Table with beakers and flasks containing brightly coloured crochet. In the background there is a Gurdon Institute banner with the tagline "Studying development to understand disease"

Public engagement seed fund

Staff are invited to submit their own ideas for activities or events that will generate a public dialogue about their research.

Child looking through a microscope at a festival event with a scientist nearby

What is the PE seed fund?

The Gurdon Institute’s public engagement seed fund encourages scientists to develop their own public engagement projects.

Whether it is a talk with a specific community, a hands-on activity for a festival, a podcast or a video, or something else entirely, this is an excellent opportunity to design an activity/event that will generate a dialogue about your research with the public and help you develop new skills.

What are the benefits of applying?

The winning project/project team will have access to a project budget of up to £1,000, as well as expert support and assistance throughout the development, delivery and evaluation of the project from the institute PE team.

Leading an engagement project is a great way to demonstrate to funders and stakeholders that you are committed to ensuring your work is accessible and responsive to the public.

Someone holding up a large crocheted cell with green cell and nuclear membrane and blue nuclues
Three hands crossed over, each with a scientific tattoo on the wrist

What type of projects are funded?

Projects must relate to at least one of the following areas of our public engagement vision:

  • empower and inspire the next generation
  • generate increased trust in fundamental research and ensure our research remains relevant to society
  • embed public engagement into our fundamental research
Find out more about the PE strategy

Who can apply?

The Seed Fund application is open to all Gurdon Institute staff and students.
 You can apply as an individual or as a team.

Five researchers at a public engagement event wearing orange Gurdon Institute t-shirts
Illustration of someone shown upside down under a blanket and then the same person appearing to jump in the air with a superhero cape on. There are mitochondria weaving between the two figures.

Illustration by Ellie Shipman

Where can I find resources to help build my proposal?

We recommend looking at the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) website as there are a whole host of resources and information to help you put together a project proposal that is innovative and impactful.

You can also contact the institute PE team who will be able to assist you in developing your idea.

NCCPE website
Contact the PE team

How do I apply?

Click the link below to download the application form.

Completed proposals should be sent to:

public-engagement@gurdon.cam.ac.uk

The deadline for submissions is 28th February 2022.

Download the application form
Two people with headphones on