New Mobility Scheme: Supporting ECRs to Build Wales-Ireland Research Collaborations 

Research collaboration between Wales and Ireland has an important role to play in addressing shared opportunities and challenges, and early career researchers are key to building these connections. To support this, the Wales-Ireland Early Career Researcher (ECR) Mobility Scheme provides new opportunities for researchers in Wales to develop international collaboration, expand their networks, and strengthen their research careers. It is funded by the Welsh Government through the Ireland-Wales Shared Statement 2030, and delivered by the Learned Society of Wales (LSW).  

The scheme offers grants of up to £2,000 to support short research visits to Ireland. This enables early career researchers to undertake primary research, access specialist expertise, equipment or training, and establish partnerships that can lead to future collaborative projects and international funding opportunities.  

Research and innovation are central to the longstanding relationship between Wales and Ireland. The mobility scheme forms part of a wider commitment to strengthening links between the two nations and advancing the ambitions of the Ireland-Wales Shared Statement 2030.  

“Strong international partnerships are essential to advancing research, innovation and knowledge exchange,” said Professor Siwan Davies, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise at Swansea University, and Chair of the LSW Researcher Development Advisory Group.  

“By supporting early career researchers to develop new collaborations and access expertise in Ireland, this scheme helps build the foundations for long-term academic, policy and innovation partnerships, as part of our ambition to strengthen the Celtic Academies Alliance.    

“The Learned Society of Wales is proud to support initiatives that strengthen connections between Wales and Ireland, creating opportunities that can deliver lasting benefits on both sides of the Irish Sea.” 

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Wales-Ireland Early Career Researcher Mobility Scheme, offering early career researchers an opportunity to take the next step in their careers while contributing to stronger research ties between Wales and Ireland. 

Find out more and apply: Wales-Ireland Early Career Researcher Mobility Scheme – The Learned Society of Wales