Public Engagement Fund returns for second year

After considerable interest and impact from a pilot fund in 2022/23, the RDS Public Engagement Fund returns in 2024/25, with a total of £30,000 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 ongoing projects. 

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

On announcing the fund, Layla Robinson, Chief Partnership and Strategy Officer, said:

"I am pleased to announce the return of our Public Engagement Fund to help demystify how data is used. 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."

Katie Oldfield, Public Engagement Manager, added:

"We were delighted with the response to our pilot Public Engagement Fund in 2022/23, and the ongoing impact the supported projects continue to display. It’s vital that the use of public sector data in research is transparent and trustworthy, and that means ensuring people have the opportunity to have their say. We’re looking forward to opening applications for the second fund this September and seeing everyone’s exciting ideas."

The second round of the fund opens for applications on 2 September 2024, with projects starting their funded work in January 2025 and concluding by 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.

Information webinar

On Tuesday 27 August (13:00 to 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 Public Engagement Fund, including what has been successful before
• What the Public Engagement Fund aims to achieve in 2024/25
• What engagement projects will be funded
• Who can apply

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

Register here