Microbiology Society: Outreach and Engagement Grants
Overview
Eligible members can apply for up to £1000 to support relevant science outreach or public engagement initiatives that engage new audiences in the art and science in any aspect of microbiology. Activities should inspire and educate people about the importance of microbiology and its advances.
Key details
- Maximum award: £1000
- Deadlines: 1 May 2025 and 1 October 2025
- Eligible membership categories: Full, Full Concessionary and Postgraduate Student Members
- Minimum membership: One year membership and two consecutive membership subscription payments required
Eligibility
Membership categories eligible to apply:
- Full member
- Full Concessionary Member
- Postgraduate Student Members
Minimum membership period required:
- A minimum membership period of one year and two consecutive membership payments is required.
- They welcome applications for activities which involve international members and/or include participants from industry or infection science as part of the activity.
- Applicants must not have received a grant from this scheme in the previous calendar year.
- Applicants cannot apply for funding for an event that was also funded in the previous calendar year by another applicant.
What is covered by the grant
The Society wishes to encourage innovative activities to promote any aspect of microbiology in interactive and engaging ways. This grant should not be used to subsidise normal departmental teaching expenses. A variety of activities will be considered for support. These might include:
- Activities that take place as part of a national science and engineering week, science/art/music fairs or festivals.
- Activities, talks or workshops to share scientific concepts and current research with thought-provoking ideas and topics to engage audiences in discussion of the impact of microbiology on society.
- Supporting microbiology activities in a school or college-based science week activity. This could include a class visit to a microbiology laboratory to carry out activities, or engaging talks from Microbiologists working in different fields.
- Developing an activity/resource for students with the capacity to roll out at a national/international level.
Payments to volunteers, such as undergraduates who are giving up their free time to develop or deliver the activity, may be included in the costings in the application.
Funds may be used for the purchase of consumable materials, but not capital equipment.