2025 Bursary Students welcomed to the Marine Institute
The Marine Institute locations in Oranmore, Co Galway, and Newport, Co Mayo, welcome 18 university students this month to participate in the 2025 Summer Bursary programme.
The Bursary Programme enables undergraduate students to obtain practical experience for a period of eight to twelve weeks, and the opportunity to be involved in the day-to-day activities of researchers and scientists at the Marine Institute.
This year’s Bursary students will work in areas such as fish rearing, fish sampling, ecological monitoring, data management, oceanographic data collection, ocean economy, communications, and identifying species through machine learning.
“My bursary has allowed me to gain a real insight into the work being done at the Institute by working alongside the Fisheries team, and I’ve had the chance to help prepare the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer to head out to sea!” said Aisling English, 2025 Bursary Student in Fisheries Sampling. “This bursary has been really beneficial for developing my lab skills and my understanding of the marine industry, and the hands-on work I partake in here will really stand to me.”
As part of the Bursary Programme, students will also share the experience and skills they have gained during their placement through poster displays and presentations to Marine Institute staff and fellow Bursary students at a dedicated seminar day.
“My biggest highlight of the bursary so far this summer is meeting the other Bursary students, and many new people who are interested in the same areas as me, as well as upskilling in various areas,” said Aoife Quinn, a 2025 Bursary Student in Data Management.
Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute said, “The Marine Institute Bursary Scholarship Programme was established over 30 years ago. The Programme continues to offer opportunities for undergraduate students to develop their skills and to strengthen their knowledge of Ireland’s marine sector.”
“The Programme enables students to interact with the Institute’s staff and fellow bursars to enhance their knowledge, and to build networks for their future progression. This helps students to make informed decisions during their studies about the marine and maritime careers they would like to pursue,” Dr Officer added.
The Bursary Programme provides students with opportunities to participate in and contribute professionally to the marine science and associated fields before concluding third-level education.
“Many current and former staff of the Marine Institute credit completed Bursaries for their decision to pursue a career within the marine sector” said Joe Silke, Director and coordinator of the Bursary Programme. “Several previous Bursars have progressed into a variety of careers in various marine fields, but also within the broader Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic (STEM) careers, based on their insight and experience gained from the Marine Institute Bursary experience".
The Marine Institute Summer Bursary Programme is available to undergraduate students from Third-Level Educational Institutions who have completed two or more years of study in a relevant discipline. Applications for the 2026 Summer Bursary will open in spring 2026 and will be advertised on the Marine Institute website.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Kathleen Sweeney, e. Kathleen.Sweeney@marine.ie m. +353 (0)87 094 5754
Sinéad Coyne, e. sinead.coyne@marine.ie m. +353 (0)87 947 7090
Communications Office, Marine Institute communications@marine.ie t. +353 (0)91 387 200
About the Marine Institute:
The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice and services to government, industry and other stakeholders and users. www.marine.ie