Public Engagement Grant Scheme
Applications for the grant scheme are now open.
Find out about who this Limit Less scheme supports and how to sign up for alerts.
The Public Engagement Grant Scheme (PEGS) aims to support the IOP Limit Less initiative by funding projects that meaningfully engage whole family groups (including parents/carers) to improve their relationship with physics. 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:
- Girls and young women;
- Disabled young people;
- LGBT+ young people;
- Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds; and
- 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.
About the 2025 scheme
Seed Fund
This year (2025) we are trialling the introduction of a ‘Seed Fund’ to bring together non-physicist and physicist participants and develop a full grant application. The fund can be used to facilitate communication and build common ground between new partners, from which a full public engagement grant application could arise. Please note, this funding is to support the development of new partnership and is not provided to conduct public engagement activities.
We are no longer accepting Seed Fund applications for 2025.
For more information, download the supporting document on the Seed Fund (PDF, 132KB).
Main Fund
The Public Engagement Grant Scheme (PEGS) aims to support the IOP Limit Less initiative by funding projects that engage whole family groups (including parents/carers) to improve their relationship with physics.
We are accepting applications on a rolling basis from Monday 3 February to Monday 1 September 2025 and have two decision-making points during the year.
Round 1: Applications received between 3 February and 5 May. Applicants will receive a notification of the outcome of their application in early June, and payment no earlier than the end of June.
Projects funded in Round 1 must start in 2025 and should be completed by 31 December 2025.
Round 2: Applications received between 6 May and 1 September. Applicants will receive notification of the outcome of their application in October, and payment no earlier than the end of October.
Projects funded in Round 2 must start in 2025 and should be completed by 30 June 2026.
For more information, and to see if you meet our eligibility criteria, download the supporting document on the Main Fund (PDF, 144KB).
Who can apply
There are very few limits to 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!
How much you can apply for
Seed Fund: Grants of up to £500 to build new partnerships between physicists and non-physicists.
Main Fund: The minimum grant award is £500. You can apply for up to £4,000 to run physics-based activities in the UK and Ireland.
How to apply
Applications for the Main Fund are now open and all applications are expected to be completed through our online form.
If for any reason the form is not accessible to you, please contact [email protected] and we will do our best to help.
The deadline for Main Fund applications is 17.00 on Monday 1 September. No late submissions will be accepted.
Our help and guidance
The scheme will be managed by IOP Public Engagement Officer, Imogen Thompson. Email [email protected] for support by email at any time, and by video call and phone by appointment. Each applicant is entitled to one 15-minute call with the team prior to submitting their application to ask questions and receive advice or clarification.
There is an FAQ section on these webpages, which is always a good first place to check.
Full eligibility criteria are available for both the Seed Fund and Main Fund:
A few of our recipients
- “We are absolutely delighted [to receive the grant], as this is coming at such a vital time for young people in Orkney, when the impact of the peak Covid years and lockdowns is still being felt. The Science of Superheroes initiative is an ideal inspiration, and opens up new horizons and a sense of adventure. The involvement of researchers, working at the frontiers of knowledge, means that the exploration is real, where everyone can join physicists in asking questions.” Orkney International Science Festival with the project ‘The Science of Superheroes’. Grant recipient 2024
- “We are thrilled to have been awarded the IOP Public Engagement Scheme Grant. This support is a significant milestone for our organisation... Our workshops will highlight diverse career paths in STEM, foster inclusivity, and encourage teamwork, all while demonstrating the exciting potential of physics to shape the future. The grant also allows us to build an online resource hub, offering families valuable activities to continue learning at home. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to make a lasting impact in our community and nurture a love for science.” Make More with the project ‘Physics Pioneers’. Grant recipient 2024
- “Star seekers: 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
Projects we have funded in recent years
More information
Email: [email protected]