The University of Oxford Public and Community Engagement with Research (PCER) Team is pleased to announce that the PCER Fund is now open for applications. The PCER Fund replaces the PCER Seed Fund and has been informed by a thorough evaluation of the previous scheme. Among other things, the evaluation has helped to clarify the purpose and practicalities of the fund and how to maximise its impact.
Redefined purpose of the fund
The overarching purpose of the PCER Fund is to support and empower researchers and engagement professionals to do purposeful and responsible public and community engagement with research. More specifically, this fund aims to:
1. Encourage and support projects that:
a. Expand upon established ideas; and/or
b. Experiment with innovative methodologies and novel approaches, and enhance engagement practices; and/or
c. Develop partnerships for future engagement opportunities.
2. Engage diverse audiences with Oxford’s research, including under-engaged audiences, bridging the gap between research and the public.
3. Develop researchers’ skills in public and community engagement with research.
4. Fund projects with the potential to make a positive difference to members of the public, researchers, and/or their research.
Key dates
There will be an application deadline every term, when submitted applications will be processed and reviewed.
For the 2024/5 fund, the application deadlines are:
Michaelmas deadline: 28 October 2024
Hilary deadline: 20 January 2025
Trinity deadline: 19 May 2025
Available funds
Projects are invited to apply for up to £6,000 per project, although the panels may make exceptions for projects where more funds are required. Funds must be spent before the end of June in the financial year they are received.
Please note this fund is not administered by TORCH. However Dr Vicky McGuinness, Head of Public Engagement for Humanities would be happy to discuss your ideas with you.
For more information see the PCER Fund page or if you have any questions please email publicengagement@admin.ox.ac.uk.
