Among the projects are treatments for specific types of cancer, sustainable food innovations and energy efficient batteries.

341 research projects will be funded through Research Ireland Government of Ireland postgraduate and postdoctoral programmes, with €36.3m to be invested in early-career researchers. 

The funds will support 244 postgraduate scholars and 97 postdoctoral fellows across 16 higher education institutions and research-performing organisations. 

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, TD, who made the announcement, said, “This significant investment of €36.3m in our early-career researchers reinforces the Government’s commitment to the future of Ireland’s research and innovation system. 

“The Government of Ireland programme is a central measure in supporting the system’s continued development and in strengthening Ireland’s international competitiveness. Early-career researchers are the lifeblood of that system.”

Among the Government of Ireland postgraduate scholarship programme awardees is Ella Shanley of Trinity College Dublin, who will use advanced 3D imaging to reveal how the structure of battery electrodes affects charging speed, supporting the design of faster charging, high-performance electric vehicle batteries.

Anthony Mullen, from the University of Limerick, aims to develop safer, more energy-efficient microLEDs by replacing toxic cadmium-based nanocrystals with non-toxic and brighter alternatives.

Eavan Pakenham, of the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, will create a dual-action, bone-like material enriched with bioactive elements to both kill prostate cancer cells and support healthy bone regrowth   

Mohamed Elkhashab, from University College Cork, is developing a new microneedle system to deliver skin-cancer drugs directly into the skin, offering a safer, less invasive alternative to surgery and systemic medications for basal cell carcinoma.

Among the postdoctoral fellowship programme awardees is Dr Inés Calvete de la Torre, who is with Teagasc and will work on transforming leftover fruit from harvests into a nutritious fermented drink, using sustainable bioprocessing to cut food waste.

Dr Conor Thornberry of Trinity College Dublin will use a virtual navigation game and advanced brain imaging to uncover how ageing affects the brain’s navigation systems, while Dr Raju Lipin of the University of Limerick plans to use computational techniques to design cheaper, more efficient catalysts for producing clean hydrogen. 

Welcoming the announcement, Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, the CEO of Research Ireland, said, “At the heart of these programmes are the researchers themselves, individuals whose creativity and determination are shaping new ideas and advancing knowledge across all disciplines. This year’s awardees have demonstrated exceptional potential, bringing forward ambitious ideas and fresh perspectives that will enrich Ireland’s research community. 

“Research Ireland is proud to support their development and to provide an environment in which their talent can thrive. Theirs is the curiosity, skill and dedication that will shape the breakthroughs of tomorrow. We are excited to see where their endeavours lead.”

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