Science in Society Programme - aims and objectives

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for an Award, even though I'm not a scientist or teacher?

• Anyone can apply for an Award, but you must be linked (or be prepared to link) with an organisation with audited accounts. The organisation will take financial responsibility for any Award. Any application must be relevant to publicising or teaching the STFC Science areas.
  
  Note, also, that you will need to include a researcher within your project team if your project is recommended for funding. The researcher is expected to act as an advisor on current science and need not take an active part in delivering the project. If your team does not include a researcher, we will help you, if required, to identify a suitable person.

How soon will we know whether our application has been successful?

• Applicants will be advised of the results via e mail usually within 10-12 weeks of the closing date.

Does the application have to be typed or done on a computer?

• The application has to be typed and e mailed in to chris.woolford@stfc.ac.uk

How many copies of the application do I need to submit?

• Only one electronic copy.

Can I apply for funding from STFC even though I have been promised money from other sources?

• Yes, we encourage partnerships, however due to pressures on our funds; our judges are unlikely to recommend funding a project that would still go ahead without funding from STFC.

Can I apply to the Small Awards Scheme for funding to help us become a 'specialist school'?

• No. It is outside our remit as a research council to find the direct development of schools. However, if we were to Award you funding for a specific project you may be able to count that funding towards part of your school's development, it would be up to you to decide.

If I do receive an Award, when will I get the money?

• Awards take the form of a contract between the Award winner and STFC. The Award will be paid quarterly throughout the duration of the project. The final 20% of funding will be held back until receipt of the final report.

What form should the final report take?

• We provide a report form, which we ask you to use. This asks you to refer to your original aims and objectives, and indicate how well these aims and objectives were met. As far as possible, you should identify those factors which influenced the development of the project (whether positively or negatively). You should also refer to the methods by which you measured the project's success. You should also include a Financial Statement giving a brief breakdown of how the funds awarded were spent.

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