international student. Credit: Yan Krukau, Pexels
Ireland has created a bold pitch to become a global hub for innovation and has launched a new initiative backed by funding more than 1.485 billion euros to attract international talent.
On Tuesday, May 13th, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless confirmed that the Irish government has formally approved the global talent initiative. The programme aims to seduce both early careers and established academics into Irish universities and research institutions with generous pay packages, research support and startup funding.
The 1.485 billion euro investment allocated through the National Training Fund (NTF) between now and 2030 is the heart of Ireland’s push to establish researchers as a world-class destination. It funds capital projects, higher education infrastructure and supports scientific research in the strategic sector.
Ireland wants “best and brightest” talent
The Global Talent Initiative is led in collaboration with Research Ireland, the national body responsible for strengthening research and innovation capabilities in Ireland. The program also supports spin-out companies and creates roles within higher education institutions across the country.
Minister Lawless framed the initiative as both a practical and symbolic move. Quote University World NewsHe said the United States is “now a cold place for free thinkers and talented researchers,” adding that “Ireland will be the host of the brightest fugitives to escape the US university system.”
This follows growing concerns about academic freedom and economic instability under President Donald Trump, particularly in industries that include medicine, which is at the heart of Ireland’s export economy.
The Irish government says the initiative will focus on attracting talent in areas that reflect national and EU priorities, including:
- Energy and Food Security
- Healthcare and Life Sciences
- Cybersecurity and digital technology
- AI, Semiconductors and Quantum Technology
These areas are also consistent with Ireland’s recent integration into European research networks, such as CERN and the EU’s flagship of quantum technology.
Mixed response to Ireland’s investment to attract global talent
While government announcements are generally welcome, several experts have raised concerns about whether investments will go well.
The 1.485 billion euro commitment is important, said Des Fitzgerald, professor at Cork University. Irish era “Access to research funding” continues to be a major barrier for both domestic and foreign researchers, not salaries.
Dr. Eemer Eivers, a research consultant at Dublin University, said the initiative is “shaming and shortsighted” if local talent continues to leave academia due to lack of funding.
Dr. Emma Howard, a lecturer in economics at Dublin University of Technology, added that Irish universities are still “in attractive and uncompetitive to top American scholars.”
However, Lawless argues that NTF’s funding is transformative.
“For the first time, NTF funding will cover new areas such as capital investment, core higher education funding, and research support. This is a critical step towards securing the Irish workforce in an age of global challenges.”
The Global Talent Initiative will be coordinated by Research Ireland, a national institution established in 2023 with a budget of over 300 million euros. Starting in September, the new CEO is currently the client principal for innovation at Cambridge University, previously Dr. Diarmuid O’Brien, of Trinity College Dublin.
Dr. O’Brien oversees program delivery with a focus on promoting excellence, diversity and global engagement.
With almost 1.5 billion euros currently committed and dedicated research institutes in place, Ireland shows that he is not only welcoming talent, but seriously supporting it.
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