Public Engagement Spark Awards 2026B

Open UKRI funding opportunity · Grant. Closes 2026-12-10. Total fund £100,000. Opportunity page: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/public-engagement-spark-awards-2026b/

Apply for funding to engage the public with Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) supported science.

You must work for an organisation that:

- is based in the UK

- produces annual accounts that are certified by an accountant

It is essential that proposals evidence clear links to the STFC-funded remit and include a subject matter expert (SME) in an STFC-funded remit area.

The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £20,000. STFC will fund 100% of the FEC.

Projects must be between 12 months and 36 months in duration.

Projects must start between 1 June and 1 September 2027.

What we're looking for Aim

We are looking to support projects that do four or more of the following:

- deliver high-quality public engagement activities with strong links to STFC remit funded science, technology and research

- introduce STFC remit science, technology and research to new audiences

- work specifically with the STFC’s target Wonder audience

- co-produce resources and activities with intended audiences

- highlight the achievements of STFC-funded science, technology and research

- demonstrate the value of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in the UK, focusing on STFC’s funded remit

- work with the STFC public engagement and communication teams

- help to deliver the aims of the STFC Public Engagement Strategy

- highlight the STFC-funded science activities undertaken at STFC national facilities through partnerships with STFC national facilities staff

Spark awards encourage ‘novel approaches’ to engagement and audience. However, applications that use established engagement methods are welcomed.

Scope

STFC Spark grant holders undertake high-quality programmes of public engagement that inspire and involve target audiences with stories of science, technology…