POSTGRADUATE scholarships worth €10.8 million have been announced by the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology.
The awards are open to students who intend to pursue Masters and PhD degrees after the completion this year of their undergraduate studies.
The funds are provided under the council's Postgraduate Scholarship Research Scheme which operates within its Embark Initiative.
The scholarship scheme started in 2002 and since then more than 1,000 scholarships have been offered worth about €60 million, according to the council.
The programme encourages Ireland's best young scientists "to deliver novel and creative research, contributing to a strong Irish research infrastructure", according to council chair, Prof Jane Grimson.
The awards are made on a competitive basis and are open to students both here and abroad, with foreign based applicants expected to pursue their degrees in this country.
Funding is available for up to three years, with occasional extensions based on the nature of the research programme undertaken by the student. The council expects to make up to 75 awards.
Awards are made on the basis of the student's academic record, research preparation, references and a personal statement.
Selection is made by an independent academic panel.
Applications may only be made via the council's online grants application system. Details are available at www.ircset.ie
