In September, the Maynooth University Executive (UE) announced an indefinite pause on the John and Pat Hume Scholarships, later backtracking to a one-year pause, and finally, an expedited review without funding suspension. Applications are now expected to open in Spring 2025, and the UE will begin the review in November to release the decision in December 2024. 

Given previous disregard for postgraduate researchers' concerns and the initial decision to cancel the Hume Scholarship, the PWO is concerned that this review will not be done in good faith, and that it is part of a broader agenda of defunding research in favour of private funding models. To date, PhD researchers have not been informed about opportunities for input into the review.

If the review is really about the wellbeing of PhD researchers, then the Hume stipend should be increased to at least €25,000 in line with the 2023 National Review of PhD Supports and the recent Research Ireland stipend increase. PWO Maynooth believes that the UE is using the push for liveable wages as a pretext for suspending the Hume scholarship, despite evidence showing that postgraduate researchers in Ireland face some of the worst pay and working conditions in Europe, with most falling below the university's own poverty threshold. Although the UE has claimed financial constraints, its 2023 financial statements show a €10.5 million surplus.

Our Demands

• Representation in Funding Reviews: PhD researchers must be meaningfully represented in all funding reviews, including the Hume Scholarship review. Representation should be achieved through the PWO or other relevant structures, not solely through the Maynooth Students’ Union.
• Legal Decision-Making Processes: All reviews should follow legal protocols via the Governing Authority and Academic Council.
• Stipend Increase to €25,000: The Hume Scholarship and other internally-funded stipends should be increased to €25,000 per annum, aligning with the National Review’s recommendation and Research Ireland levels. In future, university-funded scholarships should automatically match government stipend increases.

A consultative ballot this year indicated that 70% of Maynooth researchers are prepared to take collective action, including work-to-rule or withdrawal of teaching/research labour. Meaningful engagement with PhD researchers and addressing these demands can help prevent disruption.

Please only sign if you are a staff member or PhD researcher at Maynooth University, and use your staff or student email if possible.