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University of York

Public Lectures Fund

The Public Lectures Committee allocates grants from the Public Lectures Fund (formerly known as the Distinguished Visitors Fund), as and when the funds within its control allow, to help meet the expenses incurred by colleges, departments and student societies in inviting distinguished visitors, speakers and scholars to come to the University.

The criteria for obtaining a grant are as follows:

  • All events must be free of charge. 
  • The talk should take place at a time which allows members of the public to attend (eg after 6.15pm on a weekday or at a weekend).  Exceptions MAY be made to help support family-friendly daytime events, but these will be at the Committee's discretion. 
  • The talk should take place in an appropriate venue.
  • The audience should have the opportunity of meeting, or otherwise interacting with, the visitor/speaker informally.
  • The talk should be suitable for, and attractive to, a general audience.
  • If a talk abstract is agreed for funding then this must be the talk delivered.  
  • The Committee will accept a maximum of two applications per semester, per department/college/student society, including joint events   
  • The talk should be advertised via the University Events Office as well as by the organising department/college/student society. 
  • The visit must be properly advertised across the University (including King's Manor), and at York Explore Library in Museum Street. The Events Office can give advice on this.
  • The grants are a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entertainment expenses but not speaker's fees.
  • York Festival of Ideas talks are not eligible for this fund. 

Please note: a member of the Public Lectures Committee may attend any event funded by the Committee.

Applications are invited all year round and should be made on the application form below and sent to Sue Bennett in the Events Office to be considered by the Public Lectures Committee. The Committee has limited funds at its disposal to make grants of up to £300 per event to departments and student societies for UK-based speakers and £500 per event for visitors based in and travelling from overseas.

Please complete one application form per event. Single applications for multiple events will not be accepted. 

Further information

Who to contact

Hermione Lee
Professor Hermione Lee gave a lecture supported by the Distinguished Visitors Fund in 2016