What we do

Four programmes, one purpose: the everyday life of science and education.

The purpose of the fund is fixed in its founding statutes. Our activities are the specific, practical ways in which that purpose is carried into everyday work — in print, in classrooms, and in the lives of students.

Program 01

Publishing the Vesmír journal

The Vesmír journal is one of the oldest continuously published popular-science titles in Central Europe. It has appeared without long interruption since 1871, and it is read by scientists, teachers, students, and interested readers who value writing that is clear, honest, and rooted in the natural sciences.

The endowment fund supports the journal so that its editors can continue to make careful editorial choices — to publish long-form essays, considered book reviews, and thoughtful writing from working scientists — without pressure to chase what happens to be popular in a given month.

Contributions to editorial and production costs
Support for special issues and thematic series
Occasional grants for translated or invited contributions

Learn more about the journal →

Program 02

One-time grants for study literature

We provide one-time contributions to help students purchase the books and journal subscriptions they need for their studies. The grant is deliberately modest and practical, not a scholarship: a textbook, a set of reference works, a year of a specialist journal.

Applications are considered on the basis of academic need, seriousness of purpose, and the concrete cost of the materials requested. The process is designed to be simple and human.

Textbooks and reference works
Journal and periodical subscriptions
Essential digital resources tied to a specific course

How to apply →

Program 03

Contributions to socially disadvantaged students

Not every talented student arrives at university with the resources to sustain themselves through it. This programme provides small, personal contributions to students whose academic path is at risk for reasons of finance rather than ability.

The contributions are not large. They are targeted at the moments when a modest sum — a term’s materials, a laboratory fee, an unexpected cost — makes the difference between continuing and stopping.

Consideration on the basis of demonstrated need
Coordination, where appropriate, with a student’s home faculty
Support given with discretion and without publicity

Program 04

Support for public lecture activity

A working scientific culture depends on rooms in which good talks are given and listened to. Our fourth programme supports lecture activity — series, single events, workshops — that brings researchers, students, and interested members of the public into the same conversation.

We favour lecture activity that is open, unhurried, and organised around a real subject rather than around personality. Support may be in-kind (materials, venue costs) or as a modest honorarium.

Public lecture series on science and the philosophy of science
Guest talks from Czech and international researchers
Small workshops around specific books or fields

In summary

Small in scale. Specific in purpose.

All four programmes share the same character: modest in size, specific in purpose, judged one case at a time.

Apply for a grant or get in touch.

Students, publishers, and organisers of lecture activity are welcome to write to us.

Application details Contact us