Icelandic Research Fund
The Icelandic Research Fund (IRF) is an open competitive research fund. The role of the IRF is to support research and research-based post-graduate studies. To that end, the fund supports students in research-based higher education and defined research projects that promote scientific research in Iceland.
The IRF awards grants in accordance with the general priorities of the Science and Innovation Policy Council and on the basis of a professional evaluation of the quality of the research projects, the competence of the persons carrying out the research and the resources at their disposal to execute the project.
Five types of grants are offered; Doctoral Student Grants, Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants, Startup Grants, Project Grants and Grants of Excellence. Further information can be found in the IRF handbook.
Icelandic Research Fund
The Icelandic Centre for Research
Icelandic Research Fund Grants for Excellence
For research groups with wide-ranging projects likely to lead Icelandic research to the top level internationally.
01.05.2026 - 15.06.2026
Estimated opening May 2026
Within Iceland, Research
Icelandic Research Fund
The Icelandic Centre for Research
Icelandic Research Fund Startup grants
The Startup grants aims to enable outstanding young scientists to establish independent research at Icelandic universities or research institutions.
01.05.2026 - 15.06.2026
Estimated opening May 2026
Within Iceland, Research
Icelandic Research Fund
The Icelandic Centre for Research
Icelandic Research Fund Postdoctoral grants
The grants are intended to support the career development of young scientists within the research community.
01.05.2026 - 15.06.2026
Estimated opening May 2026
Within Iceland, Research
Icelandic Research Fund
The Icelandic Centre for Research
Icelandic Research Fund Project Grant
Supports research across science and humanities. Applications are strengthened by training young scientists through participation of postgraduate or postdoctoral researchers.
01.05.2026 - 15.06.2026
Estimated opening May 2026
Within Iceland, Research
Icelandic Research Fund
The Icelandic Centre for Research
Icelandic Research Fund Doctoral student grant
Grants intended for doctoral students who apply in their own name but in consultation with their supervisors.
01.05.2026 - 15.06.2026
Estimated opening May 2026
Within Iceland, Research
All applications must be submitted electronically through the Rannís application portal.