Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The Royal Society offers society-supported scientists up to £10,000 to support public engagement projects that are based on their research. The funds can also support researchers to develop their public engagement knowledge, skills, and confidence.

The Royal Society is offering funding through the Public Engagement Fund, aimed at empowering Royal Society Research Fellows to lead innovative public engagement projects. This initiative encourages scientists to connect with diverse audiences, sharing the excitement of their research and fostering meaningful interactions.

Applicants must be current Royal Society University Research Fellows or Dorothy Hodgkin Fellows who completed the first year of their fellowship by 31 October 2023.

 

Funding amounts range from £500 to £10,000, spread over two years. For one-year projects, up to £5,000 can be requested. The total funding pool for this round is £60,000.

While they they welcome applications working with children and school groups, they are particularly interested in projects that target wider age groups and demographics. They have separate funding focussed on school engagement with science.

Projects should:

  • Be based on Royal Society-funded research;
  • Involve a public group outside their institution;
  • Target specific audiences aligned with the project's aims
  • Encourage open discussion between researchers and the project's target audience
  • Aim to produce benefits for the public, researchers, and any partners or collaborators.

They are particularly interested in projects that:

  • Have an emphasis on reaching underrepresented groups in the Society’s public engagement work.
  • Encourage collaboration between science and the arts.
  • Promote digital engagement, either as a primary feature or as part of a contingency plan.

You can find examples of previously funded projects for inspiration on their website (link below).

The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Monday 4 December 2023 (UK time).

Notification of outcome will be in Feb 2024.

Click here for full details and to apply