# Frontiers for the Future Programme – Awards Stream

**Funder:** Research Ireland
**Budget:** €600,000 – €1,500,000 (direct costs)
**Duration:** 4 to 5 years
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** IE
**Official call:** https://www.researchireland.ie/funding/frontiers/
**Last verified:** 28 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Larger-scale funding for independent investigators conducting innovative, collaborative research with potential for economic and societal impact, including high-risk/high-reward projects. Supports gender balance and Emerging Investigators returning after a career break. Host institution must be in Ireland.

## Summary

The Frontiers for the Future Programme, Awards Stream offers €600,000 to €1,500,000 for innovative, collaborative research projects with strong potential for economic and societal impact. The call is open to independent investigators at Irish institutions pursuing high-risk, high-reward research, with rolling deadlines and active support for emerging investigators returning from career breaks or facing gender-related barriers. Projects run for four to five years and may address any research discipline.

## Who should apply

- Independent investigators with a track record of research leadership
- Researchers based at Irish higher-education or research institutions
- Emerging Investigators returning after career breaks or family leave
- Collaborative teams pursuing innovative, higher-risk research directions
- Projects demonstrating clear economic or societal benefit alongside scientific excellence

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline; opened 15 January 2025
- Continuous call, submit any time during the open window
- Four to five year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- The 'high-risk/high-reward' framing is genuine; proposals flagging potential failure modes and mitigation strengthen your impact narrative.
- Societal impact is mandatory, not optional, link your research explicitly to a named economic or societal challenge; vague claims ('improves wellbeing') do not suffice.
- If you are returning after leave or face documented gender barriers in your field, flag this early; Research Ireland actively weights these factors.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the budget range for the Frontiers for the Future Awards?

€600,000 to €1,500,000 in direct costs per project.

### Who is eligible to apply for the Frontiers for the Future Awards?

Independent investigators based at Irish institutions; emerging investigators returning after career breaks or leave are actively encouraged.

### How long does a Frontiers for the Future project last?

Four to five years.

### Is the Frontiers for the Future call open continuously?

Yes, it has a rolling deadline with continuous acceptance; the call opened 15 January 2025.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/research-ireland-frontiers-for-the-future-programme-awards-stream-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.