Applications are now open for the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme. This prestigious initiative offers fully funded Research Masters and PhD positions in Ireland across agriculture, food, sustainability, environment, and related disciplines. All positions provide a generous annual stipend of €25,000, full coverage of university fees (up to €6,000 per annum), and access to world-class research facilities.
There is no application fee. International applicants are welcome (subject to English language requirements). Scholars are based at Teagasc research centres and partner Irish universities, working on high-impact projects with strong industry relevance and international collaboration opportunities.You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.
Key Details
- Degree Level: Research Masters (2 years) and PhD (4 years)
- Host Country: Ireland
- Host Institution: Teagasc (in partnership with Irish universities such as TU Dublin, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Galway, and Munster Technological University)
- Application Deadlines: varies by project
- Start Date: September/October 2026 (varies by project)
- Funding Type: Fully funded
- Open for: All nationalities
- Application Fee: None
All Available Positions (Please click on specific project to view details)
Current Opportunities:
Developing Novel Protein-Enriched Food Ingredients from Meat Industry By-Products
- Walsh Scholars Reference Number: 2023298
- Level: Research Masters (2 years)
- University: TU Dublin
- Research Institution: Teagasc
- Location: Teagasc Ashtown, Dublin 15
- Funding: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- Proposed Start Date: September/October 2026
Project Summary
- Investigates proteins and peptides recovered from animal blood
- Develops novel protein-enriched food products (beverages, emulsions, gels, hybrid meat products)
- Focuses on sustainability by valorising meat industry by-products
- Evaluates physicochemical stability, texture, functionality, and sensory qualities
- Uses iterative formulation optimisation
Supervision
- Shay Hannon (Teagasc)
- Dr. Uma Tiwari (TU Dublin)
Research Environment
Based at Teagasc Ashtown and TU Dublin with advanced labs and pilot-scale facilities. Strong industry links.
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Minimum 2.1 Honours degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Nutraceuticals, Biotechnology or related field
- Applied research experience (desirable)
- Knowledge of protein chemistry or food formulation (advantageous)
- Strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills
- Willingness for lab work and industry interaction
- Full driving licence beneficial
Funding Details
- €25,000 annual stipend
- University fees covered up to €6,000 per annum
How to Apply
Submit by 5:00pm, 24 July 2026 to [email protected] and [email protected] (Subject: “Research Masters Application – Walsh Scholars Reference: 2023298”)
Required documents:
- CV (including two referees)
- 1–2 page personal statement (why interested + why strong candidate)
Interviews: August 2026 (online available).
Also Check: PhD, Postdoc & Professor positions at the University of Freiburg, Germany.
Optimising Butter Processing to Improve Sustainability and Product Quality
- Walsh Scholars Reference Number: 2025049
- Level: PhD (4 years)
- University: University College Cork
- Research Institution: Teagasc
- Location: Teagasc Moorepark, Co. Cork
- Funding: Teagasc
- Proposed Start Date: October/November 2026
Project Summary
- Studies how milk fat composition affects butter structure and functionality during processing
- Uses advanced techniques: GC-FID, DSC, rheology, NMR, CLSM
- Aims to optimise industrial butter production for better quality and sustainability
- Supports competitiveness of Irish grass-fed butter
Supervision
- Dr. Sean Hogan (Teagasc)
- Prof. Alan Kelly (University College Cork)
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
Applicants should ideally have:
- Minimum 2.1 Honours degree in dairy/food science, food engineering, nutrition or related
- Interest in dairy science and analytical techniques
- Experience with data analysis
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Valid driving licence (desirable)
Funding Details
- €25,000 annual stipend
- University fees covered up to €6,000 per annum
How to Apply
Submit by 5:00pm, 24 July 2026 to [email protected] and [email protected] (Subject: “PhD Application – Walsh Scholars Reference 2025049”)
Required documents:
- CV (including two referees)
- 1–2 page personal statement (why interested + why strong candidate)
Interviews: After August/September 2026 (online available).
Also Check: The Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026-2027
Understanding the Digestion and Absorption of Novel Plant-Based Food Ingredients (VIP Ingredients)
- Walsh Scholars Reference Number: 2025215
- Level: PhD (4 years)
- University: University College Cork
- Research Institution: Teagasc
- Location: Teagasc Moorepark, Co. Cork
- Funding: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- Proposed Start Date: October 2026
Project Summary
- Examines digestion and absorption of plant proteins from fava bean, pea, lupin and oats
- Uses INFOGEST in vitro digestion and intestinal cell/organoid models
- Studies impact of anti-nutritional factors and food matrix
- Supports development of nutritious, sustainable plant-based foods
Supervision
- Dr. Linda Giblin (Teagasc)
- Prof. André Brodkorb (Teagasc)
- Dr. Ken Nally (University College Cork)
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Hold First or 2.1 Honours B.Sc. (or Master’s) in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or Protein Chemistry
- Have aptitude for laboratory research
- Be self-motivated with strong analytical skills
- Possess good communication and teamwork abilities
Funding Details
- €25,000 annual stipend
- University fees covered up to €6,000 per annum
How to Apply
Submit by 5:00pm, 24 July 2026 to [email protected] (Subject: “PhD Application – Walsh Scholars Reference: 2025215”)
Required documents:
- CV (including two referees)
- 1–2 page personal statement (why interested + why strong candidate)
Interviews: Mid-to-late August 2026 (online available).
