NC3Rs Announces Public Engagement Awards

The NC3Rs is offering awards of up to £1,500 to support NC3Rs-funded researchers past and present to engage the public with the approaches being taken to replace, reduce and refine animal use in science. The funding is available as an open rolling call, where the applications are reviewed quarterly by the NC3Rs Office. 

In 2012, around 50% of the public wanted to find out more about work to find alternatives to animals (Ipsos MORI, 2012). The scheme aims to encourage and support NC3Rs-funded researchers to share the benefits of 3Rs research to science and society. The aim is to promote a series of thought-provoking events and activities across the UK for a range of different audiences.

The awards will fund the development of almost any type of event or activity aimed at the public, and applicants are encouraged to be creative in how they intend to engage their target audience. Ideas can include:

• Laboratory open days
• Hands-on workshops
• Informal discussions with public groups
• School visits
• Exhibition or talk as part of a local science event (e.g. university open day, science festival)
• Partnership event with a local community group or scientific society.

(NC3Rs News)