STFC Public engagement Spark Awards, deadline 28 Nov

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) offer these small grants to support public engagement projects that:

1. Deliver high-quality public engagement activities in areas supported by STFC.
2. Introduce STFC science and technology to new audiences.
3. Highlight the achievements of STFC science and technology.
4. Demonstrate the value of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to the UK.
5. Work with STFC's public engagement and communication teams.

STFC is particularly interested in projects that engage eight to 14-year-olds and their families from socioeconomically deprived areas or groups considered to have low science capital (that align with their Wonder Initiative).

Funding is available to a wide range of individuals and organisations. To be eligible, you don't need to be an STFC funded researcher, but your project must involve a researcher in an STFC-funded area and focus on one of the following areas within STFC's remit:

• Astronomy
• Solar and Planetary science
• Particle Physics
• Particle Astrophysics
• Cosmology
• Nuclear Physics
• Accelerator science
• STFC Facilities 

Up to £20,000 is available to cover the full cost of projects lasting up to 36 months. This funding can be used for various purposes, including:

• Contributions to salary for work beyond normal duties.
• Procuring environmentally responsible materials.
• Covering travel and subsistence expenses.
• Creating new digital content (part of a wider engagement program).

For digital content funding, applicants must demonstrate the need for the content, audience involvement in its design, complementary engagement activities, sustainability plans, licensing considerations, and adherence to web accessibility rules and regulations.

While project partnerships are not mandatory, they can strengthen your funding application. Partnerships can provide complementary skills, additional staff time, and financial or in-kind support. Project partners should be listed in your grant application, and their roles and contributions should be clearly outlined.

Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel with expertise in science and technology communication. They will assess applications based on various criteria, including your track record in public engagement, the rationale for the project, engagement activity plans, evaluation plans, and alignment with the Wonder initiative (if applicable).

Click here to read more about STFC's Wonder Initiative.

Deadline for applications is 4pm (UK time) 28 November 2024.

Not quite ready? This scheme usually has two rounds a year.

Click here for full details