Evidence & Data for Grant Applications
This section collects evidence and data that can strengthen non-scientific elements of grant applications across all funders – including sections on impact, public engagement, EDI, and responsible research and innovation (RRI).
Public Attitudes to Science (PAS) 2025
Published by Ipsos, in partnership with the British Science Association, on behalf of UKRI
This is the UK's most high-profile national survey on how the public perceives science. It provides quantified evidence of the need for researchers to visibly and effectively engage with the areas below. This could help demonstrate awareness of current areas of challenge, and/or frame your proposals around real need.
Why this matters for your grant applications:
- Impact and public engagement plans: The report provides very useful and citable evidence on public attitudes to science. For example, only 12% feel sufficiently involved in decisions about science and technology – a strong justification for proposing new public engagement activities.
- EDI narratives: The report asks new questions about representation in science and highlights persistent gender gaps. For example, it finds that nearly half of respondents neither agreed nor disagreed that scientists consider 'people like me' when designing their research. This data can support EDI statements and inclusive research designs.
- Public expectations around ethics: The report identifies areas of challenge in terms of public confidence around ethical principles and regulations. For example, while 43% felt that scientists were ethical, roughly the same proportion said they were neither ethical nor unethical, or that it depended on the situation. This evidence can support grant application statements around responsible research practices.
Read the full report: https://pas.ipsos.com. Please contact the RRT team for tailored advice on how this report might be used for your specific research proposal or research plans.