The Research Ireland Discover Programme is one of the most exciting funding opportunities currently available in Ireland for organizations working in education, science communication, innovation, technology, and public engagement. The programme supports impactful projects that help connect communities with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through creative and inclusive initiatives.
With grants of up to €300,000 available, this programme provides a major opportunity for schools, universities, nonprofits, youth organizations, research institutions, and community groups to launch innovative projects that inspire people and promote awareness of research and innovation.
As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, digital literacy, and scientific understanding, programmes like this are helping build stronger, smarter, and more informed communities. Whether your organization focuses on climate awareness, coding education, AI literacy, youth development, science festivals, sustainability, or community outreach, the Discover Programme can help transform your ideas into reality.
What is the Research Ireland Discover Programme?
The Research Ireland Discover Programme is a public engagement initiative aimed at increasing awareness, knowledge, and participation in STEM-related activities across Ireland. The programme encourages organizations to create projects that make science and research more accessible and engaging for the public.
The initiative particularly focuses on:
- Encouraging public participation in STEM
- Supporting inclusion and diversity
- Promoting sustainability and climate awareness
- Improving communication between researchers and communities
- Inspiring future innovators and young learners
- Building interest in science and technology careers
The programme supports creative and practical approaches to public engagement and educational outreach. It also encourages collaboration between educators, researchers, nonprofit organizations, local communities, and innovation leaders.
Research Ireland Discover Programme 2026 Overview
Here are the key details about this funding opportunity:
- Host Country: Ireland
- Programme Name: Research Ireland Discover Programme
- Funding Type: Public Engagement & STEM Education Grant
- Funding Amount: Up to €300,000
- Programme Duration: Up to 2 years
- Eligible Applicants: Organizations based in Ireland
- Application Deadline: 24 June 2025
- Funding Areas: STEM engagement, education, innovation, sustainability, inclusion, digital literacy, and public awareness
This funding programme is ideal for organizations aiming to create meaningful social impact through science, education, and innovation.
Funding Benefits
One of the biggest highlights of the Research Ireland Discover Programme is the generous financial support available for selected projects. Successful applicants can receive up to €300,000 depending on the scale and scope of their proposed initiative.
The funding can support a wide range of activities, including:
- Public science festivals and exhibitions
- STEM workshops for students and communities
- Digital literacy campaigns
- Coding and robotics programmes
- Climate change awareness projects
- AI and technology education initiatives
- Interactive science communication activities
- Community-based innovation projects
- Educational resources and online learning tools
- Inclusion and diversity programmes in STEM
- Youth-focused learning and engagement initiatives
The programme encourages organizations to think creatively and develop projects that are impactful, accessible, and sustainable.
Who Can Apply?
The Discover Programme is open to many types of organizations operating in Ireland. The main requirement is that the lead applicant must be based in Ireland.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Universities and colleges
- Research institutions
- Schools and educational organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Community groups
- Youth organizations
- Public sector institutions
- Local authorities
- Science communication organizations
- Innovation and technology-focused organizations
Collaborative projects are highly encouraged. Organizations can work together with schools, researchers, nonprofits, industry experts, or community leaders to create stronger and more impactful initiatives.
Priority Areas of the Programme
Research Ireland is particularly interested in projects that address important social and educational challenges while improving public understanding of science and innovation.
STEM Inclusion and Diversity
Projects that encourage participation from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged. This may include initiatives focused on:
- Women and girls in STEM
- Rural communities
- Minority groups
- Individuals with disabilities
- Economically disadvantaged communities
The goal is to make STEM accessible to everyone regardless of background.
Climate Action and Sustainability
Climate-related education and sustainability awareness are major priorities under this programme. Organizations working on environmental education or green innovation can greatly benefit from this funding.
Examples include:
- Climate awareness campaigns
- Sustainability workshops
- Renewable energy education
- Environmental innovation projects
- Green technology awareness programmes
Youth Engagement and Future Skills
The programme also focuses heavily on preparing young people for the future through education and innovation.
Projects may focus on:
- Coding and robotics
- Artificial intelligence awareness
- Digital literacy
- Entrepreneurship skills
- Future technologies
- Creative problem-solving
These initiatives help equip young people with valuable knowledge and future-ready skills.
Public Engagement with Research
Research Ireland wants to strengthen the relationship between researchers and society. Projects that improve communication between scientists and the public are highly valued.
This may include:
- Public lectures
- Interactive science events
- Research exhibitions
- Science podcasts and digital content
- Community outreach initiatives
Examples of Previously Supported Projects
Over the years, the Discover Programme has funded numerous innovative and impactful initiatives across Ireland.
Some examples of previously funded projects include:
- National science festivals
- STEM clubs for girls
- AI ethics workshops
- Space and astronomy education programmes
- Robotics competitions
- Climate education campaigns
- Interactive museum exhibitions
- Mental health and digital wellbeing awareness projects
- STEM outreach for rural schools
- Community innovation labs
These projects have successfully engaged thousands of people and helped improve public understanding of science and technology.
Why This Programme is Important
The Research Ireland Discover Programme is important because it helps bridge the gap between research and society. Many people are interested in science and innovation but may not always have access to educational opportunities or engaging learning experiences.
This programme empowers organizations to create those opportunities and make STEM learning more inclusive, exciting, and impactful.
In today’s rapidly changing world, digital skills and scientific awareness are becoming increasingly essential. Programmes like this play a major role in preparing communities for future challenges while encouraging innovation and creativity.
The initiative also supports long-term educational development and social impact by encouraging collaboration between institutions, researchers, and local communities.
Application Process
Interested organizations must submit their applications online through Research Ireland’s grant management platform.
Applicants should carefully prepare:
- Project objectives
- Implementation plans
- Expected outcomes
- Target audience information
- Budget details
- Partnership information
- Public engagement strategy
Strong proposals usually demonstrate:
- Clear social impact
- Innovation and creativity
- Strong community engagement
- Sustainability and long-term value
- Inclusion and accessibility
- Realistic planning and measurable outcomes
Applicants are advised to review all official guidelines carefully before submission.
Tips for a Strong Application
Here are some useful tips that may improve your chances of success:
- Focus on real community impact
- Clearly explain how your project engages the public
- Include innovative and interactive elements
- Demonstrate diversity and inclusion efforts
- Build partnerships with relevant organizations
- Present a clear and achievable budget
- Show long-term sustainability of the project
- Include measurable goals and outcomes
Projects with strong educational value and broad public engagement potential are often viewed positively during evaluation.
Conclusion:
The Research Ireland Discover Programme 2026 is a fantastic opportunity for organizations that want to inspire communities through science, technology, education, and innovation. With funding of up to €300,000 available, successful applicants can create meaningful projects that leave long-term educational and social impact.
Whether you are working in STEM education, climate awareness, digital literacy, youth empowerment, or science communication, this programme offers the financial support needed to expand your vision and reach larger audiences.
Organizations with creative ideas and strong community engagement strategies should strongly consider applying for this prestigious funding opportunity.
For complete application guidelines and official details, visit the official website below.
Official Website
Research Ireland Discover Programme Official Page
Nabeel Akhter is an international education advocate and scholarship mentor dedicated to helping students access global academic opportunities. He studied in the United States at the University of Massachusetts Amherst through the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders program funded by the U.S. Department of State.
Inspired by this journey, Nabeel now actively mentors and guides students in finding and applying for scholarships, exchange programs, and global learning opportunities, helping them navigate pathways to study and grow internationally.