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The University of Limerick Teagasc Walsh Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications, offering a fully funded PhD opportunity in Ireland for outstanding candidates passionate about agricultural innovation and sustainability. This prestigious scholarship supports the Next Gen Milking project, a groundbreaking research initiative designed to revolutionize dairy farming through advanced cow-level milking management systems.

This collaborative research aims to enhance milk quality, production efficiency, and animal welfare, while contributing to global discussions on sustainable farming. Selected scholars will join a multidisciplinary research team at Teagasc Moorepark and the University of Limerick, gaining access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert supervision, and opportunities to collaborate with leaders in agri-food research.

About the Teagasc Walsh Scholarships

The Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme is one of Ireland’s most respected postgraduate funding initiatives, jointly run by Teagasc (the Agriculture and Food Development Authority) and top Irish universities. The program supports innovative research in agriculture, food science, environmental sustainability, and rural development, helping to prepare a new generation of researchers to lead the future of the agri-food sector.

The 2026 PhD scholarship at the University of Limerick under this program specifically focuses on developing next-generation solutions for precision dairy management through data-driven analysis, engineering innovation, and sustainability research.

Scholarship Summary

Country	Ireland
Host Institution	University of Limerick
Funding Body	Teagasc
Study Level	PhD
Duration	4 Years
Coverage	Fully Funded
Deadline	7 November 2025

Objectives of the Next Gen Milking Project

The Next Gen Milking research project seeks to create innovative approaches to optimize milking systems using modern technology and real-time data. The project’s objectives include:

Developing cow-level milking management systems that enhance milk yield and quality.
Designing efficient milking protocols that prioritize animal welfare.
Integrating machine learning and data analytics for predictive management of dairy herds.
Improving the environmental sustainability of dairy production systems.

Through this project, the scholarship supports Ireland’s long-term vision of combining technology and tradition to advance global agricultural research.

Financial Benefits of the Teagasc Walsh Scholarship 2026

The University of Limerick Teagasc Walsh Scholarship 2026 provides comprehensive financial support throughout the four-year PhD program. Selected scholars will receive:

Annual stipend of €25,000 for living expenses.
Full coverage of university tuition fees up to €5,500 per annum.
Funding for international travel, conferences, and professional development activities.
Access to advanced research laboratories and specialized equipment.
Opportunities to engage in industry-linked projects and collaborative research with experts from both academia and the private sector.

This fully funded package ensures that successful candidates can dedicate their full attention to research without financial burden.

Research Environment and Collaboration

The scholarship represents a unique research collaboration between Teagasc and the University of Limerick. The successful PhD candidate will divide time between Teagasc Moorepark Research Centre (in County Cork) and the University of Limerick, engaging in both applied and academic research.

This joint setup offers:

Access to real-world dairy farming environments at Teagasc.
Academic guidance from leading faculty members at the University of Limerick.
Participation in cross-disciplinary research teams involving engineers, animal scientists, and data analysts.
The chance to contribute to publications, conferences, and industry workshops within the agri-food innovation community.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Teagasc Walsh PhD Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Hold a first or upper second-class honours degree (minimum 2:1) in a relevant discipline such as Agricultural Science, Engineering, Animal Science, or related fields.
Demonstrate strong problem-solving and data analysis skills.
Have prior experience with statistical or modeling software (such as R, MATLAB, or Python) – desirable but not mandatory.
Possess a full driving license, as travel between research sites may be required.
Meet the English language proficiency requirements of the University of Limerick (IELTS or equivalent).
A Master’s degree in a related subject is advantageous but not compulsory.

Preferred Candidate Profile

Ideal candidates should be motivated, independent, and capable of both laboratory and field-based research. The program values individuals with:

A strong foundation in engineering principles or biological sciences.
Interest in sustainability and precision agriculture.
The ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary research environments.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The role requires flexibility, as the PhD candidate will engage in research activities across both Cork and Limerick.

Available Research Fields

The University of Limerick Teagasc Walsh Scholarship 2026 welcomes candidates from several academic disciplines related to agriculture, engineering, and data science. Eligible fields include:

Agricultural Engineering
Dairy Science
Animal Science
Mechanical or Process Engineering
Biosystems Engineering
Mathematics and Statistics
Computer Science
Veterinary Medicine

These disciplines collectively contribute to the project’s integrated approach to improving dairy production systems.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents in a single PDF file:

Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining academic qualifications, research experience, and technical skills.
Letter of Interest describing motivation, relevant experience, and research interests.
Academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions (if requested at a later stage).
Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).

Incomplete applications or those missing critical documents may not be reviewed.

How to Apply for the Teagasc Walsh Scholarship 2026

Interested candidates should carefully follow the steps below to ensure a successful application:

Review the Eligibility Requirements
Confirm that your qualifications and skills align with the scholarship criteria.
Prepare Required Documents
Combine your CV and letter of interest into one PDF file, ensuring clarity and completeness.
Submit via Email
Send your application to both supervisors using the subject line:
“Application for Teagasc Walsh Scholarship 2026 – [Your Name]”Email addresses:
- Dr. John Upton: John.Upton@teagasc.ie
- Dr. James Sweeney: James.A.Sweeney@ul.ie
Submit Before the Deadline
The final submission date is 7 November 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
Await Shortlisting Notification
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation or interviews.
Prepare for Interview
Be ready to discuss your research experience, problem-solving approach, and alignment with the project’s objectives.

Application Deadline

The closing date for submitting applications to the University of Limerick Teagasc Walsh Scholarship 2026 is 7 November 2025. Early applications are encouraged, as the review process may begin prior to the deadline.

Research Start Date

The selected candidate is expected to begin their PhD program shortly after 1 January 2026. Upon formal acceptance, the student will register at the University of Limerick and commence structured research under the supervision of Dr. John Upton (Teagasc) and Dr. James Sweeney (UL).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the focus of the Teagasc Walsh Scholarship 2026?

The scholarship supports a PhD project on cow-level milking management, using innovative technologies to improve milk yield, quality, and cow comfort while advancing sustainability in dairy farming.

2. What financial benefits does the scholarship offer?

Scholars receive a €25,000 annual stipend, full tuition fee coverage up to €5,500 per year, and funding for travel and professional development.

3. Where will the research take place?

The PhD student will be based at Teagasc Moorepark, Co. Cork, and the University of Limerick, dividing time between both institutions for fieldwork and academic activities.

4. Who can apply?

Applicants must have a relevant degree, meet English language requirements, and ideally possess experience in data analysis or modeling.

5. When does the program start?

The program begins after January 1, 2026, depending on administrative arrangements and academic readiness.

6. How should I apply?

Email your application documents directly to Dr. John Upton and Dr. James Sweeney before 7 November 2025, following the submission format outlined above.

7. What is the duration of the scholarship?

The scholarship covers a four-year full-time PhD program.

8. Is prior research experience required?

While not mandatory, prior research or data analysis experience provides a strong advantage during selection.

9. Are international applicants eligible?

Yes. Both Irish and international applicants who meet academic and language requirements are encouraged to apply.

10. Who funds this scholarship?

The scholarship is funded by Teagasc, in partnership with the University of Limerick and the VistaMilk SFI Research Centre.

Official Application Link:

Visit the University of Limerick Scholarship Page

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Dairy science PhD scholarships Teagasc Moorepark scholarship 2026

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