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Science in society:

Public engagement awards

The call for applications is closed

Next application deadline: TBA

An annual competition, offering funds of up to £5000 to support BBSRC-funded researchers, institutes of BBSRC, and BBSRC local coordinators to undertake public engagement activities.

We welcome applications to repeat previously successful activities as well as applications for new activities. Priority will be given to applications that focus on dialogue with public groups, particularly adults and hard-to-reach groups such as ethnic minorities, inner city communities or those with special needs.

How to apply

Complete and submit an application form to the contact below.

Previous awards

In 2009 we awarded over £40,000 to 10 projects.

A list of previous awards can be found in the downloads section.

Case studies

Medicinal drug design

Professor Jason Micklefield and Dr Steven Rossington were awarded a 2008 Public Engagement Award. The project worked with students in Key Stages 3-5 throughout the UK promoting aspects of biology and chemistry and highlighting the complexities of medicinal drug design.

A purpose built (6ft tall!) protein molecule named BORIS and more conventional molecular modelling were used to introduce the idea that certain drugs only fit into specific shapes of a host protein (or enzyme). This conceptual idea was then expanded to include the design of anti-cancer drugs.

Throughout 2008 this activity engaged with students in cities such as London, Manchester and York and interacted with over 1300 students.

The Discovery Zone, Leeds Festival of Science

A 2008 Public Engagement Award to PhD student Helen Jopling at the University of Leeds contributed to 'The Discovery Zone', the flagship event of the Leeds Festival of Science 2008.

A university sports hall was turned into a place of scientific exploration for 2 days with activities ranging from crayfish races and disgusting digestion, to pop rockets and balloon hovercrafts. In total 550 pupils passed through the Discovery Zone from 13 local schools, including several which are hard to reach.

69 researchers, including postgraduates, postdocs, lecturers and professors, from across the University of Leeds used the opportunity to engage with the public. The event was a huge success enjoyed by visitors and helpers alike and it is hoped it will become an annual event - it will certainly run again this year, by Dr Susan Deuchars, with the help of a 2009 Public Engagement Award.

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