collaboration with Irish Environmental Network member organizations is strongly encouraged
- Projects involving member organizations receive priority consideration
- Partnerships may include joint research activities and placements
Funding Details
The total funding available under this call is €10,000.
Grant Structure
- Maximum per project: €2,000
- Maximum per project (with IEN member involvement): €2,500
- Total program funding pool: €10,000
- Project duration limit: 18 months
Funding may also support:
- Research activities
- Collaboration costs
- Fieldwork or data collection
- Stakeholder engagement activities
- Placement-related work with partner organizations
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed by an expert panel based on scientific and practical merit.
Assessment Factors
- Relevance to offshore renewable energy and environmental issues
- Scientific quality and research methodology
- Innovation and originality
- Potential environmental and policy impact
- Collaboration with Irish Environmental Network member organizations
- Feasibility and budget justification
Obligations for Successful Applicants
Funded students must meet several reporting and dissemination requirements.
Mandatory Outputs
- Presentation of research findings at a conference
- Presentation to the Irish Environmental Network
- Submission of a final research report
- Submission of a financial report
- Proper acknowledgment of funding in all outputs
Acknowledgment Requirement
All research outputs must acknowledge:
- The Irish Environmental Network
- The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Important Condition
- AI-generated proposals are not accepted under this funding call
Why This Grant Matters
The MARÉIRE program supports critical research at the intersection of marine ecosystems and renewable energy development.
Environmental Importance
- Improves understanding of offshore energy impacts on marine life
- Supports biodiversity protection in marine environments
- Enhances evidence-based environmental planning
Policy and Energy Transition Relevance
- Supports sustainable offshore energy expansion
- Informs marine spatial planning policies
- Contributes to climate and energy transition goals
Academic and Research Value
- Encourages postgraduate research in marine sustainability
- Strengthens university–NGO collaboration
- Builds practical environmental research capacity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the MARÉIRE research grant?
It is a postgraduate research funding program by the Irish Environmental Network focused on environmental impacts of offshore renewable energy.
Who can apply?
Master’s and PhD students enrolled at Irish or equivalent institutions.
What is the funding amount?
Total funding is €10,000, with individual grants up to €2,000 or €2,500.
What research areas are supported?
Offshore wind, tidal and wave energy, marine biodiversity, ecosystem impacts, and environmental policy related to marine renewable energy.
How long do projects last?
All funded projects must be completed within 18 months.
Are collaborations encouraged?
Yes, partnerships with Irish Environmental Network member organizations are encouraged and prioritized.
Are AI-generated proposals allowed?
No. AI-generated proposals are explicitly not accepted.
Conclusion
The MARÉIRE research grant provides targeted funding for postgraduate students investigating the environmental impacts of offshore renewable energy in marine ecosystems. By supporting high-quality research on biodiversity, ecosystem health, and sustainable energy development, the program contributes to both scientific understanding and Ireland’s broader climate and marine policy goals.
With funding up to €2,500 per project and strong emphasis on collaboration and applied research, MARÉIRE offers a valuable opportunity for students working at the intersection of marine science, environmental protection, and renewable energy transition.
For more information, visit MARÉIRE.