EPA Research Call 2024
Overview
The EPA Research Call 2024 will provide up to €14.5m to fund innovative research projects that will support policy- and decision-making addressing environmental, climate change and sustainability challenges. Applications are invited under 13 broad Themes that will address current and emerging policy needs and build capacity in relevant areas. It is envisaged that multiple projects will be supported in each Theme.
A list of the Themes is provided below and details are available in the call documentation.
Key dates for the call are:
- Call open for applications: 4th April 2024
- Information Webinar: 17th April 2024
- Technical Query deadline: 23rd May 2024
- Applicant submission deadline: 30th May 2024 (16:00 Irish standard time)
- Authorisation deadline: 6th June 2024 (16:00 Irish standard time)
Applicants should review the information provided here and in the call documentation. For any other queries, please contact research@epa.ie.
How to apply
All applications must be made using the EPA’s Online Grant Management and Application Portal (https://epa.smartsimple.ie) in advance of the deadline.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the following documentation in advance of preparing an application:
- EPA Research Call 2024 Technical Description
- EPA Research Call Guidelines and Terms and Conditions
- EPA Research Call Evaluation Process
- EPA Research Programme Strategies and Policies
All documentation is also available through the EPA’s Online Grant Management and Application Portal, which also includes User Guides for the Portal.
In addition, an information webinar with Q&A was recorded and is available near the bottom of this page. Frequently asked questions on the EPA Research Call are available on our website and will be updated throughout the application period.
Key dates
| Deadline Type | Date |
|---|---|
|
Call launch |
4th April 2024 |
|
Information webinar |
17th April 2024 |
|
Technical queries deadline |
23rd May 2024 (16:00, Irish standard time) |
|
Submission deadline (applicants) |
30th May 2024 (16:00, Irish standard time) |
|
Authorisation deadline (host organisations) |
6th June 2024 (16:00, Irish standard time |
|
Notification of outcomes |
October - November 2024 |
|
Awards issued |
November - December 2024 |
|
Projects commence |
By 31st March 2025 |
Themes
Applicants may apply under a range of broad Themes that will support innovative research to inform policy and build capacity in current and emerging priority areas. It is envisaged that multiple projects will be supported under each Theme.
Titles for each of the Themes and the maximum funding available are listed below under the corresponding EPA Research Hub. It is important that applicants review the detailed background and scope for each Theme available in the EPA Research Call 2024 Technical Description.
Applicants are advised that they must select the correct Call Topic Identifier, as listed in the Technical Description Document, for their submission to be considered eligible.
Cross-cutting Theme
| Research Theme | Projects to be funded | Max Budget (€) Per Project |
|---|---|---|
|
Global risks to Ireland achieving its climate and environmental goals* |
3 | € 330,000 |
*Proposals to this Theme will be submitted under the “Addressing Climate Change Evidence Needs” Hub, but submissions may be aligned to any area relevant to the EPA Research Programme
Addressing Climate Change Evidence Needs
| Research Theme | Projects to be funded | Max Budget (€) Per Project |
|---|---|---|
|
Social science, citizen science and behavioural science for climate action |
3 | € 660,000 |
|
Understanding vulnerabilities, risks and adaptation measures at the local level |
3 | € 660,000 |
|
Developing climate neutral pathways for Ireland |
3 | € 660,000 |
Delivering a Healthy Environment
| Research Theme | Projects to be funded | Max Budget (€) Per Project |
|---|---|---|
|
Towards zero pollution |
3 | € 660,000 |
|
Chemicals that are safe and sustainable by design |
3 | € 660,000 |
|
Future understanding the health impacts of a changing environment |
3 | € 660,000 |
Facilitating a Green and Circular Economy
| Research Theme | Projects to be funded | Max Budget (€) Per Project |
|---|---|---|
|
Integration of the circular economy and bioeconomy into climate and biodiversity measures |
3 | € 660,000 |
|
Enhancing the assessment of materials, products and value chains in the circular economy in Ireland |
3 | € 660,000 |
|
Supporting and scaling up the just transitions to the circular economy |
3 | € 660,000 |
Protecting and Restoring our Natural Environment
| Research Theme | Projects to be funded | Max Budget (€) Per Project |
|---|---|---|
|
Integrating nature into decision-making |
3 | € 330,000 |
|
Implementing effective protect and restore solutions |
3 | € 660,000 |
|
Supporting the transition to sustainable land use planning and management |
3 | € 330,000 |
Webinar and FAQs
An online information webinar took place on 17th April 2024 at 10 a.m. which provided information on the following aspects of the call:
- Overview of the EPA Research Call 2024
- Application Process and Timelines
- Application Guidance
- Financial Rules and Eligibility
- Q&A
The webinar slides are available for download at this link and a recording of the webinar is available below.
Frequently asked questions on the EPA Research Call are available on our website and will be updated throughout the application period.
For any other queries, please contact research@epa.ie.
Co-funding partnerships
The EPA is pleased to announce that the EPA Research Call 2024 involves a partnership with Met Éireann, who may provide co-funding for proposals selected for funding that are aligned with their research priorities. Geological Survey Ireland, as well as other organisations, may also provide co-funding where relevant.
Further information on EPA Research
As part of its wide range of functions the EPA manages an environmental research programme that delivers essential scientific support for environmental policy development, implementation and broader decision making. The EPA Research Programme is a Government of Ireland initiative funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. A ten-year high-level framework (2021-2030), EPA Research 2030, has been designed to ensure that EPA's research programming is agile, responsive and flexible.
The scope of EPA-funded research is informed by its relevance to policy and its alignment with the key activities of the EPA. EPA Research 2030 comprises four interconnected hubs that bring an integrated and cross-sectoral approach, enabling holistic management and protection of our environment:
- Addressing Climate Change Evidence Needs
- Facilitating a Green and Circular Economy
- Delivering a Healthy Environment
- Protecting and Restoring our Natural Environment
Details on EPA Research 2030, its hubs and all other aspects of the EPA Research Programme can be found on the Research section of the website.
Summary of the EPA Research Call 2023
The outcomes from the EPA Research Call 2023 are provided in the image below. Information on all of the funded projects can be found in the EPA Research Database.
