STFC: Engage the public with science, technology or facilities: Spark Awards

16/03/2023

04/05/2023

Spark Awards encourage ‘novel approaches’ to engagement and audience. However, applications that use established engagement methods are welcomed. Up to £15,000 is available to cover the full cost of projects lasting up to 36 months. Funding can be used for a variety of things including: - contributions to salary; this includes for staff in higher education institutions where the work would not be considered part of normal duties - materials - travel and subsistence - for applications from, or for, schools, ‘requests for supply or teacher cover’ and ‘transport costs’ are also eligible.

Programmes must focus on areas within the remit of STFC: - astronomy - solar and planetary science - particle physics - particle astrophysics - cosmology - nuclear physics - accelerator science - STFC facilities, where prominent in the project. You must explain how your project aligns with our public engagement strategy.

STFC Spark Awards are open to almost anyone based in the UK, both academic and non-academic organisations are encouraged to apply. The ‘principal applicant’ must be eligible to apply on behalf of the organisation that would hold the award. Your application must include a researcher, in an STFC-funded area. The aim of this is to ensure that the appropriate advice on the science content has been received. The researcher does not necessarily have to play an active role in the public engagement activities or currently receive funding from STFC.