Walsh Scholarship Scheme

The Department of Economics at Maynooth University, in partnership with Teagasc's Rural Economy and Development Programme, is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship for a project titled 'Understanding Productivity in Irish and EU Agriculture.' This opportunity is supported by the Walsh Scholarship Scheme (Ref No. 2023295) and is open to candidates intending to commence their PhD studies in September 2026.

The research aims to address critical gaps in our understanding of agricultural productivity, focusing on allocative efficiency—how resources such as land, labour, and capital are distributed across farms—and its impact on aggregate productivity within the EU agricultural context. The project will utilize advanced micro-econometric techniques and farm-level data from the Irish National Farm Survey (NFS) and the EU's Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN). Key research themes include the effects of farmer ageing, volatility, and the rise of mixed-farming systems on productivity, efficiency, and sustainability outcomes.

The scholarship provides a generous stipend of €25,000 per annum, full tuition fee support, and is awarded for four years of full-time study, contingent on satisfactory annual academic progression. Awardees must be resident in Ireland and available to pursue their research at Maynooth University for the full duration of the scholarship.

Applicants should have a strong academic background in economics, agricultural sciences, data science, or related fields, and demonstrate motivation and suitability for the project. The selection process requires submission of a CV and cover letter to the supervisors, Dr Emma Dillon (Teagasc) and Dr Bruno Morando (Maynooth University), by 1 June 2026. The project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the sustainability, profitability, and resilience of the agri-food sector in Ireland and the EU, with access to leading datasets and expert supervision.

For further details and to apply, visit the project page or contact the supervisors directly. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in agricultural economics, data-driven policy analysis, and farm management.