The Public Engagement Spark Awards 2024B is a funding opportunity offered by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to support projects that engage the public with STFC-supported science, people, technology, or facilities.

The scheme aims to deliver high-quality public engagement activities, introduce STFC science and technology to new audiences, highlight achievements, and demonstrate the value of STEM to the UK.

The scheme is not subject to the full economic cost (FEC) process, and STFC will fund 100% of the project cost, up to £20,000.

Scope of Work

The Spark Awards support projects that engage the public with STFC-supported science, people, technology, or facilities.

The projects should focus on the remit of the STFC science program and align with the work of STFC's national and international laboratories and facilities.

The STFC's remits include astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, nuclear physics, accelerator science, and computational science. The scheme encourages novel approaches to engagement and audience, but applications that use established engagement methods are also welcomed.

Eligibility

Host Institution

• Organisations must be based in the UK.

• Organisations must produce an annual financial report and accounts that are available on request.

• These must have been prepared or submitted by a qualified accountant who is a member of a recognised professional accountancy body.

If your organisation does not meet these criteria, you must work in partnership with an organisation that can receive the funding on your behalf.

Applicant Eligibility

• Almost anyone can apply, including grant-funded researchers, STFC scientists, technicians, and engineers, STFC facility users, schools, museums, science communicators, universities & colleges, community interest companies, libraries, community groups, and amateur astronomy groups.

• The project lead must be eligible to apply on behalf of the organisation that would hold the award.

• Every application must include a subject matter expert (SME) in an STFC-funded area of science or technology.

Budget and Duration

The total cost of your project can be up to £20,000, and STFC will fund 100% of this. Projects are expected to be between 12 and 36 months in duration.

Additional Information

The funding opportunity is outside of the FEC framework. The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Service does not currently capture non-FEC cost headings, so for this funding opportunity, please put all requested costs under the individual 'Exceptions' fund headings.

Key Dates

The opening date for applications is 16 September 2024 at 9:00 am UK time, and the closing date is 28 November 2024 at 4:00 pm UK time.

For More funding Opportunities, Visit Global Funding Opportunities.