NC3Rs Public engagement awards, deadlines 24 Mar, 23 June, 22 Sept, 8 Dec

Sharing 3Rs advances and their impacts for animal welfare and scientific progress is part of the NC3Rs mission to pioneer better science. Through the public engagement award scheme we aim to promote a series of thought-provoking events and activities across the UK for a range of different audiences. The awards can be used to fund the development and delivery of almost any type of event or activity to engage public audiences with the 3Rs.

Awards of up to £2,000 are available for 12 month projects.

Ideas can include:

• Hands-on workshops.

• Laboratory or animal facility tours and open days.

• School visits.

• Activity as part of a local science event (e.g. university open day, science festival).

• Partnership event with a local community group or scientific society.

• Online engagement activities, including videos and webinars.

You'll find examples of past projects on their website (linked below).

Applications should demonstrate:

• Clear objectives in which the 3Rs are central to the activity.

• Clear understanding and communication of 3Rs impacts.

• That the activity encourages audiences to meaningfully engage with the 3Rs, rather than simply providing information.

• That the activity is sufficiently targeted and accessible to the chosen audience.

• The potential to make an impact that justifies the cost.

• That sensitivities to animal research have been considered.

Priority will be given to applications that:

• Encourage public groups to enter into two-way dialogue with scientific professionals involved in the 3Rs and animal research.

• Provide opportunities for early career researchers and animal technicians to develop their science communication skills.

• Link the 3Rs to external events in the wider community, for example local festivals or partnerships with community groups.

• Develop reusable resources that will be used beyond the project lifetime to communicate the 3Rs.

There are deadlines throughout 2025:

• 24 March
• 23 June
• 22 September
• 8 December

Click here for full details and to apply