Introduction

The Czech Science Foundation – GACR (Grantová agentura České republiky) was established in 1993 as an independent institution.

It promotes progress over the whole range of basic research in the Czech Republic. The main function of the Czech Science Foundation is to provide, on the basis of public tender, financial support for research projects submitted by individuals or organizations. The main source of the funds available is the state budget, but contributions from other sources are also possible.

Basic aims of the Czech Science Foundation are:

• to promote research through long-term funding, based on the peer reviewed evaluation of submitted proposals, science-policy expertise and global cooperation



• to provide financial support for excellent research projects and at the same time to audit the effective use of the financial means



• to raise the public understanding of science and to enhance the esteem and social status of scientific research



• to develop high-quality research environments and to improve scientific career opportunities



• to support multi- and interdisciplinary research projects and communication



• to represent Czech science among international research organizations and in national and international scientific bodies



• to cooperate and support international scientific co-operation on research projects through agreements with research councils all over the world