Deadline: 24-Jun-25
The Research Ireland Discover Programme Call is an Education and Public engagement Programme which aims to empower participation, grow talent and inspire deep public engagement in STEM.
The programme includes a co-funding partnership with the Department of Education which focuses on areas highlighted in the STEM Education Policy Statement and STEM Education Implementation Plan.
Research Ireland welcomes and strongly encourages cross and interdisciplinary projects that embrace wider partnerships and contributions from across the arts, sciences, humanities, media, education, youth and/or community work sectors. Research Ireland is keen to push the boundaries of participation and welcomes novel approaches to engaging the public, in ways that are most suited to them.
Programme Objectives
- The overarching purpose of the Research Ireland Discover Programme Call is to develop and invest in STEM education and public engagement and to extend activity and ability in this area. Particular focus should be given to the special consideration areas of Broadening participation and equity of access, Climate Action and Sustainability, Digital Transformation and Co-Creation.
- More specifically, the programme aims to support projects that address one or more of the following objectives, namely projects that:
- Inspire and create greater public awareness of the impact of research, innovation and science for society and its connection and contribution to everyday life.
- Stimulate and create debate and dialogue amongst the public, and opportunities for dialogue with research, innovation, science and technology experts, on topics of societal importance where STEM has a key role.
- Build an awareness, curiosity and confidence in the scientific method through relevant/relatable experiences.
- Provide insights into STEM related careers and discoveries, while breaking down any barriers to entry including negative stereotypes.
- Use new and creative ways to involve those who would not typically engage with STEM.
- Enable a broad range of civil society and community groups to engage with, and participate in STEM, with particular emphasis on equal access, inclusion and diversity.
- Support projects which develop capacity and skills for the delivery of STEM and Public Engagement in Ireland.
Special Consideration
- Special consideration will be given to projects/initiatives that also include one of more of the following themes or approaches:
- Climate Action and Sustainability
- Research Ireland places an emphasis on the critical role that research, innovation and science must play on issues concerning climate change, biodiversity, the circular economy, and environmental sustainability.
- Digital Transformation
- Digital technologies are becoming more embedded into daily life and all areas of business and society. Awareness, education and understanding of digital transformation is crucial. Proposals which focus on digital literacy, critical thinking, adaptability, continuous learning etc. are welcome.
- Broadening participation and equity of access:
- Research Ireland recognises the importance of targeting groups who may be disconnected with research, innovation and science, and welcomes STEM related proposals that:
- Are designed to engage with and support the participation of geographically, socially, economically or educationally disadvantaged population groups.
- Target adult participant groups (participating without young children) or facilitate engagement with adult education groups or community groups.
- Encourage and promote greater gender diversity in research, innovation and science, in particular those working with, inspiring and supporting women and girls, non-binary people, and those at the intersections of these identities.
- Enable the participation and engagement of persons who are disabled and/or neurodiverse.
- Encourage and support participation of the LGBTQ+ Community in research, innovation and science.
- Address racial and ethnic inequity in STEM by specifically and appropriately engaging with relevant under-represented racial and ethnic minority groups.
- Research Ireland recognises the importance of targeting groups who may be disconnected with research, innovation and science, and welcomes STEM related proposals that:
- Climate Action and Sustainability
Funding Categories
- Category 1 Project Funding
- Project funding up to €60,000 for a maximum of one year, i.e., 2026. Funding under this category may be requested for projects that support education and public engagement in STEM in Ireland by developing and extending capacity in this area and also exploring and encouraging novel means of public engagement.
- Category 2A Regional or National Initiative (12 months); and 2B Regional or National Initiative (24 months)
- Regional or National Initiative funding of up to €300,000 over a maximum 24 months for an initiative of significant scale that will have, at a minimum, regional, or national impact.
- Category 3A Sustaining Regional or National Initiative (12 months); 3B Sustaining Regional or National Initiative (24 months)
Duration
- Up to 2 years
Eligibility Criteria
- This Call is open to a wide range of people and organisations. Applications must be submitted by organisations based and registered in the Republic of Ireland; however, organisations may partner with groups internationally.
- This applies to all applicants whether previous recipients of grant funding or new applicants to this call.
- All projects must be represented by a Project Lead. The Project Lead is the person who is responsible for the main intellectual input, direction and ownership of, the outcomes if the application is successful.
- Applications are also welcome from other bodies (i.e. any organisation not included on the above list). There are two categories of other bodies which can become eligible for the Research Ireland Discover Programme Call 2025:
- State Body (e.g. city or county council)
- Other Body (i.e. not an Eligible Research Body or a State Body)
For more information, visit Research Ireland.
