MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY (ICARUS CLIMATE RESEARCH CENTRE)
PhD Climate Research Scholarship at Maynooth University
full · phd
- ~€25,000 / year (est., incl. fees)Scholarship value
- 4 yearsFunded duration
- EPA-funded projectResearch funding source
- Past 10 years of extremesStudy scope
- Open to all nationalitiesEligibility
- Visits to Imperial College LondonCollaboration
At a glance
full
Funding
€25k
Max amount
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
All countries (no nationality restriction)
Country
Maynooth University (ICARUS Climate Research Centre)
Provider
The ICARUS Climate Research Centre at Maynooth University funds a single PhD scholarship attached to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-funded research project on event attribution for the island of Ireland. The student applies established World Weather Attribution (WWA) methods to historical Irish climatic extremes from the past 10 years, building a catalogue of retrospective analyses of how human-induced climate change has shaped extreme weather events. The award is worth 25,000 euros per year inclusive of fees, runs for 4 years subject to annual progress reviews, and is supervised by Prof. Peter Thorne alongside a senior postdoctoral researcher and collaborators from the WWA group at Imperial College London, with regular fully funded short visits to London. Applicants need a first-class or 2.1 honours degree (or relevant Master's) in a field such as meteorology, climate science, statistics, or geography, plus programming and large-dataset experience. Applications go directly to the project lead by email, with a personal statement, CV, a research proposal of up to 1,000 words, and transcripts. Because the value, start date, and deadline can change, confirm the current-cycle figures and conditions on the official Maynooth University ICARUS page before you apply.
What's covered
- Annual stipend and fees — A scholarship of ~€25,000 (est.) per year inclusive of tuition fees, paid for the duration of the PhD.
- Programme duration — Funding for 4 years, subject to satisfactory annual progress reviews.
- Research collaboration visits — Regular fully funded short-term visits to the World Weather Attribution group at Imperial College London.
- Supervision and mentoring — Supervision by Prof. Peter Thorne, a senior postdoctoral researcher, and ICARUS colleagues throughout the project.
- Research environment — Access to ICARUS Climate Research Centre facilities, datasets, and computing resources at Maynooth University.
How to apply
Applications are made by email directly to the project lead, Prof. Peter Thorne, by the published deadline.
- Check eligibility and fit — Confirm you meet the degree and technical requirements and that your interests align with event-attribution climate research.
- Prepare your documents — Write a personal statement (max 2 pages) and a research proposal (max 1,000 words), and assemble your CV and final academic transcripts.
- Email your application — Send the complete application to peter.thorne@mu.ie before the deadline; informal inquiries can also be sent to the same address.
- Attend interview if shortlisted — Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview before the final decision is made.
Eligibility
QualificationA first-class or 2.1 honours undergraduate degree, or a relevant Master's degree, in meteorology, climate science, environmental science, statistics, geography, or a related field.
Technical skillsExperience in computer programming and in handling large datasets is essential.
TeamworkStrong teamwork skills, as the student works within a research group and external collaborations.
Desirable experienceExperience with climate datasets, knowledge of midlatitude meteorology, and media-communication experience are advantageous.
The project is EPA-funded; the value of ~€25,000 (est.) is inclusive of fees, so confirm whether non-EU fee levels affect the net stipend with the supervisor before applying.
Eligible countries
All countries (no nationality restriction)
Deadlines
PhD start (autumn cycle)~28 February 2027 (est.)
Selection
Applications are assessed by the project lead against the essential and desirable criteria, with weight on relevant degree background, programming and large-dataset experience, and the quality of the research proposal. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview, and a single funded place is offered to the strongest applicant.
Verified sources
- Maynooth University ICARUS Climate Research Centremaynoothuniversity.ieofficial
- Maynooth University postgraduate researchmaynoothuniversity.ieofficial
About the provider
Maynooth University is a public research university in County Kildare, Ireland, and its ICARUS Climate Research Centre is one of Ireland's main hubs for climate and atmospheric research. ICARUS leads national and international projects on climate variability, extremes, and attribution, often funded by bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for this Maynooth PhD scholarship?
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Graduates with a first-class or 2.1 honours degree, or a relevant Master's, in climate science, meteorology, statistics, geography, or a related field, with programming and large-dataset experience.
How much is the scholarship worth?
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It is worth about ~€25,000 (est.) per year inclusive of fees; confirm the exact current value on the official ICARUS page.
How long is the funding?
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Funding runs for 4 years, subject to satisfactory annual progress reviews.
What is the research about?
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It applies World Weather Attribution methods to analyze how human-induced climate change has influenced extreme weather events in Ireland over the past decade.
Can international students apply?
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Yes. There is no nationality restriction, though non-EU candidates should confirm how fee levels affect the fees-inclusive value.
Who supervises the project?
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Prof. Peter Thorne leads the project, with a senior postdoctoral researcher, ICARUS colleagues, and World Weather Attribution collaborators.
Are there research visits abroad?
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Yes. The award includes regular fully funded short-term visits to the WWA group at Imperial College London.
What documents do I need?
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A personal statement (max 2 pages), a CV, a research proposal (max 1,000 words), and your final academic transcripts.
How do I apply?
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Send your complete application by email directly to the project lead at peter.thorne@mu.ie before the deadline.
When is the deadline?
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Around late February (about 28 February 2027, 23:59 GMT, est.); confirm the current-cycle date on the official page.
Is there an interview?
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Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview before the final selection.
Where do I confirm the official details?
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On the Maynooth University ICARUS Climate Research Centre page, which publishes the funded PhD opportunities and conditions.