SCIENCE FOUNDATION IRELAND is calling for women scientists to apply for new grants worth up to €175,000.

SFI said that the awards, which are aimed at women who have a PhD or equivalent, are to enable women to remain or return to a career in science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM).

Currently only 26 per cent of researchers in STEM areas are women.

Minister for Research and Innovation Seán Sherlock said he was hopeful that such funding would lead to a “greater increase of women working in what is one of Ireland’s most rapidly growing sectors”.

Successful applicants will receive funding up to a maximum value of €175,000 in direct costs for up to two years.

To be eligible, applicants must hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent qualification and should not hold or have held a significant independent research award.

The head of Science Foundation Ireland, who is also the chief scientific advisor to the Irish government, said that it was “crucial” to incentivise diversity and gender balance in both public and private sector research.

“This programme will allow women researchers to immediately avail of established infrastructures and existent industry partnerships and collaborations – as well as offering assistance to move into a non-academic career path in the STEM sector,” said Professor Mark Ferguson.

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