EPA Announces Funding Of €10.5m For New Environmental And Climate Research.

The EPA announces funding of €10.5m for new environmental and climate research inviting innovative solutions to address medium- to longer-term environmental research needs.

• Research proposals are invited for research across the following areas:

1. Addressing Climate Change Evidence Needs
2. Delivering a Healthy Environment
3. Facilitating a Green and Circular Economy
4. Protecting and Restoring our Natural Environment
5. Policy Implementation, Effective Regulation and Innovative Governance Models

• Successful researchers will be supported by EPA to engage with policy makers to ensure that the research is impactful and effectively informs environmental policy in Ireland.

Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces research funding of up to €10.5 million for new environmental research. The EPA is inviting proposals from the research community for innovative projects to support the development and implementation of environmental policies in Ireland. In particular, multi- and trans-disciplinary teams are welcomed to bring diverse perspectives to complex environmental challenges.

Announcing the EPA funding call, Ms Roni Hawe, Director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment said: “The launch of the EPA Research Call 2026 marks a significant opportunity for the research community to contribute to addressing Ireland’s most pressing environmental challenges. This investment will support the generation of robust evidence needed for good policy and for more efficient and effective decision-making, as well as building skills and expertise in critical areas related to climate, the environment and sustainability.”

Opportunities for research are identified in areas such as how to bring mitigation and adaptation together to support Ireland achieving its climate and environmental goals; understanding antimicrobial resistance in the environment; how to accelerate our transition to a circular economy and how we can protect the environment while accelerating infrastructure and simplifying environmental regulation.

Dr Ms Caroline Wynne, EPA Research Manager, said: “This year, we are pleased to invite proposals for larger scale projects that will allow researchers to develop new and innovative solutions as well as supporting the recruitment and training of highly skilled PhD students. We are particularly interested in supporting a wide cohort of the research community to bring social, economic and environmental perspectives together, which is essential to address complex societal challenges.”

The EPA Research Programme is a Government of Ireland initiative funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment. Under this year’s call, the EPA is delighted to be partnering with Met Éireann to co-fund projects in areas of mutual interest.

The deadline for proposals is May 28th 2026.

Further funding: Other EPA funding opportunities this year include EPA Fast-track to Policy Funding; Fulbright-EPA Scholarships and Fellowships; the Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship, as well as opportunities supported through EPA’s participation in European Partnerships. Details are available on our Research Funding webpage.