Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has today welcomed the decision by Minister Simon Harris, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to increase the stipend for SFI and IRC supported PhD research by €3,000 a year. The increase will bring the rate of stipend to €22,000 a year for doctoral researchers from January 2024.

Commenting on the Minister’s announcement, Professor Philip Nolan, Director General, Science Foundation Ireland, said: “SFI supports over 2,000 PhD students across the higher education institutions in Ireland.  This increase recognises the contribution that PhD researchers make to our research and innovation ecosystem, and the importance of attracting and supporting talented people to pursue doctoral training. SFI welcomes the engagement of the Minister and the Department with this issue and will work closely with the Department and higher education institutions to ensure the efficient implementation of this decision and further advancements in doctoral education.”

Departmental statement: gov.ie - Ministers Harris and Collins detail supports for undergraduate part-time students, increase in PhD stipend and upskilling scheme (www.gov.ie).