Public engagement grants

The Wellcome Trust has launched a new £3 million public engagement with bioscience grants programme.

Two forms of support are now available. 'People Awards', of up to £30 000, will provide a fast, responsive mechanism for funding public engagement activities - such as workshops in schools and science centres, talks and discussions in public spaces, or drama and art projects. The awards are aimed at both academics (biomedical scientists, historians, social scientists or ethicists) and mediators (science centre staff, science communicators, educators, artists, health professionals and so on).

In the second strand of funding, 'Society Awards' are available to support research or direct public activities in specified areas. Projects funded through Society Awards should aim to make a significant impact on public engagement with science research and practice. Awards will generally be in excess of £50 000 and support research projects or significant activities of, ideally, nationwide importance. The initial themes will be young people's education, the arts and 'hard to reach' groups.

These strands will complement existing funding schemes for public engagement projects in the history of medicine and for performing arts projects aimed at young people.

The aim of all these schemes is to encourage greater engagement between scientific and other communities, for example by capturing public interest in bioscience, stimulating informed debate on topical issues, or encouraging greater interaction between scientists and other audiences. The ultimate goal is to foster an environment of mutual understanding and trust, so biomedical research is carried out in a climate of public awareness and support.

Public engagement grants

See also