Public Engagement Spark Awards 2026A (Grant)
UK Research and Innovation, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Award
£5,000 – £20k
Total fund Up to £100k
Deadline
Closes in 2 days (25 August 2026)
Where
UK-wide
Summary
Apply for funding to engage the public with Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) supported science. Applicant organisations must: • be UK-based • produce annual accounts certified by an accountant Proposals must include an appropriate STFC subject-matter expert (SME).
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to organisations with standard or non-standard eligibility. Check if your organisation is eligible Who is eligible to apply Almost anyone can apply for a Spark award, but your host institution must be based in the UK. Organisations that apply must produce an annual financial report and accounts that are available on request. These must have been either prepared or submitted by a qualified accountant who is a member of a recognised professional accountancy body, including: The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Association of International Accountants (AIA) Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) If this does not describe your organisation, you must work in partnership with an organisation that can receive the funding on your behalf. The following are examples of who could be eligible to apply if meeting the above criteria: STFC grant funded researchers scientists, technicians and engineers employed by STFC STFC facility users working in STFC funded remit areas: museums science communicators universities and colleges community interest companies libraries community groups amateur astronomy groups The project lead must be eligible to apply on behalf of the organisation that would hold the award. It is mandatory for every application to include a SME in an STFC funded remit area. While these SMEs may play an active role in delivering the engagement activities, this is not compulsory. The SME will ensure that the scientific content is accurate and has strong connection to the STFC’s science remit. The SME can be any one of these core team roles holders: project lead (PL) project co-lead (UK) (PcL) specialist If you have any questions about applicant eligibility, please contact the public engagement team at stfcpublicengagement@stfc.ac.uk and we will advise on how you may proceed. Who is not eligible to apply Organisations based outside the UK are not eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. Equality, diversity and inclusion We are committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all funding applicants. We encourage applications from a diverse range of researchers. We support people to work in a way that suits their personal circumstances. This includes: career breaks support for people with caring responsibilities flexible working alternative working patterns UKRI can offer disability and accessibility support for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) applicants and grant holders during the application and assessment process.
Full details
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.