Engage the public and investors in one go: A clear path with science engagement grants
Every UK researcher dreams of sharing discoveries beyond the lab. Science thrives when we explain how medicines are found, tested and refined. But getting funds for public engagement can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. That’s where science engagement grants come in. They give you the fuel to build hands-on demos, digital workshops or community pop-ups—all without spending your own cash.
And it doesn’t stop there. You can turn that public buzz into investor interest. By linking your outreach with SEIS/EIS spin-out plans, you bridge academia and the business world. In this guide, we’ll unpack how to win a British Pharmacological Society engagement grant, nail the application, meet key deadlines and then tap into commission-free SEIS investments with Oriel IPO. Ready to connect science with society and capital? Science engagement grants revolutionising investment opportunities in the UK
Why science engagement grants matter
Science engagement grants unlock two big wins:
- Public trust: People often mistrust “lab jargon.” Explain drug discovery in plain English. They’ll lean in.
- Future investors: A solid outreach project shows you can deliver. Makes your spin-out more credible.
Think of it like building a showcase. You craft a demo for school pupils or health fairs. Word spreads. Then angels and SEIS specialists take notice. That’s the sweet spot: you educate AND demonstrate your startup chops.
Bird’s-eye view: British Pharmacological Society Engagement Grants
The British Pharmacological Society (BPS) hands out two types of grants for members:
Main Engagement Grant (up to £2,000)
- Amount: Up to £2,000
- Use: High-quality, in-person or digital activities
- Scope: Workshops, webinars, pop-up labs, museum exhibits
Seed Funding Grant (up to £250)
- Amount: Up to £250
- Use: Small, high-impact, low-cost trials
- Scope: Pilot demos, test-drive activities, design prototypes
Researchers can mix and match. Start with seed funding to test an idea. Then scale up with the main grant once you’ve proved your concept.
Who can apply?
To grab these grants, you must:
- Be a Society member for at least 12 months
- Hold any membership level (but undergraduates only qualify for seed funding)
- Propose projects on pharmacology or drug discovery for general public audiences
No membership yet? Join now, get 12 months in the bag, then apply next round. It’s that simple.
What BPS wants to see
BPS looks for projects that:
- Explain “how medicines are discovered and developed”
- Result in a sharable resource or tool—think videos, infographics or online modules
- Reach under-served groups or link to school/college curricula
- Plan to host materials on the Society’s website
Pro tip: Chat with the BPS Education team early. They’ll help align your plan with teaching standards.
Deadlines and reporting
BPS runs two application windows:
- Summer Call: 1 July – 31 October
- Winter Call: 1 January – 30 April
If you win, you must:
- Use funds within 12 months
- Submit a short report or a Pharmacology Matters article
- Return any unused cash
Your project must finish on time. No extensions without approval. All applications are anonymised, so focus on impact, not ego.
Tips to nail your application
- Clear objective: Define a simple, measurable outcome.
- Target audience: Who benefits? Schoolchildren, patients, local clubs?
- Sustainability: Can this scale? Aim for digital tools or reusable kits.
- Curricula fit: Show how you link to GCSEs, A-levels or college courses.
- Budget breakdown: Be precise. £250 or £2,000—no padding.
- Review early: Get feedback from the BPS Education team.
Small gestures go a long way. A well-crafted infographic might catch more eyes than a long report.
Beyond the lab bench: commercial spin-outs with SEIS/EIS
Winning a science engagement grant is just step one. Next, you’ll need growth capital for a spin-out. Enter the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS). These government-backed programmes offer up to:
- SEIS: 50% income tax relief on investments up to £100,000
- EIS: 30% relief on investments up to £1 million, plus CGT exemption
They reward investors for backing early-stage ventures. Perfect for budding pharmacology startups.
Combine a public engagement project with a clear spin-out plan. Show investors you can engage communities and commercialise your research. It’s a double win.
Kickstart your SEIS journey with science engagement grants
Meet Oriel IPO: your partner in SEIS and EIS investments
Oriel IPO is a UK-based investment marketplace built for founders and investors. Here’s why it stands out:
- Commission-free model: No slice taken from funds raised. Startups keep every pound.
- Subscription fee: Transparent, predictable and aligned with your goals.
- Curated opportunities: Every pitch meets SEIS/EIS criteria. No guesswork.
- Educational hub: Guides, webinars and tools to demystify SEIS/EIS.
Plus, we offer an AI-powered platform called Maggie’s AutoBlog. It auto-generates SEO and GEO-targeted blog content for your spin-out. Perfect for boosting your online presence without hiring a content team.
How Oriel IPO stacks up against others
Many platforms like Seedrs or Crowdcube charge up to 7% commission on funds raised. Oriel IPO takes zero. Instead, you pay a small subscription.
- Seedrs/Crowdcube: Broad reach, but high fees.
- Oriel IPO: Commission-free, tax-focused, educational support.
If you’re after a simple, cost-effective route to SEIS/EIS, Oriel IPO fits the bill.
Next steps for UK researchers
Ready to bring your project and spin-out to life? Here’s your roadmap:
- Join the British Pharmacological Society: Secure membership 12 months before applying.
- Draft an engagement project: Use the tips above to shape your proposal.
- Apply for seed or main funding: Hit the 1 July or 1 January deadline.
- Report success: Share your results and stories.
- Build your spin-out plan: Leverage SEIS/EIS tax reliefs.
- List on Oriel IPO: Find angel investors, keep funds, use resources like Maggie’s AutoBlog.
Two funding streams. One powerful outcome. Public impact and startup capital in harmony.
Take action today
Time waits for no one. Plan your outreach, apply for funding, and chart a course to commercialisation. Start your free trial of Oriel IPO and explore science engagement grants solutions
By combining British Pharmacological Society engagement grants with SEIS/EIS investments via Oriel IPO, you’ll engage communities, win public trust and secure the capital you need. Science engagement grants can spark curiosity—and with the right partner, that spark can ignite a thriving spin-out.
