The Lilly Research Scholarships at University College Cork

University College Cork offers two Lilly Research Scholarships established to promote research excellence in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology related areas, and Chemical Engineering. These scholarships aim to support students and integrate them into the academic, social and cultural aspects of University College Cork.

The scholarships are targeted at high performing candidates proposing impactful research, possibly inter-disciplinary, in the stated disciplines under a supervisor or supervision team with significant experience in the area. Eligibility requires applying for a PhD or MSc Research degree at UCC. The proposed supervisor must be based in University College Cork, and if there is a supervisory team, at least one supervisor must be based in University College Cork.

UCC states that selection is based on scholarship applications in the first instance, and applicants may be called to interview if required. Evaluation focuses on the impact, quality, feasibility, and relevance of the proposed project. A Selection Committee appointed at UCC makes decisions, and the scholarship is awarded only if the committee is satisfied there is a candidate of sufficient merit.

Support is tenable for two or up to four academic years depending on whether the successful applicant is pursuing an MSc or PhD. It includes a student bursary of €16,000 per annum, tuition fees (EU or international), and a budget for laboratory consumables to support the student’s research. Recipients and their supervisors must submit progress reports as determined by the Selection Committee, and the scholarship may be terminated if progress reports are deemed unsatisfactory.

• Applicants must apply for a PhD or MSc Research degree at University College Cork.
• Applicants must be pursuing research in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology related areas, or Chemical Engineering.
• Applicants must have attained at least Second Class Honours, Grade 1 (or equivalent) in an appropriate degree.
• The proposed supervisor(s) must be based in University College Cork; if there is a supervisory team, at least one supervisor must be based in University College Cork.
• Written confirmation from the proposed supervisor(s) agreeing the proposed topic and supervision must be included with the application.
• Applicants must not be in receipt of any other scholarship funding.
• Two references are required; at least one must be academic.
• If the applicant graduated within the last five years, at least one reference should be from a lecturer or tutor.
• If the applicant graduated more than five years ago or is coming from a non-academic background, references should be from an employer or another appropriate individual who can comment on academic ability.
• References from relatives or friends will not be accepted.
• Successful applicants must confirm their intention to take up the scholarship within ten days of notification and, if necessary, arrange visa requirements via the International Education Office, UCC.
• Academic staff may only supervise or co-supervise one student funded under this scheme at any one time.

• Student stipend/bursary: €16,000 per annum.
• Tuition fees: EU or international tuition fees.
• Budget for laboratory consumables to support the student’s research: €6,000 towards consumables.
• Maximum duration: tenable for two or up to four academic years, depending on whether the course is an MSc or PhD.

1. Discuss the area of research prior to applying with the Head of the relevant School/Department and with the proposed supervisor.
2. Obtain written confirmation from the proposed supervisor(s) agreeing the proposed topic and supervision.
3. Submit the scholarship application through CRM, the UCC application portal, and include all relevant documentation.
4. If called to interview, attend the interview if required.
5. After notification, confirm intention to take up the scholarship within ten days of notification; arrange visa requirements via the International Education Office, UCC if necessary.

• Application form (submitted through CRM).
• Personal statement.
• Two references (at least one academic).
• Written confirmation from the proposed supervisor(s) agreeing the proposed topic and supervision.
• All relevant documentation required for a full offer through CRM.