The Wales-Ireland Early Career Research (ECR) Mobility Scheme is a travel grant awarded to outstanding early career researchers working in the humanities, social sciences, or sciences. Its purpose is to support short research trips abroad to help researchers carry out primary research, build new collaborations and networks, access equipment or training available in Ireland, and develop partnerships that support competitive Horizon Europe bids or other large-scale international collaborative funding applications. 

Funded by the Welsh Government and delivered by the Learned Society of Wales, the scheme complements the existing Ireland-Wales strand of the Charlemont Grants scheme administered by the Royal Irish Academy. 

What can the grant support?

Researchers can apply for up to £2,000 to support a short visit to Ireland, of between one week and six weeks, with a clearly defined research goal and a visible outcome by the time the funded work is finished. Applicants are encouraged to outline how the visit will strengthen partnerships and contribute to future international collaborative funding applications. 

Funding is available for research under the policy areas outlined in the Ireland-Wales Shared Statement 2030: Political and Official Engagement; Climate, Energy, Environment and Sustainability; Economy and Trade; Education, Research and Innovation; Culture, Language and Heritage; and Communities, Diaspora and Sport. 

Who can apply?

Applicants must: 

• Be self-employed or working independently in Wales with a demonstrable commitment to research 
• Hold a temporary or permanent employment contract with a Welsh employing organisation covering the full duration of the grant 
• Be at an early career stage (normally less than seven years’ research or relevant professional experience, with allowances for career breaks) 

Please note: PhD students are not eligible for this grant scheme.

What we are looking for 

Before applying, make sure you read the following Call documents:

• Guidance for Applicants (including eligibility criteria)
• Question Bank (A list of the questions you will be asked to answer when completing the online application form)