Funding Opportunity for Spark Awards 2022 in the UK (Round 2)

Deadline: 20-Oct-22

Apply for funding to engage the public with STFC-supported science, technology or facilities.

Focus Areas

• 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 research.

What they’re looking for?

• They are looking to support projects that do one or more of the following:
  • deliver high quality public engagement activities in the areas supported by STFC
  • introduce STFC science and technology to new audiences or engage existing audiences in new ways
  • highlight the achievements of STFC science and technology and facilities, demonstrating the excitement of research and the value of STEM to the UK
  • demonstrate the value to the UK of science, technology, engineering and mathematics
  • work with the public engagement and communication teams.
• Spark Awards encourage ‘novel approaches’ to engagement and audience. However, applications that use established engagement methods are welcomed.

Benefits

• Total fund: £120,000
• Award range: £1,000 – £15,000
• Projects can last up to 36 months.

Eligibility Criteria

• STFC Spark Awards are open to almost anyone based in the UK, including, but not limited to:
  • researchers
  • technicians
  • STFC scientists and engineers
  • STFC facility users
  • charities
  • schools
  • museums
  • libraries
  • community groups
  • science communicators
  • amateur astronomy groups.
• 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.
• Organisation eligibility
  • Organisations that apply must produce an annual financial report and accounts. These must have been either prepared or submitted by a qualified account who is a member of a recognised professional accountancy body, including the:
    • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
    • Association of International Accountants
    • Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
    • Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy
    • Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
    • Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
    • Chartered Accountants Ireland.

For more information, visit https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/engage-the-public-with-science-technology-or-facilities-spark-awards-2022-round-two/