The Public Engagement Starter Fund is an exciting opportunity for University of Cambridge researchers to apply for small grants to undertake innovative public engagement with research activities.
The fund supports novel projects based on contemporary research at the University of Cambridge which aim to do one or more of the following:
- Reach a specific target audience
- Develop a partnership with a community of interest
- Create an innovative activity for any of the Cambridge Festivals
Applicants can apply for grants up to £4,000. Proposed projects can take a variety of formats, provided a clear rationale is given regarding the appropriateness of the method of engagement adopted, and how the necessary resources and expertise will be secured. This variety of formats includes (but is not limited to):
- Live events e.g. festivals, discussions, workshops, science cafes.
- Collaborative projects e.g. with publics/organisations as partners in research.
- Public involvement e.g. patient and public, citizen science.
- Media e.g. social media, discussions via blogs, broadcasting-led activities as long as these include a genuine two-way element.
- Exhibitions and installations e.g. museums and galleries.
- Education resources and programmes that connect pupils, teachers and/or education providers directly with research.
The judging panel for this year's edition is composed by:
Lucinda Spokes, Head of Public Engagement, Research Strategy Office, University of Cambridge
Claudia Antolini, Public Engagement Manager, Research Strategy Office, University of Cambridge
Yanaina Chavez-Ugalde, Patient, Public, Involvement and Engagement Coordinator, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge
Mariam Rashid, Isaac Newton Trust Postdoctoral Fellow, Kavli Centre for Ethics, Science, and the Public, University of Cambridge
Tamsin Varney, Impact and Knowledge Exchange Co-ordinator for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Research Strategy Office, University of Cambridge
- Anoushka Handa, Physical Science & Technology Impact Facilitator, Research Strategy Office, University of Cambridge
- Kavya Neeba, Policy Engagement Network Coordinator, Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge
Michael Norman, Public Engagement Manager, The Babraham Institute
Lorraine Coghill, Deputy Head of Science Engagement, Strategy, Impact and Partnerships, University of Durham
- Cecil Chipendo, Founder and Managing Director, Gateway Recruitment Ltd
Applications for the 2026 round have closed on the 4 September 2026 at 5pm.
Applications for the 2027 round are expected to open in June 2027.
Applications will be assessed by a selection committee. Research students and postdocs should receive permission from their supervisors before applying.
Successful applicants will be supported by the University Public Engagement team with advice and training, and must submit an interim and concluding report including thorough evaluation upon completion of the project.
You can attend one of our introductory sessions.
Please read the Application guidelines before applying for the Starter Fund.
You can contact the Public Engagement team with further questions by emailing starterfund@admin.cam.ac.uk. If you experience issues filling in the form, or if you require reasonable accommodations, please get in touch with us. If you need any support submitting your application please get in touch as soon as possible. Please note that for meeting requests and any major queries received on or after the 25 August 2026, we may not be able to get back to you before the deadline.