Public Engagement Spark Awards 2026B

The Public Engagement Spark Awards fund organisations to deliver public engagement activities that communicate Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) funded science, technology and facilities. Projects must demonstrate clear links to the STFC funded remit and include a subject matter expert in an STFC-funded area. Awards support projects between 12 and 36 months and fund the full economic cost (FEC) up to a specified maximum.

Grant funding up to £20,000 (FEC) to deliver public engagement projects; project duration funded between 12 and 36 months; expectation of engagement support and links to STFC facilities and teams.

Applications are open to organisations based in the UK that produce annual accounts certified by a recognised professional accountant; if an organisation does not meet this it must partner with an organisation that can hold the award. Applications must include an SME in an STFC funded remit area. Examples of eligible applicants include STFC grant-funded researchers, STFC-employed scientists, museums, universities, colleges, community interest companies, libraries, community groups and amateur astronomy groups.

Apply through the UKRI Funding Service application portal; include required core team roles and an SME in an STFC remit area; organisational financial accounts must be provided or a partner used to hold the award.