Find the latest updates of public engagement news, opportunities, funding, and more.
Nominations Now Open: The John Maddox Prize – Standing Up for Science, deadline 30 April
The John Maddox Prize, presented by Standing up for Science, celebrates researchers who have gone above and beyond to speak out for science and evidence-based policy, even in the face of hostility or challenge.
Online workshop: capturing how research makes a difference with the Difference Framework, 1 May
The University's Difference Framework is a tool providing guidance for planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting for public engagement.
UPEN–Government Pairing Scheme for Knowledge Mobilisers, Deadline 11 April
The Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN) in partnership with the Government Office for Science, has launched a new pairing scheme aimed at strengthening connections between universities and government.
The BIG Event at the Royal Institution – Early Bird Booking Now Open!
A fantastic professional development and networking opportunity for anyone interested in science engagement and communication. The event takes place 16-18 July. Deadline for early bird registration is 5 May.
Free online training: Public engagement in ICT: creating interactive activities, 9 April
This three hour webinar hosted by Birmingham University will help you design activities that showcase your research in inspiring ways.
Funding Public & Community Engagement in MPLS & MSD – PCER Fund & More , 10 April
25 February 2025
An informative session from the team running the University's Public And Community Engagement with Research Fund to help you understand how to apply for funds to support your PCER activities.
Embedding Engagement from the Start: A Guide for Researchers Seeking Funding
This guide provides key information and ideas of low-cost ways to carry out engagement during the planning stages of research and during the process of funding proposal preparation, especially where funders are keen to see evidence of how communities have helped influence plans.
Take your research to Green Man Festival, deadline 27 April
Green Man Festival, is a popular, family-friendly music festival taking place 14-17 August in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Wales, with an interactive science area. Applications are now open to take a science stall.
OPEN Seed Fund, deadline 31 March 2025
The Oxford Policy Engagement Network (OPEN) offers up to £5,000 to facilitate collaborations between University of Oxford researchers and public policy professionals worldwide.
NC3Rs Public engagement awards, deadlines 24 Mar, 23 June, 22 Sept, 8 Dec
National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3R) offers up to £2,000 for scientific professionals whose work advances the 3Rs, including researchers and animal facility staff, to share their work with public audiences.
British Pharmacological Society Public Engagement Award, deadline 31 March
This award recognises high-quality public engagement, inspiring the public about pharmacology. There is a £1,000 prize.
Royal Society of Chemistry Outreach grants, deadlines 14 Mar, 6 June, 3 Oct
The Royal Society of Chemistry offers grants to support members, individuals and organisations to run chemistry-based public and schools engagement activities. The scheme has deadlines throughout 2025.
Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) Knowledge Exchange Fund, deadline 10 March
The AMR Knowledge Exchange Fund offers up to £1,000 to support early-career researchers and DPhil students to enhance research collaborations in the field of AMR.
Institute of Physics public engagement grants, deadlines 31 March, 5 May and 1 Sept.
The Institute of Physics (IOP) offers up to £4,000 to run physics-based activities that support the IOP Limit Less campaign and improve people’s relationship with physics in their family or community groups.
Free Webinar: Using Animation to Boost Engagement with Research, 25 Feb, 11 Mar and 8 Apr
In this webinar, Orinoco’s director, Peter Barker, explains how you can use animated video to engage any audience with your research.
New case study: From Curiosity to Award-Winning Science Communication: Dr. Chenying Liu’s Journey
Dr. Chenying Liu, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Engineering Sciences, began her path to award-winning science communication unexpectedly during the COVID-19 lockdown. What started as a writing internship led to prestigious honours. Her journey highlights the power of curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset - qualities any researcher can develop.
STFC Sparks Awards, deadline 24 April
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) offers £5,000 to £20,000 to support activities that engage the public with STFC supported science, people, technology or facilities.
Stand Up for Science, Manchester Workshop, deadline 28 Feb
Stand Up for Science is hosting this workshop in Manchester on 7 March to encourage Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to make their voices heard in public debates about science.
Knowledge Exchange Seed Fund, deadline 28 March 2025
Up to £5,000 is available to develop early-stage impact projects, including with public and community partners.
Enhancing Recognition for Engaged Research
We’re developing criteria to formally recognise engaged research in career progression, empowering researchers to pursue impactful public, policy, and industry collaborations. Our goal is to embed engagement into academic careers, fostering a culture where it’s encouraged and rewarded. Stay tuned!