The number of academic staff working within Science Foundation Ireland Research Centres is 757. I assume that by “PhD researchers” the Deputy means PhD students of which there are currently 1,231 carrying out their work at SFI Research Centres.
A detailed breakdown of the number of staff on permanent contracts or otherwise is not available. This information is held by each individual institution.
In relation to the median wage of academic staff, for the majority of awards, SFI does not provide a contribution towards the salary of the lead applicant (Principal Investigator), co-applicant (Co-investigator) or any Funded Investigator. Exceptions apply, where salary is allowed in certain circumstances, or is partly supported for these individuals. SFI provides contributions to fund the salaries of other team members according to specific guidelines as set out in the SFI Grant Budget Policy. Any contributions made by SFI are in line with a published SFI Team Member Budget Scale which is available on the SFI website.
SFI funds postgraduate student stipends at a flat rate of €18,500 per annum for up to four years. Where adequate justification is provided, SFI may contribute to MD or PhD training of Medical Practitioners for a maximum of three years. In addition, SFI makes a standard €5,500 contribution towards the annual cost of postgraduate fees, for up to four years.
I might add that full details on the SFI Grant Budget Policy is available on the agency’s website at the following URL:
https://www.sfi.ie/funding/sfi-policies-and-guidance/budget-finance-related-policies/SFI-Grant-Budget-Policy-April-2021.pdf
