The Royal College of Pathology: Public Engagement Innovation Grant Scheme

Overview

Objectives

The Innovation Grant Scheme aims to:

• Inspire innovative and creative pathology-related public engagement projects and activities
• Raise public awareness of, and engagement with, pathology, in particular with those who would not normally engage with the topic
• Develop the science communication skills of pathologists and laboratory scientists
• Stimulate discussion about pathology between pathologists and the public in order to motivate, inspire and enthuse both parties about the value of pathology and its role in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Eligibility

To be eligible, proposed events and activities should:

• include the involvement of pathologists and/or laboratory scientists as a key part of the activity (although to apply, you do not have to be a College member yourself).
• be pathology-based and explore underlying concepts and issues, rather than just providing information.

Criteria

Applications will be judged against the following criteria and should clearly demonstrate:

• That the project is pathology-based and explores underlying concepts and issues, rather than just providing information
• That the project involves the input and involvement of pathologists or laboratory scientists, ideally who are Members of the College. The public engagement team can help identify local pathologists to collaborate with if required
• Awareness of public interest and concerns, including the relevance of the project to the target audience(s). Pathology has an important role in public healthcare. Applications which explore the importance of pathology for the living are encouraged
• Timeliness and relevance. Projects linking pathology to external events in the wider community (e.g. anniversaries, local festivals) are welcome
• Targeting of specific audiences. Projects that target traditionally hard-to-reach groups (e.g. ethnic minorities, geographically isolated communities), secondary school students, medical students and independent adults are encouraged
• Clear project objectives and the potential to make an impact on the target audience. Projects which demonstrate imaginative ways of engaging new audiences with pathology are encouraged
• Evidence of adequate and appropriate publicity to attract the target audience
• Evidence of appropriate evaluation of the project/activity
• Cost effectiveness. Every effort should be made to ensure that the lowest costs possible are achieved. If commercial activities are to be bought in then justification of this need should be evidenced
• Value for money. Applications which use innovative ideas to create effective engagement at low cost are encouraged
• That the activity is dependent on College funding or that it adds a significant element