The UK Space Agency, in partnership with the Economic and Social Research Council, invites proposals for the call: Does human spaceflight affect the perceptions and uptake of STEM subjects?

It aims to fund social research into the effects of human spaceflight programmes and the correlation between astronaut programmes and the interest in and uptake of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) among children.

Proposals for studies must address the following areas:

• levels of engagement with STEM subjects in school, especially at key stages two and three
• social mobility, namely the increased engagement in STEM from disadvantaged students and schools in underprivileged areas
• knowledge of societal usefulness of space

It is anticipated that funding in the region of £300,000 to £350,000 will be available, over three years. This may cover research time, research assistants and other resources relevant and necessary to the proposed research.

This call is open to researchers at research organisations eligible for ESRC funding.

Closing date: 13 October 2014

For further information go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/353124/Human_Spaceflight_and_STEM_-_Call_for_proposals_II.pdf