December 2006/49
Special initiative
Invitation to apply for funds
Initial applications should be submitted by Wednesday 14 February 2007
Beacons for Public Engagement
Invitation to apply for funds
The UK higher education funding councils and Research Councils UK , in association with the Wellcome Trust, invite proposals from higher education institutions for collaborative Beacons for Public Engagement, including one National Co-ordinating Centre. A total of up to £8 million will be available over four years for this pilot initiative.
| To: | Heads of HEFCE-funded higher education institutions Heads of SFC-funded higher education institutions Heads of HEFCW-funded higher education institutions |
| Of interest to those responsible for: | Strategic planning; Links with business and the community; External relations; Research; Teaching and learning |
| Reference: | 2006/49 |
| Publication date: | December 2006 |
| Enquiries to: | Julia Moss tel 0117 931 7453 e-mail j.moss@hefce.ac.uk or Kathryn Mills tel 0117 931 7035 e-mail k.mills@hefce.ac.uk |
Executive summary (read online)
Download
Report and Annex A
[ MS Word 134K | Zipped Word 29K | Adobe PDF 160K | Zipped PDF 108K ]
Annex B: Application to host a Beacon for Public Engagement
[ MS Word 70K | Zipped Word 9K ]
Annex C: Application to host the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement
[ MS Word 63K | Zipped Word 9K ]
Executive summary
Purpose
1. The UK higher education funding councils and Research Councils UK, in association with the Wellcome Trust, invite proposals from higher education institutions (HEIs) for collaborative Beacons for Public Engagement, including one National Co-ordinating Centre. A total of up to £8 million will be available over four years for this pilot initiative.
2. The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) will support the scheme provided that Scottish and Welsh institutions are involved either as leads or partners in successful bids.
Key points
3. This initiative brings together the funding bodies for the first time to establish a co-ordinated approach to recognising, rewarding and building capacity for public engagement. In this context, 'public engagement' should involve specialists in higher education listening to, developing their understanding of, and interacting with non-specialists. The 'public' includes individuals and groups who do not currently have a formal relationship with an HEI through teaching, research or knowledge transfer.
4. The initiative seeks to address the recognised need for culture change within institutions in order to further support public engagement across all subject areas and the full range of activity by HEIs.
Action required
5. Initial applications should be completed, taking account of the requirements and guidance in paragraphs 32-40, and e-mailed to beacons.application@hefce.ac.uk by Wednesday 14 February 2007.