The UK’s small museums are being called to apply for up to £3,500 as part of the Royal Society’s Places of Science grant.
The scheme is seeking projects which – as it describes – “engage and inspire communities with local science stories”, and inspire an “interest in science across society.”
The Places of Science initiative opens on 10 January 2022, and hopes to encourage museums to present science in new, creative ways that will be valued by local communities.
To be eligible, museums must have full or provisional museums accreditation, and fewer than 65,000 visitors, or a turnover of less than £200,000 a year.
Two previous rounds of the scheme have supported events and exhibitions at 27 museums across the country, reaching over 40,000 people.
Professor Jonathan Ashmore FMedSci FRS, Chair of the Places of Science panel, and Professor of Biophysics called the scientific landscape in the UK “rich and diverse”.
“I would like to encourage museums to apply for this grant and use it to explore the inspiring science stories embedded in their collections and their communities.”
Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum is among existing members in the scheme.
Its former Learning and Access Officer and Places of Science panel member Lynsey Andersen said: “Being part of the Places of Science scheme was a fantastic opportunity for the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum.”
“We were able to explore and share some of our fascinating science stories in ways we hadn’t done before which engaged new audiences with our work. The support from the Royal Society was invaluable in building staff confidence in science engagement and raising the profile of our small museum.’
