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Position Title | Two PhD Scholarships: Trustworthy- Artificial Intelligence |
Project | We are seeking two highly motivated and independent doctoral researcher with a strong technical background to join the Living Lab team. The successful candidate will actively work on funded research projects such as XTREME Horizon Europe and other funded initiatives. The PhD research will focus on the intersection of social sciences and emerging technologies, specifically in assessing the design, development, and deployment of extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies. The researcher will critically examine the concepts, advantages, barriers, and opportunities of advanced technologies such as mixed reality, immersive experiences, AI systems, and related technologies. A key aspect of this role will be developing innovative Trustworthy AI frameworks and methods. The research will be informed by multi-disciplinary focus on trustworthiness by design, human-centricity, and risk governance approaches. The research will contribute to the creation of a risk and ethical framework aimed at helping AI system developers establish best practices in interprofessional and multi-professional collaboration. The ideal candidate must be a confident researcher and self-starter capable of conducting independent research using both qualitative and quantitative methods. A technical understanding of AI, XR, or related emerging technologies is highly desirable, along with the ability to engage with complex socio-technical challenges. |
Faculty | Kemmy Business School |
Entry Requirements | Min. 2.1 degree in technical or social science aspects of Data and AI innovation or related discipline. Ideally with postgraduate qualification such as a Masters degree that includes the completion of a Masters Thesis. (Candidates near completion of a master's can apply)
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Fees, Stipend amounts | €23000 - €27000 depending on experience and qualification. In addition, up to 4 years fees will also be provided. |
Closing Date | 1st May 2025 |
Contact | Martin.cunneen@ul.ie |
Additional Information | Please include the following information in your application
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Project | An overview of the two PhD projects is below.
This PhD project aims to explore the nuanced dynamics of policy implementation through a philosophical lens, focusing on the essence of organisational missions (the spirit) rather than top-down directives alone (the letter). By engaging with the three distinct projects the CIRcUL is currently undertaking, the research will investigate how deeply-rooted philosophies influence implementation practices, emphasising the experiential and emotional dimensions that drive success at all organisational levels The programme of research will delve into the intangible qualities that shape implementation outcomes and explore critical questions about what it means to embody an organisational ethos in practice, clarifying the interplay between policy, implementation science, the intrinsic motivations that inspire meaningful change and the motivation to always seek to perform better, where it occurs. This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how the mission of an organisation can be integrated into tangible implementation strategies, fostering a more holistic approach to striving for exceptional as opposed to acceptable policy goals. Supervision team: Prof Audrey Tierney, Prof Seán Redmond, Dr Laura Keyes
Decision-making and success in the scale-up of innovative practices and policies may be underpinned by multiple factors and driven by diverse players. This PhD study will involve investigating existing scalability frameworks and tools, their included constructs and evidence of applicability across fields/policy areas; combined with ascertaining perspectives on scalability from key stakeholders in the three CIRcUL led large-scale projects underway. The goal of this work is to contribute an understanding and recommendations supporting the development of a novel scalability implementation framework fit for complex public policy contexts. Supervision team: Dr Carol-Anne Murphy, Dr Johnny Connolly, Dr Liz Kingston, Dr Laura Keyes |
Faculty | Inter-faculty (Education & Health Sciences and Arts, Humanities & Social Science |
Entry Requirements | Successful applicants will normally have a postgraduate qualification or an Upper Second-Class Honours Degree in a discipline related to the research area. Evidence of project management, scientific writing and an understanding of research methodologies would be an advantage. Candidates will need to be able to demonstrate ability to work independently with support of a research supervision team and the enthusiasm to contribute to a stimulating research environment. |
Fees, Stipend amounts | The scholarships will cover annual postgraduate research EU level fees (€5,750) and a stipend (€22,000 per annum) for three years. There is potential to extend this period through applying for additional funding with the support of the supervision team. |
Closing Date | 30 May 2025 |
