In support of scientific research in Ireland Recruiting Irish scientists in a three-year research scheme has helped to improve the competitiveness of Ireland's scientific community and its research potential on a global scale. Industrial Technologies © Thinkstock Marie Curie Actions have long been among the most popular funding schemes for research and technological development, meeting the needs of Europe's scientific community in terms of training, mobility and career development. They were originally designed as pure mobility fellowships, but have now progressed to early-career support grants tailored for scientists wishing to become independent researchers. Falling under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), the project 'HRB/Marie Curie post-doctoral mobility fellowship scheme' (HRBCOFUND2008) offered three year-long fellowships. They were applicable to post doctoral research training in a leading research institute abroad for two years, followed by a one-year reintegration phase in Ireland. Salary, pension and social security were covered via the Irish host institution, as were other costs such as training. Fellowships were open through international peer review, on the basis of scientific merit of the research proposal. The research background of the applicants, their commitment to research and their potential to develop as independent researchers were also considered. Furthermore, priority was given to scientists who would benefit from such a transnational mobility fellowship in the future. Upon completion of the fellowship, the fellows were expected to successfully complete the research project, and all but one did. They were also to show evidence of independent research, publications, improved research and management skills, and potential for establishing collaborations. It is evident that the project met the main objectives of this fellowship scheme. The individuals became more independent researchers and received more opportunities for their future mid-senior research careers. This will contribute to sharing the knowledge of their specific fields globally. Keywords Scientific research, funding schemes, career development, mobility fellowship, postdoctoral
