Application Deadline:
31 December 2025
About Organisation
The Irish Environmental Network (IEN), through its MARÉIRE project, is committed to advancing knowledge and building capacity within the environmental non-governmental organisation (eNGO) sector. Its mission is to strengthen research and advocacy on the interactions between the environment and offshore renewable energy. By fostering collaborations between researchers and environmental organisations, IEN aims to address critical issues such as biodiversity conservation, sustainable marine practices, and climate change adaptation. The MARÉIRE project supports innovative, high-quality, and impactful research that informs policy, enhances environmental protection, and contributes to sustainable development goals. Through funding and technical support, IEN works to bridge the gap between scientific research and civil society action, ensuring that environmental considerations are central to renewable energy planning.
About the Grant
The Small Research Project Grant Programme 2025 provides targeted funding for projects that explore the environmental impacts of offshore renewable energy, including wind, tidal, and wave technologies. The programme encourages research into biodiversity impacts across development stages, intersections with the EU Nature Restoration Law, marine spatial planning, mitigation and monitoring strategies, sustainability assessments, and socio-economic implications of offshore renewable energy. Projects may be desk-based, lab-based, or field-based, but must demonstrate robust methodology, scientific merit, and innovative approaches. The initiative aims to deliver publishable results, strengthen eNGO expertise, and influence both policy and practice. A total fund of €50,000 is available, with grants capped at €10,000 per project. Projects must conclude within 18 months, and findings must be shared with IEN and its members.
Who can Apply?
This programme is open to researchers who can serve as principal investigators and demonstrate the competence to design and deliver high-quality studies. Applicants must show strong alignment with the programme’s objectives, focusing on offshore renewable energy and its environmental interactions. Research proposals should be innovative, scientifically rigorous, and of potential high impact. Applicants must also justify budgets clearly and present a feasible research plan within the 18-month timeline. Partnerships with environmental NGOs are encouraged, and applicants should submit supporting documentation, including CVs, detailed proposals, and letters of support (where applicable). The eligibility extends to projects that may be desk, lab, or field-based, provided methodologies and outcomes are clearly defined. All outputs—reports, publications, or presentations—must acknowledge MARÉIRE’s funding support.
How to Apply?
Applicants must prepare a detailed proposal including project title, summary, methodology, CVs of the research team, budget breakdown, and (if applicable) a letter of support from an eNGO partner. Proposals should be submitted directly to the IEN.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submission of proposals is 31 December 2025.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
