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 2024, 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 funding is for projects that support the aims of the Limit Less campaign by reaching one or more of the target groups that are currently underrepresented in the physics community. IOP is specifically trying to reach 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.
Limit Less key messages are positive messages around physics that aim to challenge some of the stereotypes that put young people off doing physics post 16. They include:
- Doing physics empowers young people to change the world
- Physics is for people of all identities and backgrounds
- Physics depends on teamwork and diverse viewpoints
- Physicist is not the only career available to physics students
- Physics opens the door to many stable career options, including well-paid jobs that do not require a degree
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 £4,000 are available.
Application process: Guidelines, frequently asked questions and the online application form can be found on the IOP website.
IOP will be holding online ‘surgeries’ from 2pm to 3pm on the last Thursday of every month (February – November). This online forum will be a space for anyone to raise ideas, questions, feedback or issues with their projects. Groups should email the IOP Public Engagement Officer for the joining instructions and the month they are interested in attending.
Applicants will receive notification of the outcome of their application in October, and payment no earlier than the end of October.
Deadline: Friday 6 September 2024.
Contact information: Email: engagement@iop.org
Website: Public Engagement Grant Scheme | Institute of Physics