Ryan Institute News

All-island funding call for researchers addressing environmental & societal pressures in the Arctic  

University of Galway’s Ryan Institute is launching a dedicated Arctic Research Networking Programme funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The program is being supported by the Network of Arctic Researchers in Ireland (NARI). The Programme will support and facilitate new collaborations of researchers from all Disciplines (e.g., STEM, AHSS) across the island of Ireland with Arctic member states over the next two years. 

Read the Call Document - Arctic Networking and apply online by 13 January 2025. 

1. Initiate and support collaboration with Arctic Council Working Groups  

The Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the Arctic. Members include 8 Arctic Nations, 6 permanent participants that represent the Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic, and 38 Observers that share their expertise with Arctic States and permanent participants. The Council focuses on Biodiversity, Climate, Ocean, Pollutants, Emergencies and Arctic People and their activities are conducted in six working groups that execute the programs and projects mandated by the Arctic Council Ministers. 

• ACAP - Arctic Contaminants Action Program 
• AMAP - Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme 
• CAFF - Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna 
• EPPR – Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response 
• PAME - Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment 
• SDWG - Sustainable Development Working Group 

Strong expertise that aligns with the mandates of these working groups resides in Irish HEIs, Research Centers, and Gateways in Ireland. To capture and capitalize on this expertise we solicit applications from the Irish research community to participate and engage with Arctic Council Working Groups. Specifically, we are seeking applications from researchers associated with eligible research performing organizations applying for research visits (up to 3 months) pertaining to a specific working group project and/or participation at Arctic Council Working Group meetings.  

Research Performing Organizations (RPOs) are institutions which fall within the meaning of Section One of the HEA Act, 1971 (e.g., Universities & Institutes of Technology), Teagasc, the Marine Institute, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, BirdWatch Ireland, the National Botanic Gardens and Indigo Rock Marine Research Station. 

Award: up to €5,000 per award per annum. 

2. Increase visibility and engagement of Irish research expertise at international meetings relevant to the Arctic 

Arctic relevant meetings (both research or cross-sectorial), bringing together governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, and citizens, are vital for the coordination of research efforts and to address environmental and societal pressures on the Arctic region. To encourage and promote the inclusion of Irish expertise at these meetings, we seek applications from researchers associated with eligible research institutions to chair sessions or present at Conferences, Assemblies or Meetings relevant to the Arctic such as: 

• Arctic Circle Assembly/Forum 
• Arctic Frontiers 
• Arctic360 Annual Conference 
• Polar Symposium 
• Arctic Congress and Assembly 
• UArctic Assembly 
• Arctic Science Summit Week 
• European Polar Science Week 
• or similar 

 Award: up to €2,500 per award per annum. 

Key dates 

• Program launch: 3 December 2024 

• Call deadline: 13 January 2025 

• Awards start: 1 February 2025 for 12 months  

Eligibility 

We welcome applications from: 

• Students carrying out a Research Masters or PhD at an RPO. Students may only apply for funding for events taking place up to the final date of their college registration. Proof of support by the Research Supervisor is required. 

• Contract researchers (e.g., Research Assistants, Post Doctoral Researchers, Adjunct Lecturers) employed at an RPO. Note, contract researchers may only apply for funding for events taking place up to their contract end date. 

• Full-time members of staff at RPOs (Senior Researchers, Lecturers, Professors). 

Eligible costs 

• Registration Fees for applicable Conferences, Workshops & Training Courses. 

• Accommodation costs 

• Travel & Subsistence 

How to apply 

Applicants must complete the online application form no later than 13 January 2025.  

For full details, download the Call Document - Arctic Networking.