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Public Engagement Grant Scheme

Applications for the grant scheme are currently open.

Find out about who this Limit Less scheme supports, the new format, and how to apply below.


The Public Engagement Grant Scheme (PEGS) aims to support the IOP Limit Less campaign by improving the relationship with physics of young people and their influencers, including their parents and carers. This could be by showcasing relatable role models of those doing physics, actively challenging stereotypes and preconceptions, sharing positive messages about physics, and more!

The grant looks to prioritise projects that reach families with young people under the age of 16 who identify with one or more of the following groups currently underrepresented in the physics community:

  • Girls and young women
  • Disabled young people
  • LGBT+ young people
  • Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds
  • Black Caribbean young people

We are hoping to fund projects that can evidence public engagement best practice, the ability to reach one or more of these audiences, and evidence of positive impacts linked to the aims of Limit Less. Wondering if you are eligible to apply? Take a look at our FAQ page.

Keep up to date with the Public Engagement Grant Scheme by signing up for email alerts

Who can apply

The scheme is open to individuals and organisations in the UK and Republic of Ireland who are passionate about promoting engagement with physics. You might be:

  • a community group
  • a not-for-profit organisation
  • an IOP member
  • a researcher in academia or industry
  • a museum
  • a library
  • an arts group
Children participating in physics public engagement activities

How much you can apply for

The minimum grant award is £500. You can apply for up to £4,000 to run physics-based activities in the UK and Ireland.

About the 2024 scheme

In 2024 we have updated the format of the grant scheme, opening the funding window for longer to allow applicants to build bespoke projects for PEGS and links with the communities they are hoping to connect with.

We will accept applications on a rolling basis from 1 February to 6 September and have three decision making points during throughout the year.

Round 1: Applications received between 1 February to 1 April. Applicants will receive a notification of the outcome of their application in May, and payment no earlier than the end of May.

Round 2: Applications received between 2 April and 1 July. Applicants will receive notification of the outcome of their application in August, and payment no earlier than the end of August.

Round 3: Applications received between 2 July and 6 September. Applicants will receive notification of the outcome of their application in October, and payment no earlier than the end of October.

How to apply

All applications are expected to be completed through our online form but if for any reason this form is not accessible to you, please contact [email protected] and we will do our best to help.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 6 September. No late submissions will be accepted.

Read our applicant guidelines (PDF, 170KB)

Complete your application form now

Our help and guidance

We will be holding online ‘surgeries’ from 2-3pm 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. Please email [email protected] for the joining instructions.

Outside of these times the team can provide support by email at any time, and by video call and phone by appointment. There is also an FAQ section on our website which is always a good first place to check.

The scheme will be managed by IOP Public Engagement Officer, Imogen Thompson. Email [email protected] for any questions or support.

A few of our recipients

  • “Starseekers: Beyond the Museum Walls resulted in a series of planetarium sessions, stargazing evenings, observatory workshops and other activities for families from disadvantaged backgrounds and the Black Families Education Support Group” Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Bath Astronomers and the University of Bath Observatory. Grant recipients 2023
  • “We are grateful to the IOP for providing us with an outreach grant, which will enable Family Action to pilot a wide range of fun, hands-on and family-friendly, rocket-themed fun days for vulnerable and low-income families during the 2018 summer holidays.” Family Action, grant recipient 2018.
  • “In Wolverhampton, the IOP grants have been a huge success. They have enabled us to use physics learning opportunities to engage and also re-engage with marginalised men, women and young people across different ages, ethnicities and physical and mental health conditions.” BME Housing Consortium, grant recipient 2017, 2016, 2015.

Projects we have funded in recent years

More information

Email: [email protected]

Check our FAQs page

Read our applicant guidelines (PDF, 170KB)

Support young people to change the world

Limit Less is our campaign to support young people to change the world and fulfil their potential by doing physics