Chamber and committees

We remain committed to supporting science festivals across Scotland in 2023-24 with funding of up to £220,000 available to make science accessible to a wider Scottish audience providing annual and local focus for activities and events.

Science festivals play a key role in towns and regions across Scotland in making science, innovation and creativity accessible to a wide public audience as well as inspiring young people. Science festivals also support the aims of the STEM Education and Training Strategy through supporting science learning, promoting careers in STEM and helping to inspire our next generation of scientists.

This year’s funding to support science festivals is allocated to festivals that take place between September 2023 and June 2024 and have an existing, proven track record of delivery. The festivals must also include public events such as topical debates or talks by scientists, family activities allowing children and young people and parents to learn about science together, and, unless being held during school holidays, a schools programme for primary and secondary schools.

Any organisation interested in running a science festival and receiving grant funding from the Scottish Government should contact our Science Advice and Engagement Team via the Central Enquiries Unit ([email protected]), for further information about funding criteria and requirements.