Research & Funding

Research and Funding Main Image. Photographer Andrew Downes

As an island nation, Ireland has a long tradition of marine research and innovation stretching back to such pioneers as Francis Beaufort, John Holland and William Spotswood Green. At the Marine Institute we carry out research, stimulate, fund and coordinate marine research and innovation programmes to support the sustainable development of Ireland’s marine resources.

Marine Research in Ireland
Marine Research in Ireland. Photographer Andrew Downes
Marine research is cross-cutting in nature. There are a range of government departments and agencies that have a role in the promotion and funding of marine research in Ireland in relation to themes such as food, energy, transport and biodiversity. Marine research is carried out by Irish Higher Education Institutions, Industry and Public Bodies.
Research & Innovation Strategy
National Marine Research & Innovation Strategy 2017-2021. Copyright Strategic Marine Alliance for Research and Training
The Marine Institute coordinates the development of national marine research and innovation in close cooperation with government departments and agencies, including the Marine Research Funders’ Forum.
Marine Institute Funding
Marine Institute Funding. Credit: Andrew Downes Xposure
The Marine Institute provides funding for marine related projects under the Marine Research Programme. Funding is provided under a number of programmes including the Cullen Scholarship Programme, Shiptime Programme, Post-Doctoral Fellowships, Project-Based Awards, Networking and Travel Awards and the National Infrastructure Programme (NIAP).

 

 

Marine Institute Funded Research Database Image
Marine Institute Funded Research
Details on marine related projects funded by the Marine Institute are provided through searchable reports. You can also view the organisations involved in marine research funded by the Marine Institute on an interactive map. Summary details of the research projects are included.
 
National Marine Research Database
This database, developed in collaboration with the Marine Research Funders' Forum, contains marine research projects funded both nationally and internationally.

 

Current Funding Opportunities. Credit: David Branigan, Oceansport
Current Funding Opportunities
We provide notifications and information on marine research funding available from national and EU funding agencies currently available to the Irish marine research community.

 

Previous Funding Opportunities. Copyright Strategic Marine Alliance for Research and Training.
Horizon Europe: Marine Topics

This page provides an overview of identified marine-related topics in the 2025 Horizon Europe Work Programmes across all Pillars and Global Challenges. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for comprehensive information on all relevant calls, including topic-specific FAQs, opening and closing dates, and required templates to access the most up to date and accurate information

 

Previous Funding Opportunities. Copyright Strategic Marine Alliance for Research and Training.
Previous Funding Opportunities

Summary details on previous funding opportunities are available. These include details of Marine Institute funding calls, other national funding call and international funding opportunities.

For information on successful projects funded through Marine Institute Research Funding Programmes, please see our database of Marine Institute Funded Research.