Before you apply

The HRB funding process

To develop new funding opportunities, the HRB considers what we want to achieve, and creates a specific funding call.

Calls are generally open and competitive.

HRB funding decisions are based on: Eligibility, Assessment criteria, Available budget and potentially on the HRB gender policy.

These factors are assessed in a systematic way through our review process, striving for fairness at each step. Please refer to the guidance notes for each particular scheme for details.

More information on how we assess applications.

Approved host institutions

Currently approved host institutions have been approved under our Host Institution Policy. If you want to apply to become a host institution, please complete Host Institution application form available below and send to Hostinstitutions@hrb.ie.

HRB PhD Equivalency

The HRB PhD Equivalency application process is currently under review. It is anticipated that the HRB will start processing applications again in early September 2025.

Responsible research assessment topics to consider before you apply

The Responsible research assessment highlights areas important to the HRB agenda, such as Open Access, Public and Patient Involvement in research (PPI), Gender equality, How we monitor and evaluate, as well as other relevant policies and practices. They should inform how you frame an application.

Tips for writing a grant application

Writing a grant application takes time and planning. Here we share some tips on how to write a good grant application, such as what to consider before you start writing, what reviewers look for in an application and the importance of writing for reviewers who don’t know the Irish system. We also look at the right to respond option and some of the reasons why grant applications are rejected.

Tips for writing a grant application

Useful links

We have put together some external resources you may find helpful in the preparation of an application. You will find useful links on areas such as study design for interventions, study registration, reporting, clinical research infrastructures, PPI, bio banking, data management, animals in research and gender issues amongst others.

View Resources