Public Engagement Spark Awards 2026A

Apply for funding to engage the public with Science and Technology Facilities Council supported science. You must work for an organisation that is based in the UK and produces annual accounts certified by an accountant. Proposals must evidence clear links to the STFC funded remit and include a subject-matter expert in an STFC funded remit area. The full economic cost of a project can be up to £20,000, STFC will fund 100% of the full economic cost, and projects must be between 12 months and 36 months in duration. The opportunity opens on 4 June 2026 and closes on 25 August 2026.

Applicants must work through an organisation based in the UK. The host organisation must produce annual accounts certified by an accountant, or the applicant must partner with an eligible organisation that can receive the funding. UKRI lists examples that may be eligible, including STFC grant-funded researchers, STFC scientists, technicians and engineers, STFC facility users, museums, science communicators, universities and colleges, community interest companies, libraries, community groups and amateur astronomy groups. The project lead must be eligible to apply on behalf of the organisation holding the award.

£5,000 to £20,000; total fund £100,000; STFC funds 100% of full economic cost

Closes 25 August 2026, 4:00pm UK time: Closes 25 August 2026, 4:00pm UK time: Aug 25, 2026.

Confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, and submission route on the official call page.

Plan internal approvals, partner confirmations, budgets, letters, and portal submission before the final deadline.

Apply through the UKRI Funding Service once the call opens. The lead organisation must submit the application; proposals cannot be submitted through Je-S.

Before submitting, check required documents, eligible costs, attachments, page limits, institutional approvals, and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration, or nomination stage.