The EPA Research Funding 2027 program is expected to provide significant financial support for innovative research projects that address climate change, environmental protection, sustainability, biodiversity, water quality, and the transition to a green and circular economy.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to invest in policy-driven environmental research that helps governments, researchers, higher education institutions, and industry develop evidence-based solutions to some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
In its most recent funding announcement, the EPA awarded €6.5 million to support 24 new research projects focused on climate change, the natural environment, the green and circular economy, and environmental and human health. The funding also supported 148 research staff across 10 higher education institutions, working with 34 collaborating organizations in multiple countries.
If you’re a researcher, academic institution, public body, or organization working on environmental sustainability, now is an excellent time to begin preparing for future EPA funding opportunities.
About the EPA Research Funding Programme
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Research Programme funds policy-relevant scientific research that supports environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development in Ireland.
The programme focuses on generating evidence that informs environmental policymaking while strengthening research capacity through collaboration between universities, government agencies, and industry partners.
The EPA has funded environmental research since 1994 and currently supports more than 200 ongoing research projects.
Funding Overview
The latest EPA research funding announcement included:
- €6.5 million awarded
- 24 funded research projects
- 148 researchers supported
- 10 higher education institutions
- 34 collaborating organizations
- Partnerships with Met Éireann and the Office of Public Works on selected projects.
Funding Summary
| Programme | EPA Research Funding 2027 (Expected) |
|---|---|
| Organization | Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
| Programme Type | Research Grant |
| Focus | Environmental Innovation and Sustainability |
| Applicants | Universities, Research Institutions, Public Bodies, Other Eligible Organizations |
| Funding Areas | Climate, Circular Economy, Environment, Human Health |
| Application Mode | Online (when calls open) |
Priority Research Areas
The EPA Research Programme supports projects across four major thematic areas:
1. Addressing Climate Change
Research that strengthens climate resilience, emissions reduction, adaptation strategies, and evidence-based climate policy.
2. Green and Circular Economy
Projects promoting sustainable production, waste reduction, resource efficiency, circular economy solutions, and low-carbon innovation.
3. Healthy Environment
Research addressing environmental quality, pollution, public health, air quality, water quality, chemicals, and environmental monitoring.
4. Protecting and Restoring Nature
Projects supporting biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, freshwater protection, landscape resilience, and sustainable natural resource management.
These themes form the core of the EPA’s research strategy.
Examples of Previously Funded Projects
The most recent funding round supported innovative research on topics including:
- Assessing national climate policy impacts
- Peatland monitoring using technology
- Methane sources and sinks
- Artificial intelligence for Strategic Environmental Assessment
- Green laboratory analysis methods
- River and lake ecosystem protection
- Flood probability modelling
- Air pollution monitoring
- Bioeconomy indicators
- Landscape fragmentation
- Wastewater reuse
- Circular packaging systems
These examples illustrate the broad range of environmental challenges the EPA seeks to address.
Who Can Apply?
The EPA Research Programme supports a range of organizations within Ireland through different funding mechanisms and partnerships. Eligible applicants generally include:
- Universities
- Higher education institutions
- Public research organizations
- Government agencies
- Public sector bodies
- Research institutes
- Organizations collaborating on environmental research
Specific eligibility requirements are published with each funding call.
Why Apply?
EPA funding helps researchers:
- Conduct high-impact environmental research.
- Inform national environmental policy.
- Build collaborative research partnerships.
- Develop innovative sustainability solutions.
- Expand institutional research capacity.
- Support climate action and environmental resilience.
- Generate evidence for decision-making.
How to Prepare for the EPA Research Call 2027
Interested applicants should:
Step 1
Identify research priorities that align with EPA thematic areas.
Step 2
Build partnerships with universities, government agencies, or industry collaborators where appropriate.
Step 3
Develop a strong research proposal with clear policy relevance.
Step 4
Monitor the EPA website for the launch of the next Research Call.
Step 5
Prepare budgets, project plans, and supporting documentation in advance.
Expected Timeline
The EPA announced that the Research Call 2026 would launch later in 2026 and highlighted additional opportunities such as Fast-track to Policy Funding and Fulbright-EPA Scholarships and Fellowships. Future funding calls are expected to continue supporting environmental research.
Applicants interested in the 2027 funding cycle should regularly monitor future EPA announcements for official application dates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the EPA Research Programme?
The EPA Research Programme funds scientific research that supports environmental policy development, climate action, and sustainable decision-making in Ireland.
What topics receive funding?
Priority areas include climate change, environmental health, biodiversity, water quality, circular economy, pollution reduction, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable resource management.
Who can apply?
Funding is generally available to eligible research organizations and institutions in Ireland, subject to the eligibility criteria published with each funding call.
How much funding has recently been awarded?
The latest announcement awarded €6.5 million across 24 research projects, supporting 148 research staff.
Are collaborative projects encouraged?
Yes. The programme promotes partnerships among higher education institutions, public bodies, and collaborating organizations, including co-funded projects with other public agencies.
Tips for a Competitive Application
To improve your chances of success:
- Align your proposal with EPA thematic priorities.
- Demonstrate clear policy relevance and potential impact.
- Include measurable outcomes and implementation plans.
- Build multidisciplinary collaborations where appropriate.
- Show how your research addresses identified environmental knowledge gaps.
- Present a realistic budget and project timeline.
Final Thoughts
The EPA Research Funding 2027 programme is expected to continue supporting innovative research that advances climate action, environmental protection, public health, biodiversity, and the green transition. With substantial investment in policy-driven research and collaboration across academia and the public sector, the EPA remains an important source of funding for organizations committed to solving environmental challenges.
Researchers and institutions interested in future funding opportunities should begin developing strong, policy-relevant proposals and stay informed about upcoming EPA research calls.
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EPA Research Funding 2027 supporting climate action, environmental innovation, biodiversity, and sustainability research projects
Suggested Internal Links
- Environmental Grants for Researchers
- Climate Change Research Funding Opportunities
- Sustainability Fellowships for International Researchers
- Green Innovation Grants for Universities
- International Environmental Research Programs
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