Want to head out into the world to make discoveries? Here is how.

What is Neuron Expedition?

Support for a research expedition selected by the jury of the Neuron Fund for the Support of Science.

Why does Neuron do it?

The Neuron Fund aims to support the development of science in the Czech Republic and works to make support for science and research a priority for society as a whole. Neuron Expedition is meant to follow on from the famous era of Czech scientific expeditions — there is a tradition of travellers to build on. We believe that by supporting scientific expeditions we not only fulfil the Fund's mission of supporting science, but also draw the attention of the media and the public, and potentially attract young people to science.

Who can apply

Who can take part?

Individuals who meet the conditions for applying in the given year.

Can legal entities take part — research or non-profit organisations, for example?

No.

I have an idea for a scientific expedition and I am able to carry it out, but I am not a scientist. Can I still apply, and do I stand a chance of winning?

Yes, but you will stand a better chance if you put together a team that includes scientists or teachers and apply that way.

I am an academic — can I apply together with my students?

Yes.

What the application must contain

I am not a professional photographer or cameraman, and I have none on my team. Will Neuron help me find a media crew beyond my own project, or will I have to fund one from the awarded budget if I succeed?

Since 2018 we have adjusted the rules for awarding support, based on feedback from participants. Every applicant must include an item of CZK 100,000 in their budget for the audiovisual documentation of the expedition. That money should cover the production of a professional video and the photographic documentation.

Funding — the grant

Can I ask another organisation to co-fund the expedition, or must all the costs be covered from the awarded budget?

You may use funds from other sponsors and organisations (universities, companies and so on), but Neuron must be communicated as the primary partner and the expedition's name must carry the word “Neuron” with no other partner names — for example Neuron Expedition: Hydrogeological research of the Hranice Abyss.

I work with commercial companies that supply me with clothing and equipment. Can I use their logos and acknowledgements in the materials published about the expedition?

Neuron itself plans to work with selected companies that will provide the winners with equipment. Those companies, as partners of Neuron Expedition, take precedence and must be communicated as the partners of the winning expedition.