Also Check: Also Check: The Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026-2027
Nitrogen Management Strategies for Perennial Ryegrass/White Clover Swards to Improve Grazing Dairy Systems Productivity
- Walsh Scholars Reference Number: 2026001
- Level: PhD (4 years)
- University: Munster Technological University (MTU)
- Research Institution: Teagasc
- Location: Teagasc Moorepark, Co. Cork
- Funding: Teagasc
- Proposed Start Date: September 2026
Project Summary
- Evaluates precision nitrogen strategies in grass-white clover swards
- Compares productivity, nitrogen balance and environmental impacts with conventional systems
- Develops guidelines for nitrogen application based on clover content
- Improves sustainability of grazing dairy systems
Supervision
- Dr. Áine Murray (Teagasc)
- Dr. Brendan O’Neill (MTU)
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
Applicants should ideally:
- Hold minimum 2.1 Honours degree in Agricultural Science or related
- Understand pasture-based dairy and grazing management
- Have strong analytical and organisational skills
- Hold full clean Irish driving licence
- Be willing to do field-based research
Funding Details
- €25,000 annual stipend
- University fees covered up to €6,000 per annum
How to Apply
Submit by 5:00pm, 24 July 2026 to [email protected] (Subject: “PhD Application – Walsh Scholars Reference: 2026001”)
Required documents:
- CV (including two referees)
- 1–2 page personal statement (why interested + why strong candidate)
Interviews: Early to mid-July 2026 (online available).
Also Check: Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPR) Australia
Understanding the Hydrology of Grassland Peat Soils
- Walsh Scholars Reference Number: 2025216
- Level: PhD (4 years)
- University: University of Galway
- Research Institution: Teagasc
- Location: Teagasc Moorepark, Co. Cork
- Funding: Horizon Europe
- Proposed Start Date: September 2026
Project Summary
- Part of PEAT-GENIE project using AI for environmental data
- Investigates peat soil properties and hydrology
- Improves understanding of water table dynamics and peatland condition
- Supports better peatland management and climate resilience
Supervision
- Dr. Pat Tuohy and team (Teagasc)
- Co-supervisors from University of Galway and University of Tartu
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
Applicants should ideally:
- Hold First or 2.1 Honours degree in soil science, hydrology, environmental science or related
- Have strong data handling and analytical skills
- Be willing to do fieldwork
- Hold full clean Irish driving licence
Funding Details
- €25,000 annual stipend
- University fees covered up to €6,000 per annum
How to Apply
Submit by 5:00pm, 31 July 2026 to [email protected] (Subject: “PhD Application – Walsh Scholars Reference: 2025216”)
Required documents:
- CV (including two referees)
- 1–2 page personal statement (why interested + why strong candidate)
Interviews: Early August 2026 (online available).
Also Check: NASA Open Science Online Course with Certificate 2026.
Modelling the Effect of Climate Change on the Productivity of Key Forest Species
- Walsh Scholars Reference Number: 2023299
- Level: Research Masters (2 years)
- University: University College Dublin
- Research Institution: Teagasc
- Location: Teagasc Ashtown, Co. Dublin
- Funding: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- Proposed Start Date: September 2026
Project Summary
- Models climate change impacts on key Irish forest species
- Uses climate projections, soil data and GIS
- Assesses future productivity and suitability
- Supports forest management and climate adaptation policies
Supervision
- Dr. Niall Farrelly / Reamonn Fealy (Teagasc)
- Dr. Jon Yearsley (UCD)
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
Applicants should ideally:
- Hold First or 2.1 Honours degree in forestry, plant biology, wood science or related
- Have GIS and data analysis skills
- Be willing to do field assessments
- Hold full clean Irish driving licence
Funding Details
- €25,000 annual stipend
- University fees covered up to €6,000 per annum
How to Apply
Submit CV and covering letter by 5:00pm, 31 July 2026 to [email protected] (Quote: “Walsh Scholars MSc Application – Ref 2023299”)
Interviews: Late June 2026 (online available).
Also Check: University of Bayreuth Funded Professor and Doctoral Opportunities 2026
Evaluating Technology Adoption for a Competitive, Sustainable and Resilient Mushroom Sector
- Walsh Scholars Reference Number: 2026041
- Level: PhD (4 years)
- University: University of Galway
- Research Institution: Teagasc
- Location: Teagasc Ashtown, Dublin 15
- Funding: Teagasc
- Proposed Start Date: October 2026 or soon thereafter
Project Summary
- Evaluates automation and low-peat technologies in mushroom production
- Uses life cycle assessment (cost, environmental, social)
- Assesses integration into AgNav platform
- Supports competitive and sustainable Irish mushroom sector
Supervision
- Dr. Lael Walsh (Teagasc)
- Prof. David Styles (University of Galway)
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
Candidates should demonstrate:
- First or 2.1 Honours degree (or Master’s) in environmental science, engineering, agriculture sustainability or related
- Experience with life cycle assessment or modelling
- Interest in mushroom production or sustainability
- Excellent English communication skills
- Full clean driving licence
Funding Details
- €25,000 annual stipend
- University fees covered up to €6,000 per annum
How to Apply
Submit by 5:00pm, 24 July 2026 to [email protected] and [email protected] (Subject: “PhD Application – Walsh Scholars Reference: 2026041”)
Required documents:
- CV (including two referees)
- 1–2 page personal statement (why interested + why strong candidate)
Interviews: August 2026 (online available).
Also Check: University of Bayreuth Funded Professor and Doctoral Opportunities 2026
How to Apply
- Choose the project you are interested in from the list below.
- Prepare your documents:
- CV (including two referees)
- 1–2 page personal statement explaining why you are interested in the specific project and why you are a strong candidate
- Submit your application by email directly to the named supervisors with the exact subject line specified for each project.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews (online options available).
Also Check: University of Bayreuth Funded Professor and Doctoral Opportunities 2026
