Skip to content

Public Engagement Fund

The Public Engagement Fund supports projects that improve public understanding of the use of data in research.

Illustration of a flower growing out of a stack of coins.

Applications closed

Thank you for your interest. Applications for the 2024-25 Public Engagement Fund are now closed, and our panel is working to review all of the submissions received.

We will inform all applicants by December 2024, with the funded projects to be conducted between January 2025 and January 2026.

Illustration of a paper plane flying into an open mailbox.

About the 2024-25 fund

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 were able to apply for £1,000 to £10,000 to deliver new work or build on existing projects.

Community fund

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

Aims

The aims of the 2024-25 Public Engagement Fund are to:

  • Communicate the impact of data research
  • Showcase cutting-edge data research
  • Involve new audiences
  • Create new partnerships

Key dates

  • Monday 2 September: Applications opened
  • Monday 14 October: Applications closed
  • October: Panel scoring
  • November: Panel meetings and applicants informed
  • From January 2025: Projects begin
  • January 2026: Projects end

Panel members

Our panel this year is formed of seven members from a variety of backgrounds and expertise, including:

  • 2x RDS team members
  • 2x External public engagement specialists
  • 2x Members of the Scotland Talks Data public panel
  • 1x Community engagement specialist

2022-23 Fund

The 2022-23 round of the Public Engagement Fund was a pilot to test interest and evaluate proposed projects.

A total of £56,856 was awarded to projects that help widen participation by involving and engaging members of the public.

Learn more about the 2022-23 fund
Illustration of a map of Scotland

Related content

Subscribe to our updates 

To stay updated with Research Data Scotland, subscribe to our monthly newsletter and follow us on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn

Subscribe to our newsletter
Illustration of an envelope with a letter sticking out and a mobile phone with a person

Was this information helpful?