Marine Institute Welcomes Undergraduate Students to 2026 Summer Bursary Programme
The Marine Institute this month welcomes 22 undergraduate students to its facilities in Oranmore, Co. Galway, and Newport, Co. Mayo, as part of the 2026 Summer Bursary Programme.
The Bursary Programme provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience over an eight to twelve week period, working alongside researchers and staff at the Institute. The programme enables participants to develop their skills, gain insight into the day-to-day activities of the marine sector, and build professional networks ahead of completing their third-level education.
Over the years, the programme has made a significant contribution to developing Ireland’s marine talent pipeline, with many past participants progressing into careers within the Marine Institute and across the wider marine and STEM sectors. This year’s students will undertake placements across a diverse range of areas, including marine and freshwater fisheries monitoring, oceanography, data analysis, marine spatial planning, marine chemistry, socio-economics, website development and emerging technologies such as data-driven marine research and species identification.
Investing in Ireland’s Marine Future
Speaking about the programme, Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, said:
“The Marine Institute Bursary Scholarship Programme is more than a summer placement. It is a vital investment in Ireland’s future marine capability. For over 30 years, it has played a key role in shaping the country’s marine talent pipeline, giving students direct access to real-world science, research and innovation. By immersing participants in hands-on experience, we are not only strengthening their skills, but helping to develop the next generation of scientists and professionals who will support a sustainable and globally competitive ocean economy.”
Imelda Hehir, Chair of the Marine Institute Bursary Team added:
“The Summer Bursary Programme offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields, while contributing to important marine research and operations. Many of our current and former staff began their careers through this programme, and it continues to play an important role in supporting the next generation of marine professionals.”
Expanding Opportunities Through International Collaboration
Building on the success of the Summer Bursary Programme, 2026 also marks the launch of a new International Internship Programme, designed to foster global collaboration in climate and marine research.
Through this initiative, students from St. George’s University in Grenada will undertake remote research placements, working on climate-related projects under the joint supervision of experts from the Marine Institute and St. George’s University. The internships are supported through the Our Shared Ocean Programme, which is strengthening research partnerships with Small Island Developing States, including Grenada.
This new programme reflects Ireland’s commitment to building meaningful partnerships with climate-vulnerable island nations and co-designing solutions to global ocean and climate challenges. By connecting students and researchers across continents, the initiative will promote knowledge exchange, enhance research capacity, and provide participants with valuable experience in addressing some of the most pressing marine and climate issues facing the world today.
The Marine Institute Summer Bursary Programme is open to undergraduate students from universities and institutes of higher education who have completed two or more years of study in a relevant discipline.
Applications for the 2027 Summer Bursary Programme will open in spring 2027 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
Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is Ireland’s state agency set up under the Marine Institute Act 1991, to undertake, to co-ordinate, to promote and to assist in marine research and development, and to provide government services that inform policymaking, regulation and the sustainable management of Ireland’s maritime area and marine resources. The Institute provides support through a range of scientific, advisory and economic development services.