Ryan Institute News

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

University of Galway’s Ryan Institute is relaunching 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. The Objectives of the programme are to: 

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 and activities (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 and closely linked to the work of the Arctic Council.

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.  

Examples of eligible conferences and meetings for the 2026 call:  

• Arctic Circle Assembly: October 7–9, 2026, Reykjavik, Iceland 

• Arctic Circle Rome Forum: Mar. 3–4 in Rome, Italy 

• UArctic Congress: May 26 – 29, 2026, in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands 

• Ocean Connectivity Conference, May 26 – 29, 2026, in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands 

• Nordic Meteorological Meeting 2026, 27 – 29 May 2026 in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands 

• Arctic Science Summit Week: March 25th - April 1st, 2026, in Aarhus, Denmark 

• Arctic Observing Summit, March 30–April 1, in Aarhus, Denmark 

• Arctic Encounter Symposium: April 15–18, 2026; Anchorage, Alaska, US 

• 30th Polar Libraries Colloquy: June 7–13, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, US 

• International Symposium on Interactions of Ice Sheets and Glaciers with the Ocean (International Glaciology Society): Jul 12 - 17, 2026; La Jolla, CA, United States. 

• The 2026 IGS British Branch meeting: 7 - 8 September 2026, Aberdeen, UK 

• 19th Polar Law Symposium: 9–11 Nov 2026, Hamilton, New Zealand. 

• or similar 

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

***

Key dates 

• Program launch: 5th January 2026 

• Call deadline: 21st January 2026 

• Awards start: 11th February 2026 for 11 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 21st January 2026.  

For full details, see the Call Document 2026

Apply now