The newly launched Ideas Fund is currently connecting with communities across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland who are interested in building relationships with researchers to develop and try out ideas which address local issues around Mental Wellbeing.
Led by the British Science Association and funded by Wellcome, the fund will be supporting early-stage ideas up to £25,000 and larger projects up to £90,000 for community-led activities in Highland Council, Moray Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands Council, Shetland Islands and Argyll and Bute Council areas along with the Isles of Arran and Cumbrae.
Who is this For?
The Ideas Fund is especially keen to hear directly from groups who may be marginalised through rurality, socioeconomic or ethnic background, Disability and/or other under-represented characteristics.
You do not need to have established links with researchers, a fully-developed idea or experience of writing grants at this stage. There will be webinars, regional workshops and tailored support available to guide applicants with eligible ideas to develop this further and build relevant connections before the application form opens in mid-April and closes in mid-May 2021.
This regional support will be led by the organisation Science Ceilidh who support community-based creativity, curiosity and wellbeing along with local partners and collaborators including the University of the Highlands and Islands Division of Rural Health and Wellbeing.
How do I find out more and start getting involved?
In the first instance, you can find out more about the Ideas Fund on the website, sign up to keep updated and register for the webinars and regional workshops. The dates of the first sessions are:
Thursday 18 Feb 2 - 3pm - First Live Webinar (Available to catch-up after)
Thursday 25 Feb 2 - 3.30pm - First Workshop for Community Members
Friday 26 Feb 10 - 11am - Information Session for Researchers