Public Engagement Fund open for applications

Initially launched as a pilot fund in 2022/23, the Public Engagement Fund has so far supported eight projects to engage with over 2,700 participants across Scotland.

This year, a total of £30,000 is available to support public engagement and involvement with data science. Organisations can apply for between £1,000 to £10,000 to deliver new work or build on existing projects.

Applications are open from Monday 2 September, and close on Monday 14 October. Additionally, an online information session will take place on Wednesday 25 September (13:00 - 14:00), giving potential applicants the chance to learn more about the aims of the fund and ask questions about the application process.

Successful projects will start and end their funded work between January 2025 and January 2026. Previous applicants are welcome to re-apply, and applications will be accepted for new or existing projects. The successful projects’ engagement must take place in Scotland, however RDS welcomes applications from organisation based anywhere in the UK.

Layla Robinson, Chief Partnership and Strategy Officer, said:

“RDS’s mission it to make it faster and simpler to do research that can ultimately improve the lives of people living in Scotland, and it’s essential that the public are informed, consulted and actively involved in the ways their data is used.

“The Public Engagement Fund is an important project that we have been thrilled to be able to run for the last two years. There is also potential to expand it and build on it, and we are interested in speaking to potential partner organisations who could help fund it."

Community fund

New for this year, a portion of the total fund is ringfenced for a pilot community fund, supporting a community organisation to engage its audience in data research. The community project will be further supported through assistance and guidance from RDS public engagement professionals.

Application criteria for the community fund has been developed with approachability in mind and aims to make the application process as straightforward as possible, however if you are part of community group and have any questions or difficulty applying, please get in touch: engage@researchdata.scot

Katie Oldfield, Public Engagement Manager, said: “This year, we’re particularly excited to be launching a pilot community fund with the aim of supporting projects that may not usually apply for this type of funding. We want to encourage applications from a wide range of organisations and we welcome people getting in touch if they have any questions about the fund.”

Learn more about the community fund

Information webinar

On Wednesday 25 September (13:00 – 14:00), join us for an online information session to learn more about the Public Engagement Fund and to ask questions before you apply. 

In this information session, attendees will learn about: 

• Background information on the fund, including details on previous successful applications
• What the fund aims to achieve in 2024/25
• What engagement projects we will fund
• Who can apply 

There will then be a Q&A session, where you can ask any questions you have about the fund or application process. 

Register here