£1m PhD funding call open for DAERA priority research needs
Date published:
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir has launched the 2026 Postgraduate Studentship competition. The application window is now open and will close at midnight on Thursday 19 February 2026.
DAERA will fund 12 new PhD Research Studentships which will provide graduates with an opportunity to carry out research across a wide range of DAERA priority research needs. The three-year PhD Studentships will commence on 1 October 2026.
As part of the launch of this year’s competition, Minister Muir met Dr Victoria Murphy, Course Director of the MSc in Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise at CAFRE. Victoria graduated from QUB with a 1st class BSc Honours degree in Agricultural Technology before completing a DAERA funded PhD on housing and grouping systems for NI beef cattle.
Commenting on the launch of the competition, Minister Muir said: “My Department has a long history of investment in postgraduate research, and I am proud to announce the continuation of the programme. This funding not only serves to support early-career researchers but also contributes to the wider growth and development of scientific knowledge for the agri‑food and environmental sectors, and the wider rural economy.
“High quality scientific research is essential for my Department to address important policy challenges and to make sound evidence‑based decisions. The postgraduate programme is a valued part of DAERA’s science programme.”
Dr Murphy spoke of her PhD experience: “The DAERA Postgraduate Studentship has been fundamental in providing me with the technical knowledge and professional skills that underpin my career today.
“The project management and industry engagement developed during my PhD have been invaluable in ensuring the MSc programme delivered by CAFRE reflects the needs of the agri-food sector. These skills have also been instrumental in enabling me to coordinate postgraduate research projects and support our students professional and technical development.”
Funding is provided in the form of a payment to support living costs, university fees, a Research Training Support Grant and other allowances. Applicants must select one of DAERA’s Research Needs for 2026, in addition to meeting eligibility criteria. Selection is by interview.
Details of DAERA’s 2026 Research Needs, the application process and Terms and Conditions for the awards are available on the nidirect website.
The research can be undertaken at a university in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland.
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