1. IRC Postgraduate Calls 2016 Michael Frain Graduate School Foundation Building Level Two 14 Jan 2016

2. IRC-PG Eligibility Anyone (EU & non-EU*) EU applicants are defined as ordinarily resident within a Member State of the EU/Ireland. With 1 st or upper 2 nd class honours primary degree (or equivalent); Has not previously held or holding IRC award Two attempts only

3. Terms & Conditions Some changes to the previous Terms and Conditions 1. Previously, those who were a ‘a permanent member of staff in an HEI or in a non-Irish based research body or HEI’ were not eligible. This eligibility clause has been removed for the 2016 call. 2. Scholars must not assume any other duties that would adversely affect their ability to engage in the Scholarship on a F/T basis. This includes undertaking remunerative employment (with the exception of that pertaining to teaching- related duties as per clause 7.12 ) during the funding term’. 3. In addition to the GOI scholarships, a no. of targeted scholarships are offered in collaboration with our Strategic Funding Partners (SFPs). Applicants will be asked to choose which scholarship they wish to apply for (i.e. IRC GOI Scholarship, or an SFP scholarships). Applicants may apply for one scholarship only, however those that choose to apply for a SFP scholarship are not precluded from being considered for the GOI Scheme.

4. Terms & Conditions 4. Scholars may now apply to the Council to undertake an internship during the course of their award. The relevant conditions and process for this are outlined in clauses 7.17 – 7.20. 5. Scholars no longer need to apply to the Council to undertaking teaching (and related duties) once they fulfil the conditions outlined in clause 7.12. Other relevant information with regard to teaching is included in clauses 7.13 – 7.16.

5. Application Timelines Key Dates Call opened 26 November 2015 FAQ Deadline 16.00 (GMT) 27 Jan 16 Applicant Deadline 16.00 (GMT) 3 Feb 2016. Supervisor & Refs Deadline 16.00h 10 Feb 16 RO Endorsement Deadline 16.00 17 Feb 16 Outcome of Scheme June 16, Starting Oct 16.

6. Indicative duration of funding Traditional Doctoral Degree 36 months September/October 2016 THREE Years September/October 2015* TWO Years September/October 2014* ONE Year Registrations prior to September 2013 are ineligible.

7. Indicative duration of funding Structured Doctoral Degree 48 months September/October 2016 FOUR Years September/October 2015* THREE Years September/October 2014* TWO Years September/October 2013* ONE Year Registrations prior to September 2013 are ineligible.

8. Application Process Please Read the T&C and Guide for Applicants Please Read the T&C and Guide for Applicants The IRC provides full guidance on using the online system Individual applicant registers online & sent login details Fill in application form Provide contact details for other parties 3 Feb 16 ( Carefully Review, submit by 3 Feb 16 (16h GMT) International applicants need to be aware of varying time zones

9. Application Process Supervsior/Referees Supervisors need to pre-register on system (Referees don’t) All parties are sent login email invitation to fill in specific form. Ensure contact details are correct Select people that won’t let you down, they need to adhere to indicated deadlines and submit on time via the online system. Late forms will render your application ineligible! Co-Supervisors, whether internal or external to the institution, cannot act as a referee for an application to the scheme submit by 10 Feb 16 (4pm GMT). International Referees should be aware of varying time zones

10. Application Process Institutional ENDORSEMENT: Sent notice that application is ready to review Check all relevant parts On-line endorsement by the Graduate School by 17 Feb 2016 No alterations can be made once application is submitted Applicants receive confirmation email of endorsement

11. FAQ’s The FAQs will be available on the website. FAQ Deadline 16.00 27 Jan 16 If your question has not been already answered by the FAQ send your query to Graduate School (michael.frain@ul.ie) Queries from that are not addressed on the FAQs list may be sent by the Graduate School to postgrad@research.ie The anonymous questions and answers will be posted on the IRC website. To ensure transparency and equity of access to information the IRC will not enter into individual correspondence.

12. FAQ Process The FAQs will be available on the website. FAQ Deadline 16.00 27 Jan 16 If your question has not been already answered by the FAQ send your query to Graduate School (michael.frain@ul.ie) Queries from that are not addressed on the FAQs list may be sent by the Graduate School to postgrad@research.ie The anonymous question and answer will then be posted on the IRC website. The IRC will not enter into individual correspondence to ensure transparency and equity of access to information.

13. Issues to Consider Make a proper plan of action. Think about your proposed study! Description of project; methodology; research plan) is key Answer all questions (or write n/a where not applicable). Word counts are maximums not targets! Remember first impressions do count! Grammar, spell check, proof read.

14. Issues to Consider Be focused!! Keep prose simple, declarative and precise in all sections – do not write in ‘essay mode’. Use jargon free language. The IRC Budget is extremely limited & get thousands of applications: – How can you make your application stand out? – Think about potential outputs/dissemination International reputational risk particularly for HEI and supervisor if application is poor Should not apply just for the sake of it

15. Assessment Process Separate Pots of Funding for: – GOI AHSS application, GOI STEM applications Focus on funding excellence, originality and potential No subject quotas, no favoured topics nor disciplines No bias towards PhDs (3 or 4years) or Masters (1 or 2 years) No bias for ‘new applications’ versus ‘already started’

16. Postgraduate Evaluation Criteria Criteria & Detail Evaluation Marks the sections are not discrete 1. PROJECT: Quality of the research project including (40%): Clarity and coherence of the proposed research project. Clear & coherent central research question – hypothesis and appropriate research methodology to fit and limitations of the approach Consideration of ethical and sex/gender issues Feasibility and credibility of the proposed research plan in the proposed time period. Originality and innovative nature Suggest how your work will EXTEND and/or CHALLENGE the gaps and problems in the existing field Dissemination plans Direct alignment with Strategic Funding Partner themes as per Terms and Conditions,

17. Postgraduate Evaluation Criteria Training and Career Development Aspects of proposal (10%): Clarity and quality of Training and Career Development Plan to acquire new knowledge and skills to achieve research and professional development aims. Evidence of real thought as to why research is to be undertaken and the impact of the proposed award on the applicants’ career path. 2. APPLICANT: Capability of the applicant 30% (0-30) including: Track record and research potential of the applicant. Personal Statement. Referees’ reports. Comments need to be frank and honest, not generic Match between applicant profile and research project.

18. Postgraduate Evaluation Criteria 3. ENVIRONMENT: Suitability of the host organisation(s):20% (0-20) Suitability and ability of Supervisor(s) to provide adequate supervision. Quality of infrastructure and facilities provided by Host Organisation(s). Match between applicant, Supervisor(s) and Host Organisation(s).

19. Finally Thanks for Listening Questions