Deadline: 11-Jun-2026
The Research Ireland Discover Programme 2026 supports organisations in Ireland to design and deliver education and public engagement initiatives that strengthen connections between research, innovation, and society. The programme focuses on widening participation, improving public understanding of research, and encouraging inclusive engagement across all disciplines.
The initiative aims to make research and innovation more accessible, relatable, and relevant to diverse communities while promoting informed public dialogue.
Programme Overview
The Discover Programme supports projects that:
- Strengthen public engagement with research and innovation
- Promote awareness of research careers and pathways
- Encourage dialogue on science, society, and the environment
- Improve equity, diversity, and inclusion in engagement activities
- Support co-creation between researchers and communities
- Enhance climate action and sustainability awareness
- Build interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration
- Strengthen links between research, policy, and society
- Increase public understanding of research methods
Programme Objectives
The main goals of the programme are to:
- Increase public awareness of the societal impact of research
- Encourage participation from underrepresented and diverse groups
- Foster trust and understanding of research and innovation
- Support engagement between researchers and the public
- Promote science communication and outreach
- Build capacity for high-quality public engagement
- Encourage creative approaches to engagement and education
Focus Areas
Projects are encouraged to address:
- Public engagement with research and innovation
- Education and outreach activities
- Career awareness in research and innovation fields
- Climate action and environmental sustainability
- Social inclusion and community participation
- Media, arts, and creative engagement approaches
- Youth engagement and educational initiatives
- Policy-relevant research communication
- Regional outreach and geographically diverse participation
Funding Streams
Project Funding:
- Up to €75,000 per project
- Duration: 1 year
- Implementation period: within 2027
Sustaining Regional or National Initiative Funding:
- Up to €300,000 per initiative
- Duration: up to 2 years
- Implementation period: 2027 or 2027–2028
Additional provisions:
- Administrative costs are eligible within defined limits
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- Research organisations based in the Republic of Ireland
- State bodies (e.g., city and county councils)
- Other eligible organisations meeting call requirements
- International partners (in collaboration with eligible Irish-based organisations)
The programme particularly encourages:
- Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary partnerships
- Collaboration between researchers, media, education, and community sectors
- Organisations working with underrepresented communities
- Innovative public engagement approaches
Key Features of the Programme
- Supports inclusive and accessible engagement models
- Encourages participation from non-traditional research audiences
- Promotes creativity in science and research communication
- Builds public trust in research and innovation
- Strengthens community-researcher collaboration
- Encourages regional and national outreach initiatives
Expected Outcomes
- Increased public understanding of research and innovation
- Broader participation in science and research activities
- Improved access for underrepresented communities
- Stronger public dialogue on societal challenges
- Enhanced awareness of research careers
- Greater collaboration between research and society
- Improved capacity for public engagement across sectors
Why the Programme Matters
- Bridges the gap between research and society
- Strengthens trust in scientific and innovation systems
- Promotes inclusion and equal access to knowledge
- Encourages informed decision-making in society
- Supports climate and sustainability awareness
- Builds long-term engagement capacity in Ireland
- Enhances visibility of research impact on daily life
Conclusion
The Research Ireland Discover Programme 2026 provides significant funding opportunities for organisations to develop inclusive and innovative public engagement initiatives. By connecting research with communities and encouraging participation from diverse groups, the programme strengthens public understanding of science and innovation while promoting a more inclusive research culture across Ireland.
For more information, visit Research Ireland.