Nucleus Public Engagement Awards 2026
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) · United Kingdom
Grant funding to support programmes that engage the public with Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) funded science and technology or build public engagement capacity within the STFC community through the Nucleus Public Engagement Awards 2026. (UK Research and Innovation)
Summary
Deadline
31 Mar 2026
Updated
16 Oct 2026
Grant funding to support programmes that engage the public with Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) funded science and technology or build public engagement capacity within the STFC community through the Nucleus Public Engagement Awards 2026. (UK Research and Innovation)
Eligibility
Applicant types
See eligibility requirements
Industries
Astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, nuclear physics, accelerator science, computational science and quantum technologies.
Match funding
No additional institutional match funding beyond standard FEC contribution for TRAC organisations.
Eligible applicants
UK-based organisations with audited accounts including universities, colleges, museums, schools, community interest companies, libraries, science communicators, facility users, STFC scientists, technicians, engineers and grant-funded researchers. (UK Research and Innovation)
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
£20,000 to £100,000
Total fund available
£200,000
Funding intensity
STFC funds 80% FEC for TRAC organisations (up to £125,000 FEC). Non-TRAC organisations receive up to 100% funding to a maximum grant of £100,000. (UK Research and Innovation)
Payment type
Not specified
Eligible scope
Projects must demonstrate a strong and clear link to STFC-funded science or technology. Applications may deliver public engagement activities, build engagement capacity, or strengthen networks supporting STFC public engagement. Projects targeting underserved communities through the Wonder Initiative are encouraged. (UK Research and Innovation)
Eligible expenses
Not specified
Ineligible costs
- Equipment over £25,000, infrastructure and building costs, contingency funds, retrospective funding, projects starting before 1 September 2026, international conference costs, projects primarily outside the UK, and publication-only projects such as standalone books or novels. (UK Research and Innovation)
Application and risks
Application platform
UKRI Funding Service
Competitiveness
Not specified
Decision timeline
Not specified
Assessment process
Independent expert panel assessment based on programme quality, strategic alignment, impact, applicant capability and value for money. (UK Research and Innovation)
Decision risks
Applications may be rejected if they fail to demonstrate a clear STFC science link, omit the required subject matter expert, fail eligibility requirements or do not follow application guidance.
Timeline and partners
Opening date
12 Jan 2026
Project duration
24 to 36 months
Project start
Not specified
Project end
Not specified
Additional guidance
Document research last revised 2026-08-05.
Expected Next Opening
Not yet announced. STFC typically runs Nucleus Public Engagement Awards periodically. Monitor future STFC funding opportunities for the next round. (UK Research and Innovation)
Earliest Project Start Date
1 September 2026
Organisation Requirement
Host organisation must be based in the UK and have audited accounts. If applicants do not meet this requirement, they must partner with an eligible organisation.
Subject Matter Requirement
Every proposal must include a subject matter expert in an STFC-funded area of science or technology.
Eligible Activities
Public engagement programmes, public engagement capacity building, community networking, audience-focused engagement activities and STFC-related engagement initiatives.
Application Process
Applications are submitted through the UKRI Funding Service by the lead organisation.
Interview Stage
Not specified
Key Requirements
Projects must clearly align with the STFC science remit, include an STFC subject matter expert, provide a robust evaluation plan, demonstrate public engagement impact and align with the STFC Public Engagement Strategy.
Special Programme Focus
Applications supporting the Wonder Initiative, which engages underserved communities in the UK's most socio-economically deprived areas, are particularly encouraged. (UK Research and Innovation)
Important Notes
Projects must primarily benefit UK audiences. Applications focused solely on publishing books or novels are not eligible unless they form part of a wider public engagement programme. The 2026 competition closed on 31 March 2026, and the next round has not yet been announced. (UK Research and Innovation)
Application deadline in source document
31 March 2026, 4:00 PM UK time
Official source
Quick facts
- Status
- Closed
- Deadline
- 31 Mar 2026
- Funding amount
- £20,000 to £100,000
- Funding band
- Not specified
- Funding type
- Grant
- Payment type
- Not specified
- Audience
- See eligibility requirements
- Industry
- Astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, nuclear physics, accelerator science, computational science and quantum technologies.
- Last updated
- 16 Oct 2026
- Published
- 18 Dec 2025