The Neuron Foundation and IOCB Tech have decided to give financial help to Ukrainian scientists

The Neuron Foundation for the support of science, its patrons and IOCB Tech have joined forces to help young Ukrainian scientists actively in the current situation. Each recipient will receive up to CZK 200,000 towards the initial costs of accommodation and setting up a base in the Czech Republic.

"We have to help Ukraine protect its young generation of scientists, and the best solution we see is for them to work here temporarily, combined with continuing to develop their expertise within Czech research organisations," says Monika Vondráková, chair of the board of the Neuron Foundation. "Other grants or institutional budgets can fund studies or research work, but they cannot secure money for scientists' everyday life and functioning in a new country. And that is something we at the Neuron Foundation, thanks to private money, can manage," she explains.

Martin Fusek, director of IOCB Tech, adds: "After seeing the brutality with which the Russian president is trampling on all the values of the civilised world, I felt, like everyone, that we had to do something. I am very glad the Neuron Foundation is here and that Monika Vondráková and I were able to come up with this help for young Ukrainian scientists within 24 hours."

The current grant programme requires cooperation with Czech research organisations, which will help young Ukrainian scientists function in the Czech Republic.

"We approached members of the scientific council, selected universities and institutions to identify for us, in the first phase, Ukrainian scientists in need of help," Monika Vondráková adds, noting that the CZK 2,000,000 allocated today need not be the final sum. The Neuron Foundation is currently approaching further patrons and partners to support the project with additional funding and thereby express clear support for Ukrainian scientists and students.

*Conditions for awarding the grant — a Ukrainian scientist may apply through a guarantor at a Czech research institution:

1. at least three years' work at a research institution based in Ukraine
2. a declaration that there is no personal, professional, financial or any other tie to persons on the EU sanctions list published in connection with Russian aggression against Ukraine
3. a positive written statement from a Czech research institution on the applicant's professional qualities and
   a declaration that it takes on the patronage of the scientist's smooth integration — that it will help
   find accommodation, conclude an employment contract and help with all other
   legal steps*

To apply for a Neuron Foundation grant, please download and complete the application form and send it to info@neuron.cz. The grant is CZK 200,000 per candidate.