Contact and how to apply | Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Audrey Tierney, School of Allied Health, University of Limerick (Email: Audrey.Tierney@ul.ie) For PhD 1 and Dr Carol-Anne Murphy, School of Allied Health, University of Limerick (Email: carol-anne.murphy@ul.ie) for PhD 2. Please send a CV (full curriculum vitae with referee details) with a personal statement outlining why you would like to pursue one of these PhD research opportunities (maximum 500 words) and what you think you could contribute to the project (maximum 500 words) to Dr Laura Keyes (laura.keyes@ul.ie). Short-listed applicants will be required to attend for interview. Applications to both PhD opportunities by the same applicant will be accepted. Full details of the projects, project background and application details are available at PhD Scholarships - Two Positions | University of Limerick |
Additional Information | Additional information about CIRcUL is available at https://www.ul.ie/artsoc/circul
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| Project | Today, 18m worldwide die every year from Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) which is one of the chronic diseases. When platelets aggregate at higher, than usual, rates cause the formation of thrombus. Thrombosis is the first step in the domino effect leading to the manifestation of CVD. On the other hand, neurological conditions are now the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. The overall amount of disability, illness and premature death (known as disability-adjusted life years, DALYs) caused by neurological conditions has increased by 18% since 1990. With this project we wish to investigate the role of lipids against these diseases. Project title : Food lipids against thrombosis, inflammation, chronic and neurodegenerative diseases The project includes work on these fields:
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| Faculty/Dept | Science and Engineering, Department of Chemical Sciences |
| Entry Requirements | The suitable candidate should meet the criteria below: Essential criteria 1st Class (or equivalent) BSc in Food Science or Chemistry or Biochemistry or related Sciences Desirable criteria Relevant research experience during the undergraduate studies on biochemistry or analytical chemistry or food components.
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| Fees, Stipend amounts | The project is funded by a research project in collaboration with Memorial University in Canada. The PhD grant in place covers the full stipend (€22,000 per year) and annual EU fees (€6,400 approximately). If you are applying from a non-EU country (annual fees €15,000 approximately), you should seek support for the extra amount (i.e. €15,000 - €6,400 = €8,600). |
| Closing Date | 4 July 2025 |
| Contact | Dr Ioannis Zabetakis |
| Additional Information | Apart from supporting towards with stipend and fees, we support our students for conference participations and offer opportunities for gaining experience of national and overseas research methods and also networking. The project will be supervised as: Principal Supervisor : Dr Ioannis Zabetakis (Department of Chemical Sciences) Secondary supervisor: Dr Andreas Grabrucker (Department of Biological Sciences) For informal enquiries, please contact Ioannis at Application Process: To apply, please submit your CV (including information on your BSc degree and possible research experience), a cover letter (on your research interests and experience) and contact details of two referees to the leader of this project: Research profile of primary supervisor: |
| Project | Applications are invited from excellent candidates in relation to the PhD projects described below. It is recommended that potential applicants contact the supervisors informally prior to applying. Interested candidates may apply for PhD study throughout the year. However, fully funded PhD studentships are available for PhD study starting September 2025. Details of the PhD projects are available from the link below PhD Studentship Applications Now Open! | University of Limerick |
| Faculty/Dept | Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences |
| Entry Requirements | Minimum 2.1 Honours Degree or 2.1 Masters Degree in a cognate discipline |
| Fees, Stipend amounts | The Studentship will include a bursary (€16,000) and EU fees. For non-EU applicants, a non-EU fee waiver may also be available, but this cannot be guaranteed (a difference of approximately €6000p.a.). |
| Closing Date | The closing date for applications to the studentship competition is July 4th at 12pm (Irish Standard Time). We reserve the right to not make an award. |
| Contact | Applications can be made by submitting (1) a current two-page academic CV and (2) an expression of interest document to psychology@ul.ie with the subject ‘PhD Studentship Application’. The expression of interest document should be submitted in Word (.doc or .docx) format and should be no more than two pages. The applicant should describe their own suitability for one of the advertised projects (50% weighted) and how they propose to develop the project (50% weighted). Queries about the process can be made to Dr Jenny Roth Jenny.Roth@ul.ie |
| Additional Information | Selection for bursary will be competitive and will take place in early July 2025. Shortlisted candidates should be available for interview in mid to late July for an online interview. Note that admission to the faculty of Education and Health Sciences to undertake a PhD degree is a separate process. |
Project | Context Central to securing digitally engineered systems—such as those found in Offshore Renewable Energy—is ensuring the security, trust, privacy, and traceability of digital threads. Digital threads are a foundational technology in Digital Engineering, enabling informed decision-making by integrating actionable data from diverse sources across the system lifecycle. At the core of a digital thread lies the concept of a single authoritative source of truth—a model and database that evolves alongside the system it represents. However, implementing secure digital threads poses significant challenges, particularly around access control, authentication, and the safe interconnection of people, processes, data, and capabilities within a digitally connected enterprise. If the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of the digital thread is compromised, the reliability and authority of the information it carries is also undermined. This research will explore how to design and enforce security mechanisms that preserve trust in digital threads throughout the lifecycle of offshore renewable systems. Research Objectives
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Faculty | School of Engineering & Science |
Entry Requirements | BSc or BEng ( First Class, Second Class Grade 1 Honours Level 8) in Computer Science/ Computer Engineering/ Electronic Engineering |
Fees, Stipend amounts | €25,000 per annum, duration of PhD is 4 years EU Fees fully covered (International students may be subject to additional non-EU fees) |
Closing Date | 31st July 2025. We reserve the right to not make an award. |
Contact | Professor Donna O’Shea (Donna.C.OShea@ul.ie) Please ensure you insert subject headers “Securing Digital Threads” in email |
Additional Information | To apply Please provide the following information emailing Donna.C.Oshea@ul.ie with the subject header: Securing Digital Threads.
Candidates will be shortlisted based on the above information. If you do not provide the information above then the applicant will be automatically eliminated from the process. |
Project | This fully funded 3-year PhD project aims to explore novel mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease progression, with a focus on how misfolded proteins interact with specific cell surface receptors. The project centers on Parkinson’s disease and involves mapping and targeting receptor-mediated transmission pathways – a poorly understood and underexplored area with therapeutic potential. The successful candidate will develop and apply computational bioiphysical approaches, including molecular simulation, docking, and data integration, to identify and prioritise candidate therapeutic targets. These will be further assessed using in silico design strategies supported by machine learning and structural modelling tools. Where possible, the project will integrate emerging omics data, as well as patient-derived biophysical data, to refine the modelling framework. The student will be based in the Department of Biological Sciences and embedded in the Bernal Institute, within a highly interdisciplinary environment that connects molecular biophysics, neurobiology, and computational drug discovery. Opportunities for collaboration and external engagement will be encouraged throughout the project. |
Faculty | Faculty of Science and Engineering |
Entry Requirements | Essential
Desirable
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Fees, Stipend amounts |
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Closing Date | Monday, 26 August 2025 Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview shortly after the deadline. We reserve the right to not make an award. |
Contact | Shayon.Bhattacharya@ul.ie; Important: Please do not email applications – only submissions via the form link below will be considered. |
Additional Information | The student will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment and benefit from mentoring across the Bernal Institute’s Advanced Characterisation and AI-Driven Technologies pillar. The PI, Dr. Bhattacharya, also serves as Deputy Lead of this pillar, ensuring access to expert training, facilities, and cross-institutional collaborations. The student will also engage with:
Application Process: Upload a single PDF including:
Please do not email applications – only submissions via the form will be considered.
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Project | Two PhD Scholarships in Cybersecurity (Privacy and Trust) Higher Education Authority (HEA) North South Research Programme |
Faculty | School of Engineering & Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering |
Entry Requirements | Entry Requirements: BSc or BEng (Honours) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electronic Engineering |
Fees, Stipend amounts | EU-Fees, travel and consumables covered €25,000 per annum |
Closing Date | 15 September 2025. We reserve the right to not make an award. |
Contact | Donna.C.Oshea@ul.ie Thomas.Newe@ul.ie |
Additional Information | 🔹 How to Apply 🔹 What is CyberUnite?
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Project | Co-Create Ireland: Art and Design Research Network for Inclusive Futures (CO-CREATE) |
Faculty | Science and Engineering, School of Architecture and Product Design |
Entry Requirements | Essential Criteria
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Desirable Criteria If University of Limerick receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree are not eligible to apply for this scholarship. Cross-border collaboration is an essential part of CO-CREATE, and as such, applicants to CO-CREATE PhD studentships must be able to travel regularly and freely between Ireland and Northern Ireland (UK). Applicants must specify whether they have a citizenship, residency or status which allows them to travel freely between Ireland and Northern Ireland. |
Fees, Stipend amounts | This project is funded by the Higher Education Authority’s North South Research Programme. This PhD scholarship will provide:
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Closing Date | How to Apply To apply, please submit:
All materials should be submitted to evelyn.brophy@ul.ie by 5pm on February 26, 2026 with the subject line “Co-Create PhD: Design-Led Approaches to Early Life Transitions”. We reserve the right to not make an award. |
Contact | All application materials submitted to evelyn.brophy@ul.ie
For informal enquiries or more information, please email: muireann.mcmahon@ul.ie |
Additional Information | Project Summary: University of Limerick invites applications for a funded 4-year PhD studentship as part of Co-Create Ireland: Art and Design Research Network for Inclusive Futures (CO-CREATE), a €4m cross border research project supported by the Higher Education Authority’s North South Research Programme. CO-CREATE will establish an all-island partnership which researches and advances the role citizen-centric art and design research can play in responding to the polycrisis, addressing intersecting cultural and environmental challenges and the increasing role fragmentation of social cohesion plays in exacerbating them. CO-CREATE aims to engage the creativity of diverse communities and foster forms of co-created research that will help to drive societal transformation and cultivate inclusivity in public services, climate action, health and heritage. The programme will offer opportunities for PhD students to develop new projects through engaged collaboration with an extensive cross-border network of researchers, cultural institutions, industry partners, community groups and public bodies. Recruited PhD students will be part of the all-island CO-CREATE Doctoral Network, linking researchers working across the National College of Art and Design, University of Ulster, University of Limerick and Atlantic Technological University. As part of the CO-CREATE Doctoral Network, students will benefit from:
PhD Description Childhood and Young Personhood are times of growth and change marked by social relationships, physical development, identity, routines, roles, and levels of independence. Life transitions such as entering education, evolving relationships, familial changes, or navigating new social, digital, and physical environments can influence how children and young people are recognised, supported and included by the world around them. This PhD investigates how children and young people experience visibility, agency, and belonging during these formative transitions, and how design-led, co-creative methods can help strengthen the systems of support that shape these experiences.
The post will be based at University of Limerick, and delivered in partnership with Spunout, National Youth Council of Ireland (NCYI) and Limerick City Area Partnership whose expertise in policy, community engagement, and programmes that support children and young peoples’ wellbeing and participation will provide unique opportunities to apply research in real-world contexts and influence practice and policy. The role will require regular cross-border travel to support stakeholder engagement, fieldwork, and knowledge exchange activities. Supervisory Team Dr. Muireann McMahon (School of Architecture and Product Design, University of Limerick) Dr. Louise Kiernan (School of Architecture and Product Design, University of Limerick) Dr. Emma Creighton (Department of Design, NCAD) Post Information: There will be an online information session for interested applicants for CO-CREATE PhDs on Monday, 12 January 2026. You can register for the session at the following link. This session will provide interested applicants with general information about the CO-CREATE project and the CO-CREATE Doctoral Network. It will also feature a Q&A portion where applicants can raise questions about the advertised PhD projects. If applicants have questions, they can contact the supervisory team, or relevant research office of the higher education institution they are making an application to. Applicants should not contact partner organisations directly about the studentships. |
Position Title | PhD studentship in dance for people living with Parkinsons’s disease |
Project | Applications are invited by the University of Limerick for a PhD in Parkinson’s disease research as part of a cohort of nine linked PhD studentship positions across Ireland in the exciting PD-LIFE project. PD-LIFE is an all-island emerging hub of excellence that unites researchers, clinicians, people with Parkinson’s, and advocacy partners to transform the understanding and care people with of Parkinson’s disease (PD) across Ireland. Focussing on stigma, gender and culture, mental health, physical activity, dance and wearable technology, the consortium projects will generate integrated, person-centred evidence to improve quality of life and support innovative interventions, foster cross-border collaboration, and train and mentor the next generation of Parkinson’s research leaders. PD-LIFE is a consortium across 5 universities in Ireland (i.e. University of Limerick, University College Cork, Queens University Belfast, Trinity College Dublin, University of Ulster) and Tyndall Institute. Students will receive supervision from an interdisciplinary team across 2 or more universities. Students will receive extensive training in PD from the consortium’s clinical and research experts and will gain transversal skills in relevant digital tools; research inclusion, accessibility, and methodology considerations; and participatory and interdisciplinary research approaches. Students will receive mentorship from the wider group, with opportunities for networking and presentation to the wider group (more than 40 researchers, clinicians, PD advocacy groups and our PPI panel). Students are expected to spend one year outside their base university in later years of studentship and to complete any additional training required for the project or host institutions, including research integrity, GDPR, and Good Clinical Practice. This PhD studentship will focus on dance for people living with Parkinson’s disease exploring different dance genres and their acceptability, establishing training needs and co-developing a training toolkit. Key Responsibilities of the successful PhD candidates will include:
The PhD is full-time and 3 years in duration. Progression through the PhD programme will be subject to satisfactory output of scientific results and publications. Academic supervisors at UL will be Prof Amanda Clifford a Professor in Physiotherapy at the School of Allied Health, who has extensive research expertise in the design and evaluation of evidence-based programmes, and a special interest in the role of music and dance-based interventions for health and wellbeing and Dr Orfhlaith Ni Bhriain, an ethnochoreologist at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, with expertise in Irish dance skills, Irish music and dance studies, Western Art Dance History, Music and Dance education and ethnochoreology. UL provides an exceptional institutional environment for this research. UL is a national leader in Patient and Public Involvement in research ensuring strong methodological support in participatory methods. Its collaborative ecosystem will ensure the candidate has access to interdisciplinary expertise and facilities. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to attend research meetings and seminars at the Health Research Institute and relevant centres for example the Ageing Research Centre, Physical Activity for Health, and Centre for Implementation Research at the University of Limerick providing an opportunity to collaborate with and learn from peers at different stages of their research career. |
Faculty | School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences |
Entry Requirements | Eligibility criteria
Desirable:
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Fees, Stipend amounts | EU fees plus Stipend 3 years Full-Time. The PhD Studentship will include EU fees and a stipend (25,000 per annum) for 3 years. For non-EU applicants, a non-EU fee waiver may be available, however this cannot be guaranteed. |
Closing Date | 31st March 2026 |
Contact | Please contact Prof Amanda Clifford amanda.clifford@ul.ie if you have any queries |
Additional Information | The closing date for applications to the studentship competition is March 31st 2026 at 12 midday (Irish Standard Time). Applications can be made by submitting (1) a current two-page academic CV (that includes your relevant experience, academic results, publications and contact information for two referees) and (2) an expression of interest document to amanda.clifford@ul.ie with the subject ‘PD-Life PhD Studentship Application’. The expression of interest document should be submitted in Word (.doc or .docx) format and should be no more than two pages. The applicant should describe their own suitability and motivation for this post with reference to your past relevant experience and achievements. Selection will be competitive and will take place in April/May 2026; shortlisted candidates should be available for an online interview. Anticipated start date September 2026 Queries about the process can be made to Prof Amanda Clifford amanda.clifford@ul.ie Note that admission to the faculty of Education and Health Sciences to undertake a PhD degree is a separate process. We reserve the right to not make an award. PD LIFE is a Strand II project funded under the North South Research Programme (NSRP). The NSRP is a collaborative scheme funded through the Government’s Shared Island Fund. It is being administered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.” |
Contact: doctoralcollege@ul.ie