Public Engagement Spark Awards 2026A supports projects that engage the public with science and technology funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). This grant opportunity is now open for applications from eligible UK-based organisations.

Overview

The Public Engagement Spark Awards 2026A provide funding for high-quality public engagement activities that connect audiences with STFC-funded science, technology and research. Projects should aim to deliver at least four of several outcomes, including introducing STFC remit science to new audiences, co-producing resources with intended audiences, highlighting achievements of STFC-funded research, demonstrating the value of STEM in the UK, and working with STFC public engagement and communication teams.

Spark awards encourage novel approaches to engagement and audience, though established engagement methods are also welcomed. Projects must evidence clear links to the STFC funded remit.

Funding and Benefits

• Total fund: £100,000
• Award range: £5,000 to £20,000 (full economic cost)
• Funding level: STFC will fund 100% of the full economic cost
• Project duration: 12 months to 36 months

Eligibility

Applicant organisations must be based in the UK and must produce annual accounts that are certified by a qualified accountant who is a member of a recognised professional accountancy body, including ACCA, AIA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW, ICAS, or CAI.

Eligible applicants may include:

• STFC grant funded researchers
• Scientists, technicians and engineers employed by STFC
• STFC facility users working in STFC funded remit areas
• Museums, libraries, universities and colleges
• Science communicators
• Community interest companies and community groups
• Amateur astronomy groups

It is mandatory for every application to include a subject matter expert in an STFC funded remit area. This expert may serve as project lead, project co-lead (UK), or specialist. Organisations based outside the UK are not eligible to apply.

Research Areas and Activities

Projects must demonstrate strong links to STFC funded remit areas, which include:

• Astronomy, solar and planetary science
• Particle physics
• Particle astrophysics
• Nuclear physics
• Accelerator science
• Computational science
• Quantum technologies

Applications that include quantum technologies must demonstrate clear links to STFC-delivered and funded centres, programmes and facilities. Projects should primarily target audiences within the UK and clearly define audience types, numbers, and percentages.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Service. The Joint Electronic Submissions (Je-S) system cannot be used. Applicants should ensure their organisation is registered on the Funding Service before applying.

The project lead is responsible for completing the application, though all team members and project partners should contribute. Only the lead research organisation can submit an application. Applications are submitted through the Funding Service, where applicants answer questions directly in text boxes and may upload supporting documents as required.

Applications must be self-contained. Hyperlinks should only be used to link directly to reference information. Assessors are not required to access links to conduct assessment or recommend a funding decision.

Deadline and Timeline

• Publication date: 29 May 2026
• Opening date: 4 June 2026, 9:00am UK time
• Closing date: 25 August 2026, 4:00pm UK time
• Assessment timeframe: approximately five months from application receipt
• Earliest start date: 1 February 2027

Contact Information

For questions related to this funding opportunity, contact the STFC public engagement team at stfcpublicengagement@stfc.ac.uk.

For system or submission queries through the Funding Service, contact the helpdesk:

• Email: support@funding-service.ukri.org
• Phone: 01793 547490
• Phone lines are open Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm and Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

Applicants should direct costings and application writing queries to their research office in the first instance.