Do you want to ignite curiosity and conversation with your research?
The Public Engagement Fund provides between £500 and £10,000 for Royal Society-funded researchers to design and deliver public engagement projects based on their research.
The minimum amount of funding you can apply for is £500 and the maximum amount is £10,000 over two years. Up to £5,000 can be requested for a one-year project.
Scheme notes will be available shortly and if you have queries or would like any advice on your application please contact the Public Engagement team.
We encourage all applicants to get in touch to discuss their ideas before submitting an application and members of the Public Engagement team are available for phone or video consultations at any point during the application process.
We want to fund projects that:
- are based on Royal Society-funded research
- are designed for a non-scientific public audience
- involve scientists interacting with a public group outside their institution
- target specific audiences based on the aims and rationale of the project
- provide opportunities for open dialogue and two-way communication between researchers and the target audience
- aim to produce benefits for the public, the researcher, and any partners or collaborators
We are particularly interested in projects that:
- reach people that are currently underrepresented in the Society’s public engagement work, including, but not limited to:
- those without a science degree
- those from geographically remote locations
- those from culturally and demographically diverse backgrounds
- facilitate collaboration between science and the arts, including partnership with creative arts organisations or professionals
- involve collaboration partners or community organisations that can enhance the project’s outcomes, impact or quality
- involve elements of co-creation
As a part of your application, you might want to consider:
- If your project involves working with a museum, we recommend reviewing the scheme notes and guidance for the Places of science scheme which may be a route to secure additional funding for a museum partner.
- If you are considering applying to exhibit at the Summer Science Exhibition 2026, you may apply for this funding towards your exhibit design and delivery costs.
- We welcome applications for projects involving young people and school groups, but recommend reviewing the scheme notes and guidance for the Partnership Grants scheme, which may be more suitable.
You should also contact your institution’s public/community/societal engagement or outreach team in the development of your application and in the development, delivery and evaluation of your project.
Find out more
The full application process, including application form and judging criteria can be found in the scheme notes which will be available shortly. Get in touch with the Public Engagement team for queries and advice.
