Background

The annual Public Engagement Development Fund is awarded to researchers who have considered how Public Engagement methodologies, activities and ideas could be brought to life and delivered as a route to research impact, involving the active participation of external individuals and communities in the co-creation of a project to generate relevant, mutually beneficial outcomes.

The 2026/27 Call comprises three themes aligned with the University of Southampton Goals, Values, our Civic Agreement, the Public & Community Engagement Hubs and our wider commitments to Government Research and Development. 

Proposals should relate to one of the three themes and demonstrate they meet the criteria within that theme as listed. Find out more infomation on each theme using the links below.

Background

Themes

Explore the Development Fund Themes using the links below. Want to share your ideas and connect with others? Post your ideas in the theme challenges to gain visibility and feedback from the community.

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Challenge
Development Fund 2026 Theme 1: Supporting engagement and participation
Felicity Farrell
View challenge
Challenge
Development Fund 2026 Theme 2: Supporting local growth and regeneration
Felicity Farrell
View challenge
Challenge
Development Fund 2026 Theme 3: Supporting an open curiosity-driven research culture
Felicity Farrell
View challenge

Application form and guidance

Application deadline: Friday 4 September 2026 

Award outcomes: Announced from Monday 26 October 2026 – Friday 30 October 2026 

More information about the application process and requirements can be found using the 'Guidelines' menu button above.

The guidance is also available to download, along with a Word template application form and Excel budget spreadsheet here: team space document sharing

Application form and guidance

Get involved

Use the team space below to connect with the Development Fund team, ask questions and access relevant documents, including an application form template, downloadable guidance document and others.

Development Fund 2026

The NEW 2026/27 Development Fund Call will be launched on 25 June 2026


3  members

1 chatroom   3 documents  

The annual Public Engagement Development Fund is awarded to researchers who have considered how Public Engagement methodologies, activities and ideas ... Read more

3 members | 1 chatroom | 3 documents | 0 tasks

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Contact:

Individual

View member profile "Lisa Hanley"
LH

Lisa Hanley

Deputy Head of Public Engagement

Interested in supporting partnership work through training and development, speaking and funding...

Individual

View member profile "Felicity Farrell"

Felicity Farrell

Public and Community Engagement Officer

Felicity joined the University of Southampton in January 2024 and plays a key operational role in...

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