University of Galway FlexECon PhD Scholarship

The University of Galway FlexECon PhD Scholarship funds a single 4-year doctoral position on the FlexECon project (Maximising the Flexibility of Energy Consumption), based at the University of Galway in Ireland and run jointly with researchers at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The project studies how households use electricity and how pricing signals and behavioural nudges can make demand more flexible, using data analysis and field experiments to inform Ireland's energy policy. The award provides a tax-free annual stipend of 25,000 euro for living costs, plus full coverage of PhD tuition fees worth up to roughly 5,750 euro per year, across the full 4-year programme. Funding is provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Available subject areas include energy consumption, sustainable energy processes and transitions, energy systems, energy economics and behavioural sciences. Applicants need a good degree in Economics or a similar field, strong mathematics and analytical skills, and fluent English; a master's degree is a bonus. Application is by emailing a cover letter, CV, research statement, transcripts and 2 referee names to the named supervisor. Stipend amounts, the tuition figure and the exact next-cycle deadline change each year, so confirm the current numbers on the University of Galway's official postgraduate research page before you apply.

What's covered

• Annual living stipend — A tax-free stipend of EUR 25,000 per year for the full 4-year programme to cover living expenses.
• Tuition fees — PhD tuition fees are paid in full, worth up to approximately EUR 5,750 per year (~EUR 23,000 (est.) over 4 years).
• Funding duration — Support runs for the entire 4-year doctorate, beginning in early 2027, with no annual reapplication for the base award.
• Research access — Access to University of Galway and ESRI research data, energy-consumption datasets and the FlexECon project team during the studentship.
• Structured PhD training — Funded place includes additional structured PhD coursework and training modules as part of the doctoral programme.

How to apply

Applications are made directly to the project supervisor by email, with all supporting documents attached and the required subject line, before the cycle deadline.

1. Prepare a cover letter — Write a cover letter explaining why you want the FlexECon scholarship and how your background fits the energy and behaviour research project.
2. Assemble your documents — Prepare your CV, a research statement on your ideas and goals, your academic transcripts, and the names of two referees who can recommend you.
3. Email the supervisor — Send all materials to the project supervisor at the University of Galway using the subject line specified in the current call (for example PhDFlexECon).
4. Submit before the deadline — Ensure the complete application arrives before 5:00 PM Irish time on the closing date (around 22 January 2027 for the 2027 cycle).
5. Await shortlisting and interview — Shortlisted candidates are contacted by the supervisor for interview before a final offer of the funded place is made.