The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is offering Public Engagement Spark Awards to support projects that engage UK audiences with science, technology and research linked to STFC-funded work.
Grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 are available for projects lasting 12 to 36 months. The fund is particularly interested in projects that reach new audiences, work with STFC’s target “Wonder” audience, co-produce activities or resources with participants, and show the value of UK science, technology, engineering and mathematics research.
Applications are open to UK-based organisations that produce annual financial reports and accounts certified by an accountant. Eligible applicants could include STFC-funded researchers, museums, science communicators, universities and colleges, CICs, libraries, community groups and amateur astronomy groups. Each application must include a subject matter expert in an STFC-funded remit area to ensure the scientific content is accurate and clearly linked to STFC’s work.
The deadline for applications is 25 August 2026 at 4pm, and projects must not start before 1 February 2027.
Further information is available on the UK Research and Innovation website under “Public Engagement Spark Awards 2026A”.