The increase follows the recommendations published in June this year in an independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers.  In that report, the Co-Chairs recommend that the stipend be increased significantly with an optimum target of €25,000, subject to the availability of funding. Increases should take effect from the start of the academic year 2023/2024 but no later than 1 January 2024.

Dr Mairéad O’Driscoll, Chief Executive at the HRB said,

“The HRB is implementing the recommendations from the report in full, immediately, which will positively impact the PhD researchers who we fund.

“Attracting and retaining early career researchers is critical to deliver on the strategic goals of the HRB, the wider research and innovation system and Ireland’s knowledge economy.

“We are confident that the leadership shown by the HRB Board will support the continuation of our longstanding track record of attracting exceptional candidates to pursue PhD research training in health and social care. With the challenges faced by the global health and healthcare sectors, this is more important than ever.”

The HRB will make the additional funding available to all host institutions that currently host HRB-funded PhD candidates and we will look to complete this process through their Finance Offices in a matter of weeks. For new calls, the new stipend level will be included in the budget. Awards under calls that are ongoing but where no contract has been issued yet will also see the increase.

Ends.