Aims/priorities: The Institute of Physics provides funding for projects across the UK and Ireland that improve people’s relationship with physics in their family or community groups.
In 2023, the funding will continue to focus on physics engagement projects that align with IOP’s Limit Less campaign, which aims to encourage young people currently underrepresented in the physics community to carry on doing physics post 16. The framework for the grant scheme is informed by the learning accrued over the last couple of years with respect to equality, diversity and inclusion, the digital divide, and personal wellbeing.
The Limit Less grant scheme supports projects that:
Target the audiences prioritised by the IOP’s Limit Less campaign - families with young people under the age of 16 that identify with one or more of the following groups:
- Girls and young women
- Disabled young people
- LGBT+ young people
- Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Black Caribbean young people.
Develop relationships between physics and public participants to grow beyond initial contact.
Reinforce messages being delivered by existing engagement schemes by adapting to new locations, communities or circumstances.
Build strong relationships between physics, physicists and diverse communities through co-developed and delivered engagement projects.
Who can apply? Applications will be accepted from individuals and organisations across the UK and Ireland.
This includes but is not limited to:
- Community groups.
- Not-for-profit organisations.
- IOP members
- Museums
- Libraries
- Arts groups
- Researchers in academia or industry
Applications will also be considered from self-employed and freelance science communicators, artists, and content producers.
It is not a requirement to be a member of the IOP; however, projects will need to involve physicists to be considered for funding.
Grant amount: Between £500 and £5,000 are available.
Application process: Guidelines, frequently asked questions and the online application form can be found on the IOP website.
There is a two-stage application process. Applicants that pass the first stage will be informed in early March 2023 and asked to submit a detailed project plan, which will then be assessed by a panel of reviewers from a range of background. Notification of decisions for full applications will be given by the end of April 2023.
IOP will host three online project discussion sessions during the application period:
- 2 February, 4-5pm
- 13 February, 6-7pm
- 21 February, 10-11am
Deadline: Monday 27 February 2023
Contact information: Contact the Institute of Physics for further information.
Website: Public Engagement Grant Scheme | Institute of Physics (iop.org)