SHAPE Involve and Engage: frequently asked questions
What do you mean by public engagement and co-production?
The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) defines public engagement as ‘…the myriad of ways in which the activity and benefits of higher education and research can be shared with the public. Engagement is by definition a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit.’
A co-produced event, project or activity deliberately places the researcher, partner and audience/public on an equal footing, with an active and considered role in the project throughout each stage, from design to delivery. You can find out more about public engagement and co-production through the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement website.
How many projects will you be funding and how much is available per project?
The Academy is able to fund around ten projects with up to £8000 under this scheme. However, we may be able to support more expensive proposals or more than ten projects if some proposals are below this maximum.
If my proposal is successful, can I make changes to my project plans at a later date?
Yes, successful applicants are encouraged to continue to develop their proposals with their project partner through the planning process. The Academy will host a workshop where successful applicants can support each other to troubleshoot delivery questions and push forward innovative thinking. Project teams will be expected to inform the Academy of significant changes to their projects.
I have not received British Academy funding in the past, can I still apply?
Yes, the call is open to any researcher at postdoctoral level or higher with a primary research focus in the humanities or social sciences. Please refer to the guidance for applicants for the full list of eligibility criteria.
I currently hold another British Academy award, can I still apply?
Yes, current award holders are eligible to apply, with three exceptions. If you will hold a Mid-Career Fellowship or Wolfson Fellowship which will be active between April 2027 and December 2028 you are not eligible to apply, because these awards include support for public engagement and your engagement activities should be delivered using the funding from your existing award. Previous successful Award Holders of SHAPE’s pilot programme are not eligible to reapply.
I’m not sure I can apply this year, will the scheme be running next year?
We hope to continue the scheme into the future subject to evaluation and funding availability.
Can I run my public engagement activity outside of the UK?
No, all public engagement activity must take place in the UK with a UK-based cultural partner.
What types of partners can I include in my project?
You should form a partnership with a gallery, library, archive, or museum (GLAM ) or a performing arts organisation as your primary partner. This includes heritage centres and museums of science and industry. You may also choose to include civil society organisations such as a local charity or social enterprise, community groups, or an arts practitioner as well. Your partner organisation must be based in the UK. You can contact the British Academy Events Team to discuss your proposed partner if you are unsure.
We also welcome applications which are led by a researcher at a GLAM organisation, as long as you meet the qualifying criteria, but you should still form a partnership with a university.
You can include partners which are part of a HEI for example a university library or archive, but would need to be able to evidence how this partnership will be able to create relationships with wider public audiences beyond those the HEI would usually engage,
You should also ensure that the person you are working with at the partner organisation has the authority to approve the partnership, including staff time and any in-kind support such as venue use.
I don’t have a cultural partner, can the British Academy help me find one?
No, the Academy is not able to help applicants form partnerships. NESTA and the NCCPE have advice articles about how to make partnerships, including with GLAM organisations, and you could also reach out to public engagement and comms staff within your organisation for assistance.
My research doesn’t lend itself to an interactive event. Should I still apply?
We appreciate that not all research easily lends itself to public engagement activity but this call is focused on imaginative approaches with co-production at its heart so we would encourage you to think outside the box and explore creative approaches to communicate your research. We do not expect all proposals to take the form of an event, for example you might consider a co-produced output created by your audience, such as a piece of art or installation.
When should my project take place?
Your activities should take place between 1 April 2027 and 31 December 2028, with the evaluation of your project completed by 31 January 2029.
How should I think about audience reach and participation
Applicants should consider whether their proposed activity is likely to reach enough people from their target audience, and whether the format and venue are suitable. If your project involves free events, you should also consider likely drop-out rates and how you will ensure strong attendance.
Can I deliver my project online?
Yes, you can deliver your project online, in person, or in a hybrid setting. There are benefits to each option for delivery and you should consider which will offer the best means through which to engage your target audience and achieve your aims.
How can I make sure my project or activities are accessible? Can the Academy offer advice?
Accessibility should be considered broadly, beyond step-free access. You should think about factors such as transport links, how you will communicate the opportunity, what barriers might prevent participation, and whether your outreach approach is designed around the needs of your target audience.
You should discuss accessibility as you develop your project with your partner, your home organisation support staff, and your venue contact (if different to your partner). The Academy is also happy to offer applicants advice on how to ensure their projects are accessible. You can also find lots of resources online about making events accessible.
My project involves working with a vulnerable group. What safeguarding measures do I need to put in place?
All research and activities funded by the Academy should comply with our Code of Practice. Wherever necessary, appropriate consent should be obtained from or on behalf of participants or others affected by the research. Applicants should indicate whether their proposed research raises any special ethical issues, and whether their application has been approved by their institution's Research Ethics Committee or other relevant authority. Independent researchers without access to formal ethical scrutiny and approval should briefly describe any special ethical issues, and explain how they will be addressed.
You should ensure all contributors are up to date with safeguarding requirements, for example a current DBS certificate or safeguarding training, if working with children, young people or vulnerable people.
What is the timeline for this award?
- Scheme opens: 1 June 2026
- Deadline for applications: 15 September 2026, 17:00 GMT
- Panel meeting date: November 2026
- Applicants informed of outcome: November 2026
- Community of practice workshop: mid January 2027
- Confirmation of final plans and any revisions (post workshop) by: mid-February 2027
- Activity to take place: 1 April 2027-31 December 2028
- Evaluation of projects completed by: 31 January 2029
My idea is going to cost more than the funding on offer, should I still apply?
The Academy will only fund up to £8000 per project in the first instance. However, depending on the proposals received, the Academy may be able to support more expensive proposals or more than 10 projects if other successful projects are under this £8000 maximum. However, if your application will go significantly beyond £8000 you need to consider if this is the right award for your project.
What kind of legacy should my project have?
Applications should consider what the legacy of their project will be beyond the funded period. A strong application should show that the projects impact will not be limited to a single moment of activity, and should consider whether the legacy will support continued engagement from new or underrepresented audiences where appropriate.
What should I do if I have a query about the application process?
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Events Team:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)20 3912 3894
For technical questions about Flexi-Grant, you can also contact: [email protected]
If I am not successful, can the selection panel offer feedback?
Regrettably we are not able to offer feedback on unsuccessful applications, and the Academy is unable to enter into correspondence regarding the decisions of the selection panel.