BU Research Blog

The call for applications for Being Human Festival 2025 is now open

Being Human is the UK’s national festival of the humanities. Each year researchers and staff from universities and research organisations are invited to take part in the national festival by organising a public engagement event or activity, rooted in humanities research.

This year’s festival will take place 6-15 November with the theme ‘Between the Lines’.

Being Human is a place-based festival that emphasises interaction, collaboration and engaging with communities outside higher education. The festival supports innovative, participatory and creative activities that foster genuine, two-way connections with communities.

You can get an idea of what the festival looks like, and the types of activities they support, in the 2024 highlights film, and by reading the 2024 highlights blog.

There are various ways to participate in the festival:

Funded pathway

Festival Event Grants: up to £4,000 to organise a single event or multiple events. Deadline: Thursday 10 April Being Human 2025 – Festival Event Grant – Further Information.pdf

Please note: only applicants from UK Higher Education Institutions and AHRC-recognised IROs are eligible to receive grants.

Unfunded pathway

Festival Event: organise a festival event that does not require funding from Being Human. Deadline: Friday 4 July

Funding details and support available

• There is no additional funding available for small expenses, and applicants should seek support from their faculty in the first instance.
• The Festival Hub model is not possible this year, as it would require match funding, which we do not have.
• If you wish to apply for the £4,000 event grant, you are welcome to do so, but there is no separate funding for other expenses.
• BU’s Public Engagement Team can support applicants by helping them plan and design engagement activities to ensure meaningful and effective public interaction.

Further details about how to apply, and answers to some frequently asked questions, are available here.

Training Programme 2025

The full training programme for 2025, has sessions running from February to October. This year’s programme includes new events on engagement and inclusion and creative engagement, alongside sessions on audiences, partnerships, promoting events and delivering events.

The sessions are led by expert facilitators, alongside members of the Being Human Festival team. Training is primarily aimed at those taking part, or thinking of taking part, in Being Human Festival, but will be of interest to those working in public engagement more broadly.

All sessions are free and take place online, but booking is required. Find out more and book individual sessions.

Toolkits

The Public Engagement Toolkits have recently been updated. These downloadable PDF resources cover subjects including working with partners, delivering inclusive activities and finding the right format. Browse the toolkits

Contact

Should you require advice on public engagement activities or support with your application, please contact BU’s Public Engagement with Research Team: publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk