The Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering & Technology is pleased to announce details of the Embark Initiative Postgraduate Research Scholarship Scheme (2006). This will fund up to 150 new entrant Masters or Doctorate level researchers in the sciences, engineering and technology. Approximately 100 further scholarships will be jointly funded by industry as part of the IRCSET Enterprise Partnership Scheme to expand the number of scholarship opportunities available and in order to foster mutually beneficial collaboration between the academic and commercial research sectors. In conjunction with Sustainable Energy Ireland, applications are also invited for three Special Research Scholarships. The scholarships are offered across a wide field of academic research including Science, Engineering and Economics. Research within these disciplines must be focussed in areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency or energy modelling / forecasting. IRCSET gratefully acknowledges the participation of SEI and other partners in this programme.

The US-Ireland Alliance sponsors a competitive, national scholarship for graduate study by American citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 at institutions of higher learning on the island of Ireland. Named to honor the former U.S. Senator's pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, the George J. Mitchell Scholarships are intended to familiarize and connect the next generation of American leadership with the island of Ireland. These Scholarships support one year of graduate study in any discipline offered by an institution of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland. Scholars must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program offered at the institution. The Mitchell Scholarship provides tuition, housing, a $12,000 living expenses stipend, and international travel. Normally, 12 Scholarships are awarded each year. Mitchell Scholars must exhibit superior records of academic excellence, leadership and public service. Strong, demonstrated achievements in all three areas are required. The application deadline for the 2006-2007 awards has now passed. The online application for the 2007-2008 Mitchell Scholarships will be available in March, 2006 with a projected deadline of October 6. Prospective applicants are urged to study the Frequently Asked Questions and the profiles of past Scholars to learn about the program, the selection process, and the qualities we seek in a Mitchell Scholar. On the basis of the application submissions, 20 finalists are invited for interviews by the Selection Committee in November. We also may conduct a number of semi-finalist interviews before determining the finalists.