Nucleus Public Engagement Award

Application Platform: UKRI Funding Service

Application Process: Applications must be completed by the project lead and submitted by the lead research organisation through the UKRI Funding Service.

Assessment Process: Applications are first reviewed by the STFC Public Engagement team to ensure eligibility, then assessed by an independent panel of public engagement experts who rank applications and recommend funding.

Competitiveness: Not specified

Decision Risks: Applications may be rejected if they fail to demonstrate a clear link to STFC science remit, do not meet eligibility requirements or do not follow application guidance.

Decision Timeline: Assessment typically completed within four months after the application deadline.

Earliest Project Start Date: 2026-09-01 00:00:00

Eligible Activities: Public engagement programmes, development of engagement capacity, community networking activities related to STFC science and technology.

Eligible Expenses: Contributions to salaries, materials, travel and subsistence and other costs contributing to the full economic cost of the project.

Funding Intensity: For TRAC organisations, STFC funds 80% of full economic costs up to £125,000 total project cost. Non-TRAC organisations can receive up to 100% funding up to £100,000.

Funding Structure: The award operates under the full economic costing framework.

Important Notes: Projects must focus on audiences primarily within the UK and must not consist solely of publishing activities such as books or novels without a broader engagement programme.

Ineligible Expenses: Equipment over £25,000, infrastructure or building costs, international conference costs, contingency funds, retrospective funding and projects starting before 1 September 2026.

Key Requirements: Projects must clearly link to STFC science or technology remit and include a subject matter expert. Applicants must provide an evaluation plan and demonstrate alignment with the STFC public engagement strategy.

Match Funding Requirement: No additional institutional match funding is required beyond the standard FEC contribution for TRAC organisations.

Organisation Requirement: The host organisation must be based in the UK and have audited accounts. If not, applicants must partner with an eligible organisation that can receive the funding.

Project Duration: 24 to 36 months

Publication Date: 2025-12-18 00:00:00

Renewal Rules: Not specified

Special Programme Focus: Projects may contribute to the Wonder Initiative, which supports engagement with underserved communities in the most socio-economically deprived areas of the UK.

Subject Matter Requirement: Each proposal must include a subject matter expert in an STFC-funded area of science or technology.

Target Audience Focus: Engagement primarily aimed at audiences in the UK, including schools, families and the general public.

Total Fund Available: £200,000