Spark awards are open to a wide range of individuals and groups including researchers, charities, museums, schools and science communicators.
Up to £15,000 is available for projects lasting up to 36 months that engage the public and demonstrate the value of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in areas supported by STFC.
Applications must include a researcher in an STFC-funded area either in an active or an advisory role.
Spark awards are open to almost anyone from grant-funded researchers to STFC scientists and engineers, facility users, charities, schools, museums, science communicators and amateur astronomy groups.
Applications must include a researcher in an STFC-funded area. The researcher does not have to play an active role in the public engagement activities. They could be acting as an advisor on scientific content.
We are looking to support projects that do one or more of the following:
Programmes must focus on areas within the remit of STFC:
You must explain how your project aligns with our public engagement strategy (PDF, 1.1MB).
We are particularly seeking proposals in line with our Wonder initiative to work with 8-14-year-olds and their families in socioeconomically deprived areas.
Up to £15,000 is available to cover the full cost of projects lasting up to 36 months. Funding can be for a variety of things including:
We will typically only fund digital content that is part of a wider engagement programme. However, responses to recent coronavirus social distancing measures that are thoughtful and include two-way engagement are welcomed.
We have no capital budget for spark awards. Items of equipment costing less than £10,000 should be requested under the ‘other costs’ heading. You must show that any requests for equipment are essential for the project.
If you are requesting a spark award as a contribution to a larger programme, you should make this clear in your proposal. You should also make clear where additional funding for the programme is coming from.
You must apply through the joint electronic submission (Je-S) system. If your organisation is not already registered, you can self-register. This will allow you to make an application without going through the full registration process. If you are successful, we will contact you to help you with the full registration process. Full registration can take four weeks. Please allow enough time for this if you wish to register before applying.
We recommend you start your application early. You can save completed details in Je-S at any time and return to continue your application later.
You will need to complete the Je-S form and attach a case for support of no more than six pages in PDF format outlining:
You should also attach letters of support (maximum two pages) from any partners making a contribution to your project.
You can find advice on completing your application in the Je-S handbook.
If you need further help, you can contact the Je-S help desk on 01793 444164 or by email jeshelp@je-s.ukri.org.
Your host organisation will be able to provide advice and guidance on completing your application.
The deadline for submitting your applications is 22 October 2020. The result of your application is usually known within 10-12 weeks of the deadline for submissions.
Your application will be reviewed by an independent panel with expertise in the communication of science and technology and knowledge of STFC-funded research and facilities.
It will be assessed on:
STFC will decide on your application based on the recommendations of the panel.
